Senior Scientist, Automation

Pfizer • Groton, CT

1d • Onsite

About The Position

At Pfizer, our purpose is to deliver breakthroughs that change patients' lives. Central to this mission is our Research and Development team, which strives to translate advanced science and cutting-edge technologies into impactful therapies and vaccines. Whether you are involved in discovery sciences, ensuring drug safety and efficacy, or supporting clinical trials, your role is crucial. You will leverage innovative design and process development capabilities to accelerate the delivery of best-in-class medicines to patients globally. What You Will Achieve In this role, you will: Design, prototype and develop laboratory automation solutions for process development applications as part of a multi-disciplinary team. Facilitate data-rich experimentation through enhanced analytics, computer vision and other emerging technologies. Develop and implement synergistic digital tools for machine learning and self-optimization to enhance automation goals. Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to implement automation tools and develop novel solutions for execution of laboratory experimentation. Innovate with academic and industrial collaborators to identify unmet needs and develop novel solutions. Partner with process chemists and engineers on suitable experimentation to deliver CRD workflows for drug development. Implement robotic control and data management systems. Participation with departmental initiatives, continuous improvement teams, scientific presentations, and external collaborations to influence scientific and business impact of the group.

Requirements

• BA/BS in Chemical Engineering, Organic Chemistry or Mechatronic Engineering related discipline with 9 to 11 years of experience
• MBA/MS in Chemical Engineering, Organic Chemistry or Mechatronic Engineering related discipline with 7 to 8 years of experience
• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Organic Chemistry or Mechatronic Engineering related discipline with 0 to 4 years of experience
• No industrial experience necessary.
• Demonstrated ability to design and develop creative solutions, ideally targeted towards application for laboratory automation.
• Creative thinking and problem-solving skills at the interface of chemistry, engineering and data-science.
• Experience with CAD designs and prototyping new equipment.
• Experience in integrating automated hardware and analytical devices, e.g. XYZ cartesian and/or 6/7-axes robotic arms with process analytical technologies.
• Knowledge of coding languages such as Python or C++ for automation controls, data management and/or AI/ML applications.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, the ability to effectively work with a multi-disciplinary team comprised of chemists, chemical engineers, computer scientist and data scientists.

Nice To Haves

• Expertise in process research and development
• Hands-on experience in optimizing, characterizing, and scaling up process steps
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
• Excellent organizational and project management skills
• Experience in technology transfer to manufacturing facilities
• Ability to stay current with scientific literature and advancements in the field
• Experience using common AI tools, including generative technologies such as ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot, to support problem solving and enhance productivity.
• Demonstrated curiosity for exploring how these tools can improve outcomes and understanding of responsible AI practices, including risk management and ethical use

Responsibilities

• Design, prototype and develop laboratory automation solutions for process development applications as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Facilitate data-rich experimentation through enhanced analytics, computer vision and other emerging technologies.
• Develop and implement synergistic digital tools for machine learning and self-optimization to enhance automation goals.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to implement automation tools and develop novel solutions for execution of laboratory experimentation.
• Innovate with academic and industrial collaborators to identify unmet needs and develop novel solutions.
• Partner with process chemists and engineers on suitable experimentation to deliver CRD workflows for drug development.
• Implement robotic control and data management systems.
• Participation with departmental initiatives, continuous improvement teams, scientific presentations, and external collaborations to influence scientific and business impact of the group.

Benefits

• a 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

What This Job Offers

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