Principal Scientist, Primary Pharmacology
About The Position
At Pfizer, our purpose is to deliver breakthroughs that transform patients' lives. Central to this mission is our Research and Development team, dedicated to translating advanced science and innovative technologies into impactful therapies and vaccines. In this role, you will be at the forefront of this effort, ensuring that our daily activities align with our unwavering commitment to quality. Your work will accelerate the delivery of best-in-class medicines to patients globally, fulfilling Pfizer's commitment to making a meaningful difference in healthcare. The successful candidate will join our Discovery Biology and Pharmacology (DBP) group in Groton, CT and combine expertise in pharmacology and target biology to support and accelerate hit identification and lead optimization for small molecule drug discovery. Bringing strong technical and problem-solving skills, the individual will work collaboratively with project teams to develop hit identification strategies, design and execute in vitro plate-based screen assays, and investigate mechanistic pharmacology. As part of this early discovery group, the individual should be excited to collaborate closely with discovery biology, structural biology, and chemistry teams to support a broad portfolio encompassing disease indications in Internal Medicine.
Requirements
- PhD with 4+ years of relevant experience in biochemistry, cell biology and/or pharmacology and 2+ years in plate-based pharmacology for drug discovery.
- Demonstrated expertise with multiple in vitro assay formats (e.g. HTRF, ELISA, FP, BRET, etc) including assay troubleshooting and development. An ability to quickly learn new skills and knowledge on the job is critical.
- Practical experience with immortalized and primary cells and with molecular and cell biology techniques such as RT-qPCR, transfection, western blotting, and imaging.
- Experience in laboratory automation and data analysis systems.
- Highly motivated, highly organized and possess excellent computer, verbal and written communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to forge strong collaborative relationships inside and outside immediate team as well as cross disciplines.
- Experience mentoring junior colleagues.
- Permanent work authorization in the United States.
Nice To Haves
- Experience in hit identification and plate-based pharmacology in an industry setting.
- Experience with mechanistic studies across multiple target classes (e.g. receptors, enzymes, transcription factors).
- Strong bases in protein chemistry with knowledge of associated disciplines such as molecular biology, biophysics, structural biology, and chemistry.
Responsibilities
- Shape and support novel hit identification and optimization for small molecule drug discovery projects through application of in vitro pharmacology strategies for target-based and phenotypic projects.
- Independently design, develop, and perform in vitro assays to drive lead identification, SAR, and mechanistic pharmacology using a combination of biochemical and cellular systems.
- Design creative experiments and leverage diverse approaches to investigate target engagement, structure-function relationships, and molecular mechanism of action.
- Maintain a strong knowledge base in state-of-the-art technical developments and scientific advancements in the field and apply these innovatively to advance internal capabilities.
- Analyze and interpret data and as representative on project teams, communicate back clearly to collaborators and project teams.
- Be excited by working with cross-disciplinary groups (Disease Biology, Chemistry, Computational Biology, Structural Biology), be adept at building partnerships, and be team-oriented.
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.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Principal
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
