Principal Scientist, Head of Protein Biochemistry, Viral Vaccines

Pfizer • Pearl River, NY

17h • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced protein biochemist to lead the Viral Vaccines Protein Biochemistry team. The successful candidate will provide strategic and innovative scientific leadership in the design, expression, purification, and characterization of viral protein antigens to support viral vaccine programs. This role bridges high-level scientific strategy with hands-on laboratory leadership. You will be responsible for establishing efficient workflows, advancing our protein biochemistry capabilities, and directly managing and training a team of scientists. You will also leverage fit-for-purpose technologies and AI-driven tools to accelerate deliverables. Operating within a highly matrixed environment, you will collaborate closely with immunology, virology, and assay development teams to drive early-stage vaccine research through to clinical development.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Structural Biology, or a related discipline with 4 to 7 years of industry laboratory experience.
• Deep hands-on expertise in recombinant protein expression, purification methodologies, and biophysical characterization.
• Demonstrated experience in supervising laboratory staff, with a proven track record of mentoring junior scientists and successfully managing project deliverables.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills (both written and verbal) to effectively influence and collaborate in a fast-paced, multi-disciplinary team environment.
• Basic laboratory training in aseptic technique is essential.
• Ability to work with infectious agents safely.
• The capacity to work effectively in a highly visible research program with time-constrained milestones.
• Permanent work authorization in the United States.

Nice To Haves

• Managerial experience, preferably in a commercial research and development setting.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to apply novel and innovative approaches.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills.
• Experience managing direct reports, including performance management and development.
• Ability to drive projects to completion and meet deadlines.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the protein biochemistry team in Viral Vaccine Department, drive the early-stage development of complex viral glycoproteins and antigens to support vaccine candidate development and assay development in collaboration with Research Scientific Leads across different viral vaccine programs.
• Build, develop, and manage a team of scientists and associate scientists. Oversee daily laboratory activities, develop efficient laboratory workflows, and provide hands-on training to junior colleagues to maximize group productivity.
• Implement and optimize state-of-the-art purification and characterization techniques (e.g., FPLC, HPLC, Western blotting, UV-Vis, BLI, etc) to ensure reproducible protocols and deep product understanding.
• Partner with cross-functional project teams to deliver high-quality purified protein antigens required for downstream assay development, structural analysis, and in vivo small animal studies.
• Ensure robust, high-quality documentation in electronic laboratory notebooks. Author technical reports, prepare data packages that could underpin regulatory documents, and confidently present findings, strategies, and project milestones to leadership.

Benefits

• 401(k) plan with Pfizer Matching Contributions and an additional Pfizer Retirement Savings Contribution
• paid vacation, holiday and personal days
• paid caregiver/parental and medical leave
• health benefits to include medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage
• Relocation support available
• Relocation assistance may be available based on business needs and/or eligibility.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree