Postdoctoral Research Fellow-Skeletal Muscle Metabolism

The Internal Medicine Research Unit (IMRU) is dedicated to advancing transformative therapies for metabolic diseases and their associated complications. Our goal is to build a world class research team of dedicated scientists committed to developing a deep mechanistic understanding of the metabolic pathways underlying disease pathogenesis.

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to interrogate metabolic reprogramming in skeletal muscle during obesity and metabolic disease. The successful candidate must be able to independently drive a research project and collaborate effectively with scientific partners representing diverse disciplines. Knowledge and experience in the application of isotope-tracing to interrogate metabolic pathways is essential and familiarity with the pathophysiology of dysmetabolic states would be advantageous. This candidate will have daily interactions with a team of creative and innovative scientists, working in a supportive environment to conduct rigorous scientific research for drug discovery. Strong self-motivation, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to both lead as well as work as part of a team are essential.

Key Responsibilities:

Successful candidate will be expected to:

• Design, execute, and analyze in-vivo/in-vitro studies to investigate metabolic rewiring in metabolic disease

• Develop relevant metabolic assay to understand fuel utilization in myotubes and skeletal muscle

• Quantify and translate experimental results to advance the understanding of metabolic reprogramming in skeletal muscle

• Evaluate effects of therapeutic interventions (e.g., GLP‑1–based therapies) on metabolism in animal models

• Present research findings to Pfizer colleagues and the scientific community through publications in peer-reviewed journals and talks and posters at scientific meetings

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Biology, Physiology, Metabolism, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related field

• Expertise in core molecular and biochemical laboratory techniques (qPCR, ELISA, WB/IP, plate-based assays, DNA/RNA isolation)

• Experience working with mice

• Demonstrated ability to work independently while contributing effectively to collaborative research efforts

• Less than 2 years of post-degree experience

• Willingness to make a minimum 2-year commitment (ability to extend up to 4-years is strictly based on business need)

• Understanding of skeletal muscle metabolism

• Successful record of scientific accomplishments evidenced by scientific publications and/or presentations with at least one first-author publication in a peer-reviewed journal (preferred).

• Experience with stable isotope tracing and metabolic flux analysis of energy substrates (preferred)

• Familiarity with Seahorse assays and mitochondrial functional readouts (preferred)

• Hands-on experience in the application of LC-MS and/or data-analysis software to interrogate isotope-tracing data (preferred)

Training & Mentorship

The postdoctoral fellow will receive close mentorship from senior investigators with expertise in metabolic disease, muscle biology, and mitochondrial metabolism, along with opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and career development.

Why Join Us?

• Work on high impact, translational research addressing unmet needs in obesity and muscle health

• Access to state-of-the-art metabolic phenotyping and omics platforms

• Collaborative and intellectually stimulating research environment

• Strong support for career advancement in industry research

Application Instructions

Interested candidates should submit:

• A cover letter describing research interests and career goals

• Curriculum vitae (CV)/Resume

• Two letters of recommendation (LORS)
   

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work with mice.

• MMR vaccination.

NON-STANDARD WORK SCHEDULE, TRAVEL OR ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS

• Job related work may require weekend support.

• Work Location Assignment: 

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $64,600.00 to $107,600.00. In addition, this position is eligible for participation in Pfizer’s Global Performance Plan with a bonus target of 7.5% of the base salary. We offer comprehensive and generous benefits and programs to help our colleagues lead healthy lives and to support each of life’s moments. Benefits offered include 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, and health benefits to include medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage. Learn more at Pfizer Candidate Site – U.S. Benefits | (uscandidates.mypfizerbenefits.com). Pfizer compensation structures and benefit packages are aligned based on the location of hire. The United States salary range provided does not apply to Tampa, FL or any location outside of the United States.

Relocation assistance may be available based on business needs and/or eligibility.

Candidates must be authorized to be employed in the U.S. by any employer.

U.S. work visa sponsorship (such as TN, O-1, H-1B, etc.) is not available for this role now or in the future.

Research and Development