Senior Scientist, Molecular and Cellular Bacteriology

Pfizer • Pearl River, NY

5d • Onsite

About The Position

This laboratory-based Senior Scientist position supports bacterial vaccine preclinical research and development. The role is suited to an experimental scientist with deep expertise in molecular and cellular bacteriology who can investigate vaccine-induced protective immunity through research on clinical disease-causing bacterial isolates. The scientist will generate, analyze, and interpret laboratory data in a collaborative environment and work with cross-functional partners to ensure assay approaches are scientifically robust, fit for purpose, and aligned with program objectives. The position represents the research function on multidisciplinary vaccine teams.

The successful candidate will demonstrate scientific independence, technical depth, strong collaboration and communication skills, and the ability to influence across disciplines without formal authority. The role emphasizes high-quality assay data generation in support of bacterial vaccine development, real-world evidence generation, and understanding disease-causing bacterial isolates. Occasional travel, approximately 5%, may be required to scientific meetings, other company sites, or external partners. Relocation support may be available. Work location assignment is on premise.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a biology-related field with 9 or more years of experience, or a master’s degree with 7 or more years of experience, or a Ph.D. in a biology-related field.
• Hands-on experience with bacterial culture and molecular and cellular assays.
• Experience generating, analyzing, and interpreting complex biological datasets.
• Excellent written and verbal scientific communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience authoring scientific abstracts and peer-reviewed publications and presenting posters or talks at national or international scientific conferences.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to multitask and work efficiently and productively in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment.
• Proficiency with personal computers, Microsoft Office, and relevant scientific software.
• Ability to lift items weighing less than 40 pounds and stand as needed while working in the laboratory.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States by any employer; U.S. work visa sponsorship is not available.
• Permanent work authorization in the United States is required.

Nice To Haves

• Relevant industry experience in vaccine research, infectious disease, or applied biomedical research.
• Experience supporting real-world evidence, observational, or post-licensure studies.
• Experience with bacterial vaccine programs, including pathogens with strain or serotype diversity.
• Experience using common AI tools, including generative technologies such as ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot, with curiosity about their potential to improve outcomes and understanding of responsible AI practices, including risk management and ethical use.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, optimize, and apply molecular and cellular assays for bacterial vaccine discovery, development, and real-world evidence studies.
• Culture, maintain, and characterize disease-causing bacterial isolates and strains used for assay development.
• Generate and interpret laboratory data to support identification and prioritization of vaccine target antigens.
• Analyze antigen diversity and expression across disease-causing bacterial isolates to assess antigen conservation, prevalence, and potential breadth of vaccine coverage.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to generate high-quality data and integrate multidimensional datasets for informed decision-making.
• Provide scientific expertise and data-driven recommendations on antigen selection and vaccine coverage.
• Author and contribute to study reports, regulatory submissions, abstracts, and peer-reviewed manuscripts addressing isolate characterization, antigen relevance, and coverage-related outcomes.
• Provide technical mentorship and scientific guidance to junior scientists and project team members, as appropriate.
• Use common AI tools, including generative technologies such as ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot, to support problem solving and productivity while applying responsible AI practices.

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.
• Medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage.
• Eligible to participate in Pfizer’s Global Performance Plan, with a bonus target of 12.5% of base salary.
• Eligible to participate in the share-based long-term incentive program.
• Relocation support 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