Senior Scientist, Downstream Process Development R&D

Pfizer • Bothell, WA

3d • $93,600 - $156,000 • Onsite

About The Position

A Senior Scientist (R4) is sought for the Downstream Process Development group within Bioprocess R&D. This hands-on, laboratory-focused role is part of a multidisciplinary, multisite team developing and optimizing recovery and purification processes for recombinant proteins expressed in mammalian cell culture. The work supports early- and late-phase clinical programs and aims to develop robust, efficient, and scalable downstream strategies that improve process performance and enable successful technology transfer.

The role includes conducting small-scale process development studies, analyzing experimental data, supporting process characterization and validation strategies, and contributing to regulatory filings. The Senior Scientist also prepares technical reports, presents findings to teams and management, and may publish externally. Additional work includes operational improvements and support for business infrastructure, platform, and technology changes across Bioprocess R&D programs.

The role is on premise. The annual base salary range is $93,600 to $156,000, with eligibility for a performance-plan bonus targeted at 12.5% of base salary and a share-based long-term incentive program. Benefits include a 401(k) plan with matching and an additional retirement savings contribution, paid vacation, holidays and personal days, paid caregiver/parental and medical leave, and medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage. Relocation assistance may be available based on business needs and/or eligibility. Candidates must have permanent U.S. work authorization; U.S. work visa sponsorship is not available.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a biological or engineering discipline (such as Biotechnology, Chemistry/Biochemistry, Chemical or Biochemical Engineering, or equivalent) and 8+ years of relevant experience; or a master’s degree and 6+ years of relevant experience; or a PhD and 0–3 years of experience.
• Hands-on experience in recombinant protein downstream process development, technology transfer, and/or bioprocess manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of protein chemistry and protein analytics, with demonstrated ability to apply current scientific literature.
• Ability to independently drive experimental work, deliver results, and contribute innovative solutions within project teams.
• Highly organized and self-motivated, with ability to work independently and collaboratively in a matrix environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including technical documentation and presentations.
• Strong analytical, data interpretation, and computer skills.
• Ability to manage personal workload effectively and contribute to planning people and technology resources within project teams.
• Experience using common AI tools, including generative technologies such as ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot, to support problem solving and enhance productivity.
• Curiosity about how AI tools can improve outcomes and understanding of responsible AI practices, including risk management and ethical use.
• Permanent work authorization in the United States; U.S. work visa sponsorship is unavailable.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with recovery and purification of recombinant proteins from mammalian and microbial or yeast expression systems.
• Experience transferring biologics processes to pilot-scale or commercial manufacturing, including familiarity with data acquisition and process control systems.
• Experience supporting late-stage development, process validation, and commercialization activities.
• Working knowledge of statistical experimental design and data analysis.
• Broad understanding of the biologics drug development process and requirements for advancing candidates through clinical development.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute small-scale downstream process development studies, and support pilot-scale and manufacturing purification activities.
• Analyze experimental data to develop, test, and refine hypotheses that improve understanding of recovery and purification processes.
• Contribute to process characterization, validation strategies, Quality by Design (QbD) approaches, and regulatory filings.
• Author internally reviewed technical reports, present scientific results to cross-functional teams and management, and publish externally as appropriate.
• Identify and implement opportunities for operational efficiency and continuous improvement across Bioprocess R&D workflows.
• Support change initiatives related to business infrastructure, platforms, and technologies for pipeline, legacy, and innovation programs.

Benefits

• 401(k) plan with Pfizer Matching Contributions and an additional Pfizer Retirement Savings Contribution.
• Paid vacation, holidays, and personal days.
• Paid caregiver/parental and medical leave.
• Medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage.
• Eligibility for participation in Pfizer’s Global Performance Plan, with a bonus target of 12.5% of base salary.
• Eligibility to participate in a share-based long-term incentive program.
• Relocation assistance may be available based on business needs and/or eligibility.

What This Job Offers

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