Senior Associate Scientist - Virology

Why Patients Need You

Pfizer’s purpose is to deliver breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Research and Development is at the heart of fulfilling Pfizer’s purpose as we work to translate advanced science and technologies into the therapies and vaccines that matter most. Whether you are in the discovery sciences, ensuring drug safety and efficacy or supporting clinical trials, you will apply cutting edge design and process development capabilities to accelerate and bring the best-in-class medicines to patients around the world.

What You Will Achieve

As a Senior Associate Scientist, you will be at the center of our scientific vaccine operations and you’ll find that everything we do, every day, is in line with an unwavering commitment to quality. You will join a team responsible for generating viruses to support clinical vaccine research; viruses of particular interest include respiratory syncytial virus, human metapneumovirus, and influenza viruses. Primary responsibilities will include production of high titer virus stocks, performing virus characterization assays, and coordinating with teams across the site to ensure viral reagent needs are met. You will manage and update reagent inventories, plan and execute production of viruses, and organize virus distributions to other groups within Pfizer to meet critical deadlines supporting vaccine research and development. Other responsibilities will include collaborating on data sharing between groups, development of novel methods and assays, and supporting high throughput assay activities for clinical and non-clinical research programs.

Your strong foundation in general scientific practice, its principles and concepts will help in meeting critical deadlines. You will be relied on as a technical contributor to assess tasks and make decisions that involve direct application of your knowledge. It is your hard work and focus that will make Pfizer ready to achieve new milestones and help patients across the globe.

How You Will Achieve It

• Exercise key team effectiveness skills (e.g., goal setting, communication, problem solving, growth mindset) within the immediate work group

• Maintain mammalian cell lines and propagate virus stocks

• Titrate viruses using methods such as TCID50 and focus-forming assays

• Manage and maintain virus and reagent inventories

• Write, review, and update documents associated with virus production and functional assays, including standard operating procedures, test methods, and technical reports

• Collaborate with colleagues in Pfizer Vaccines organization including early bioprocess, preclinical, and clinical development groups

• Present progress and results on viral production and processes to colleagues and management

• Develop novel methods to improve large-scale virus production

Qualifications

Must-Have

• BS degree in life sciences (e.g. biology, immunology, virology, microbiology) or related discipline with 3 to 5 years of laboratory experience or MS degree in life sciences or related discipline with 0 - 4 years of laboratory experience

• Experience in a BSL-2 setting and aseptic techniques

• Experience with mammalian cell culture

• Ability to multitask and carry out responsibilities independently as an influential team member

• Strong attention to detail, good verbal and written communication skills, and the ability to collaborate and work in team environment

• Proficient computer skills including word processing, Excel, and PowerPoint

Nice-to-Have

• Background in virology, especially respiratory and/or herpes viruses

• Experience with large-scale cell cultures, e.g., suspension culture and bioreactors

• Experience analyzing gene sequences and mutations

• Experience developing and troubleshooting cell-based procedures and immunoassays

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to meet the standard requirements for a lab-based role and perform all typical lab related activities (lifting <20 pounds, frequent pipetting, long stretches on feet, etc.)

• Willing to work with infectious agents

• Work Location Assignment: On Premise

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $68,600.00 to $114,300.00. 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