Principal Scientist, In vivo Pharmacology, Neuroinflammation/Neurodegeneration

Position Purpose

The Pfizer Inflammation & Immunology Research Unit (I&I RU) in Cambridge, MA, is seeking an experienced Principal Scientist (R5) to join the in vivo pharmacology group as a subject matter expert and scientific leader.

In this senior role, you will lead the preclinical in vivo pharmacology strategy focused on neuroinflammatory mechanisms in Alzheimer’s disease and related neurodegenerative disorders. You will serve as both a conceptual driver and a technical authority—responsible for designing, directing, and critically interpreting in vivo, ex vivo, and complementary in vitro studies that elucidate disease biology and establish target engagement, pharmacodynamics, and therapeutic efficacy.

 

Beyond core study design, you will spearhead the establishment of next-generation mouse models and advanced behavioral and physiological endpoints, lead cross-functional drug discovery project teams, mentor scientific staff, and champion innovative scientific avenues to fuel Pfizer’s preclinical neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation pipeline.

This position offers an opportunity to drive impactful research in neuroinflammation while collaborating closely with multidisciplinary project teams to advance therapeutic discovery.

Primary Responsibilities

• Strategic Scientific & Program Leadership: Project Team Leadership: Serve as the in vivo pharmacology lead on multidisciplinary project teams, Pipeline Innovation: Act as an authoritative resource to explore, identify, and champion new preclinical biological concepts, External Collaborations: Interface with academic leaders, industry consortia, and contract research organizations (CROs) to evaluate new technologies and externalize specialized in vivo study execution when needed.
• In Vivo Model Innovation & Experimental Strategy: Study Design & Oversight: Conceive, design, optimize, and oversee robust in vivo pharmacology studies, Model Establishment: Pioneer and validate cutting-edge rodent disease models, Readout Development: Implement and standardize state-of-the-art behavioral and physiological readouts to enhance translational predictive power.
• Data Governance, Communication & Compliance: Data Synthesis & Reporting: Lead rigorous data analysis, statistical evaluation, synthesis, and documentation, Regulatory & Documentation: Author and review preclinical study reports, regulatory submission components and animal care protocols (IACUC), Animal Welfare & Compliance: Maintain the highest standards of data integrity, biosafety, and compliance with institutional animal care guidelines and 3Rs principles (Replace, Reduce, Refine).

Technical and Scientific Requirements

• Neuroinflammation & Neurodegeneration: Deep foundational knowledge of neuroinflammatory pathways, neuroimmune-glial crosstalk (microglia/astrocytes), and Alzheimer’s disease pathophysiology.
• In Vivo Pharmacology Mastery: Demonstrated track record of designing, executing, and troubleshooting preclinical rodent pharmacology studies, target engagement assays, and PK/PD modeling in neuroscience or immunology.
• Model & Readout Innovation: Proven experience in establishing and validating new animal models and developing complex behavioral, physiological, or imaging endpoints.
• Analytical Techniques: Proficient understanding of multidimensional ex vivo analytical techniques (e.g., immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence, quantitative image analysis, flow cytometry, gene expression profiling, cytokine quantification).
• Drug Discovery Acumen:Demonstrated familiarity with early drug discovery pipelines (small molecules, biologics, and/or RNA-based therapeutics).

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Neurobiology, or a related biomedical science with 5+ years of relevant post-doctoral or pharmaceutical/biotech industry experience; OR
• M.S. in a relevant biological discipline with 10+ years of industry experience demonstrating exceptional scientific leadership and track record of impact.
• Experience working with small laboratory animals, preferably in a biotech or pharmaceutical environment.
• Experience with animal models of neurodegeneration is strongly preferred.
• Strong skills in histology.
• Good organizational and communication skills, ability to focus attention to details.
• A high degree of flexibility, and a willingness and ability to work as a team member.
• 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. 

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability of lifting, sitting and standing for prolonged time required.

Additional Information:

• Work Location Assignment: On Premise
• Last Day to Apply: October 15, 2026

 

 

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $106,000.00 to $176,600.00. In addition, this position is eligible for participation in Pfizer’s Global Performance Plan with a bonus target of 15.0% of the base salary and eligibility to participate in our share based long term incentive program. 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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

To learn more about acceptable and prohibited uses of AI during the recruitment process, please review our candidate AI-use guidelines available on Pfizer Careers.

 

 

Research and Development