Senior Scientist, Early Formulation Science and Drug Delivery, Drug Product Design

Pfizer • La Jolla, CA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

This position will be reporting into the Early Formulation Science and Drug Delivery group at the La Jolla, California location. In this position you will act as a resident pharmaceutical science subject matter expert to influence small molecule early drug candidate selection with respect to drug delivery, bio-performance, and stability. You will closely collaborate with colleagues in Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacokinetics & Drug Metabolism, and Clinical Pharmacology. You will be responsible for designing, implementing, and interpreting in vitro, in silico , and in vivo experiments, as well as design of stage-appropriate traditional and enabled formulations for preclinical studies. In addition to formulation, you will be responsible for material science and physicochemical properties assessments of early drug candidates. This includes laboratory measurements and interpretation of the data to inform manufacturing, bio-performance, and stability risks for development of the drug candidates.

Requirements

• Recent PhD with 0-3 year post-doctoral experience, MS with 7+ years experience, or BS with 8+ years experience in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physical Chemistry, Physics, Physical Organic Chemistry, Pharmaceutics, or Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Experience working independently and collaboratively in a laboratory environment

Nice To Haves

• Experience in designing and conducting hypothesis driven laboratory experiments
• Experience with application of fundamental principles to solve complex problems
• Generating, interpreting, and integrating experimental data into mathematical models to progress the understanding of complex materials and processes
• Experience in pharmacokinetic modeling and simulations using Gastroplus or similar modeling software
• Experience with data structuring and capture
• Experience with formulation design for preclinical studies as well as awareness of drug product design criteria for phase 1 clinical trials
• Strong organizational skills, interpersonal skills, teamwork skills, strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects and activities while managing tight timelines

Responsibilities

• Evaluate the physicochemical properties of potential small molecule drug candidates to inform a drug product formulation strategy and developability risk assessment
• Design and develop fit for purpose and diagnostic traditional and enabled formulations for preclinical studies
• Design, execute, and interpret the results of polymorph and salt screens for potential drug candidates related to stability, manufacturability, and bio-performance
• Apply first principles understanding of thermodynamics and kinetic processes to dissolution and precipitation of drugs in biorelevant conditions and physical and chemical stability in the solid state.
• Work in cross-disciplinary teams and partner with subject matter experts in Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacokinetics & Drug Metabolism, and Clinical Pharmacology departments to influence candidate selection and progression.
• Develop strategic collaborations with academic and industrial researchers for addressing gaps in fundamental or applied science related to the pharmaceutical sciences
• Conduct novel research and present significant findings via internal and external presentations or publications

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

What This Job Offers

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