Scientist, Hamilton and Automation Specialist

Pfizer • Pearl River, NY

1d • Onsite

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, which strives to convert advanced science and cutting-edge technologies into impactful therapies and vaccines. You will leverage innovative design and process development capabilities to expedite the delivery of top tier medicines to patients globally. By integrating advanced scientific knowledge with practical applications, we aim to bring the most effective treatments to those in need, fulfilling our commitment to improving health outcomes worldwide. The High-throughput Screening (HTS) team is looking for a highly experienced Hamilton automation expert to modernize laboratory workflows and support multiple vaccine programs. In this position, you will play a key role in advancing vaccine discovery by enabling robust, scalable automation and high-throughput screening capabilities across multiple programs. You will contribute end-to-end—from technology transfer and platform build-out to hands-on development, validation, and execution of automated screening methods—while collaborating closely with cross-functional teams. Your work will directly impact the speed, quality, and reproducibility of vaccine candidate in a fast-paced, collaborative research environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) with a minimum of 6 years, or Master’s degree with a minimum of 4 years, of relevant experience in Biology, Biomedical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline, within an academic or biopharmaceutical setting.
• 1–3 years of hands‑on method development experience with Hamilton STAR liquid handling platforms, demonstrating intermediate to advanced technical proficiency.
• Experience integrating Hamilton STAR systems with peripheral devices such as shakers, coolers, centrifuges, cell incubators, and/or plate washers.
• Proficiency in sample preparation and assay execution using automated liquid handling systems, including validation and qualification of robotic methods.
• Working knowledge of programming or scripting languages (e.g., Python or R) applied to automation, data handling, or platform development.
• Strong ability to work collaboratively in a fast‑paced, multidisciplinary team environment while maintaining scientific rigor and accountability.
• Highly organized, detail‑oriented, with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including use of VBA for data handling or automation‑adjacent applications.
• Permanent work authorization in the United States.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Hamilton STAR liquid class optimization, modification, and verification.
• Hands‑on laboratory experience with mammalian cell culture, aseptic technique, or molecular biology techniques.
• Familiarity with SharePoint development or sample management tools.
• Experience operating or supporting additional automated laboratory instruments (e.g., QPix, 3730xl DNA Analyzer, Lunatic).
• Exposure to LIMS, GeneData, or similar data management platforms.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement Hamilton STAR methods, translating manual assay workflows into robust, high-throughput, automation-ready solutions for vaccine screening applications.
• Validate, optimize, and troubleshoot Hamilton STAR methods to ensure accuracy, reproducibility, and scalability in a high‑throughput environment.
• Independently collect, analyze, interpret, and summarize experimental data, applying sound scientific judgment to support platform and assay development decisions.
• Communicate progress, technical risks, mitigation strategies, and development plans to cross‑functional colleagues and senior leadership in a clear and timely manner.
• Partner with Digital and IT teams to design and implement databases or portals for sample tracking, inventory management, and data organization.
• Maintain accurate reagent and sample inventories and ensure laboratory readiness to support ongoing and future automation workflows.
• Document experimental work using good laboratory notebook practices in full compliance with the Pfizer Laboratory Notebook Policy.

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 assistance may be available

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level