Principal Scientist, Bacteriology Immunology
About The Position
The Principal Scientist is a laboratory-based role for an experimental scientist with deep expertise in microbial immunology research, supporting preclinical research and development of bacterial vaccines. The role drives investigations of early bacterial vaccine candidates and examines preclinical mechanisms of protective immunity by generating, analyzing, and interpreting laboratory data. The scientist collaborates across functions to ensure assay approaches are scientifically robust, fit for purpose, and aligned with program objectives, and represents the research function on multidisciplinary vaccine teams. The position provides scientific direction for complex preclinical studies and assay-platform development, integrates multidimensional datasets to generate mechanistic insights and identify potential correlates of protection, and influences project decisions through subject-matter expertise and scientific judgment. It also involves communicating findings in technical reports, publications, presentations, and recommendations; collaborating with internal and external partners; and providing technical mentorship and scientific guidance to junior scientists and project team members, as appropriate. The role is on premise. Occasional weekend or evening work may be needed to meet critical business timelines, and occasional travel of approximately 5% may be required for scientific meetings, company sites, or external partners. Relocation support may be available. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States by any employer; U.S. work visa sponsorship is unavailable.
Requirements
- PhD in Immunology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, or a related scientific discipline, with 4 or more years of relevant experience.
- Demonstrated success leading independent research programs, with a strong record of scientific achievement and influence in multidisciplinary collaborative environments.
- Extensive hands-on expertise designing, developing, optimizing, and applying immunological assays to address scientific questions.
- Ability to independently design, execute, interpret, and communicate complex preclinical research studies, including generating mechanistic insights that inform scientific and project decisions.
- Expertise in microbial immunology and/or host-pathogen interactions.
- Experience integrating multidimensional datasets and applying scientific judgment to develop hypotheses, solve technical challenges, assess risks, and recommend future research directions.
- Ability to communicate complex scientific concepts and findings through publications, presentations, technical reports, and interactions with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Strong organizational, planning, and prioritization skills, including the ability to manage multiple scientific initiatives while maintaining scientific rigor and quality.
- Proficiency with personal computers, Microsoft Office, and relevant scientific software.
- Experience using common AI tools, including generative technologies such as ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot, to support problem solving and productivity.
- Curiosity about how AI tools can improve outcomes and understanding of responsible AI practices, including risk management and ethical use.
- Ability to lift items weighing less than 40 pounds and stand as needed while working in the laboratory.
- Permanent work authorization in the United States; visa sponsorship is not available.
Nice To Haves
- Two or more years of relevant industry experience in vaccine research, infectious disease, or applied biomedical research.
- Experience in bacterial vaccine research and development, including antigen discovery, vaccine candidate evaluation, immune-response characterization, and mechanisms of protective immunity.
- Experience identifying, evaluating, and implementing emerging technologies, analytical approaches, or innovative methodologies that enhance vaccine research capabilities.
Responsibilities
- Lead the design, execution, and interpretation of complex preclinical research studies evaluating early-stage bacterial vaccine candidates and elucidating mechanisms of protective immunity.
- Provide scientific direction and data-driven recommendations to advance program objectives.
- Develop, implement, and continuously improve immunological, microbiological, cellular, and molecular assay platforms suited to bacterial vaccine research and development.
- Integrate multidimensional immunology, microbiology, molecular biology, and preclinical-model datasets to generate mechanistic insights, identify potential correlates of protection, and inform candidate selection and development strategies.
- Provide scientific leadership on multidisciplinary project teams by identifying key questions, assessing technical risks, evaluating emerging technologies, and influencing project decisions.
- Author and communicate findings through technical reports, publications, presentations, and strategic recommendations.
- Collaborate with internal partners and external scientific collaborators.
- Provide technical mentorship and scientific guidance to junior scientists and project team members, as appropriate.
Benefits
- 401(k) plan with Pfizer matching contributions and an additional Pfizer Retirement Savings Contribution.
- Paid vacation, holidays, and personal days.
- Paid caregiver, parental, and medical leave.
- Medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage.
- Eligibility for Pfizer’s Global Performance Plan, with a bonus target of 15% of base salary.
- Eligibility to participate in a share-based long-term incentive program.
- Relocation assistance may be available based on business needs and/or eligibility.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
