Senior Computational Geneticist

Pfizer • Cambridge, MA

1d • $106,000 - $176,600 • Hybrid

About The Position

Human genetics has established itself as a cornerstone of modern drug discovery, yet we are only beginning to unlock the full potential of the rich biomedical data now being generated. We are seeking a geneticist with a passion for applying cutting-edge approaches, including genetic epidemiology, quantitative genetics, computational biology, functional omics, machine learning and artificial intelligence, and other multi-omics data resources, to accelerate the identification of causal mechanisms, therapeutic indications, biomarkers, and patient stratification strategies. The Integrative Biology team within the Internal Medicine Research Unit works closely with disease area biologists to address unmet medical needs in metabolic diseases, including obesity and cardiovascular disease, with a particular focus on atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. We do this by developing and applying advanced methods to analyze human genetics and other large-scale molecular datasets. A critical component of this role will be working in close partnership with our AI for Internal Medicine (AIM2) discovery center. You will act as a key scientific collaborator, helping to guide the development of AI/ML tools by providing domain-specific genetic expertise, and translating AI-generated insights into actionable therapeutic hypotheses for disease area project teams. The ideal candidate for this role will also work with our external partners and collaborators to help manage external collaborations, ensure the timely delivery of high-quality genetics and genomics data, and to incorporate results into target identification and validation. The applied human genetics scientist position offers an opportunity to execute science-based drug discovery within one of the world’s leading developers of human therapeutics, at Pfizer’s Kendall Square research facility in Cambridge Massachusetts.

Requirements

• Background in biological and/or quantitative sciences; PhD required and post-doctoral experience in genetics, statistical genetics, or genetic epidemiology with two (2) years relevant experience
• Sound statistical and quantitative skills, with knowledge of epidemiological principals and population-based research.
• Experience managing large projects, collaborations, or consortia
• Demonstrated experience using generative AI tools (e.g., Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini) to support scientific research, knowledge synthesis, data interpretation, or analytical workflows.
• Understanding of the capabilities, limitations, sources of bias, and appropriate application of large language models and other AI technologies in biomedical research.
• Ability to effectively incorporate AI-assisted approaches into scientific workflows while maintaining sound scientific judgment and critical evaluation of results.
• Experience analyzing genetic data sets and integrating additional data types to further clinical and biological understanding
• Deep and abiding curiosity about biological and pathological processes and mechanisms.
• Proficiency in programming, scripting, querying or statistical analysis languages such as R, python, perl, SQL.
• Familiarity with genetics platforms
• Able to effectively interact and communicate with multidisciplinary scientists, researchers, and non-scientists- internally and externally; excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills essential

Nice To Haves

• Background in human biology/medicine, with some knowledge of disease pathophysiology for metabolic disease highly preferred.
• Track record of innovative and impactful research in genetics of complex traits, including peer-reviewed publications.
• Experience applying large language models and AI-enabled tools to accelerate scientific discovery, biological interpretation, literature review, knowledge extraction, or hypothesis generation.
• Demonstrated ability to identify opportunities where AI can enhance scientific productivity and decision-making while recognizing situations where human expertise, experimental validation, or additional evidence are required.
• Evidence of scientific leadership role with responsibility for research project delivery
• Experience in at least one other ‘omics technologies (e.g. metabolomics, lipidomics, transcriptomics, epigenetics)
• Demonstrates ability to identify, propose and develop new analytical concepts
• Able to both lead and support teams, multi-task and prioritize amongst competing time-sensitive projects, as part of a multi-disciplinary matrix team; able to work effectively as part of a research team, while being innovative, entrepreneurial, and proactive

Responsibilities

• Provide quantitative genetics expertise and conduct analyses to derive impactful results through interactions with biologists within the Internal Medicine Research Unit.
• Provide expertise and quantitative skills on the application of genetics and functional genomics to inform project teams in: Identification of novel therapeutic targets, Review and validation of therapeutic hypotheses, Mechanistic understanding of disease pathogenesis and causal pathways, Innovative approaches to identifying mechanism related biomarkers via integrating genetics with clinical and ‘omic datasets., Identification of potential disease indications., Matching novel therapies to patients with relevant disease sub-types.
• Ensure high-quality genetic and ‘omics data is incorporated into exploratory research by interacting with internal partners in statistics, bioinformatics, computational biology, clinicians, and project leaders to drive genetic data analysis, data integration, and genetic methodology.
• Partner closely with AIM2 scientists and our partners in machine learning and AI to identify opportunities where AI-enabled approaches can enhance genetics-driven target discovery, causal inference, biological interpretation, biomarker identification, and patient stratification.
• Work in collaboration with research biologists and project teams to identify the best opportunities to translate genetic and related data to inform and prioritize assets in the portfolio; and with clinical teams to inform optimum patient selection, stratification and trial design.
• Critically evaluate and incorporate AI-assisted approaches into genetics research workflows, including literature synthesis, knowledge discovery, biological interpretation, hypothesis generation, and integration of large-scale human genetics and multi-omics datasets.
• Manage, develop and maintain internal and external collaborative projects to specified timelines and milestones
• Communicate study findings and analyses with internal partners, leadership, administration, and collaborators.
• Manage, support and promote relationships with the external community that can add value to target selection and validation at Pfizer
• Willingness to learn new skills and be “change agile”

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: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree