Senior Principal Scientist, Pre-Formulation and Materials Science

ROLE SUMMARY

This Senior Principal Scientist position will be a strong scientific and leadership role within the Early Formulation Science and Drug Delivery (EFS-DD) group, supporting early-stage drug and drug product design, materials science characterization and strategy, and biopharmaceutics understanding as well as early clinical drug delivery strategy of new small molecules.   

The selected candidate will interface with multi-disciplinary research project teams and cross functional management to provide guidance, input and direction on molecular design, dosage form design, solid form strategy, and biopharmaceutics aspects of pre-clinical and clinical candidate development. The role will also focus on developing and demonstrating leadership and drug delivery strategy skills within the Drug Product Design and Supply department which functions as part of the larger Pharmaceutical Sciences division.  

Key activities/abilities include: 

• Understanding of connectivity of molecular structure, solution kinetics, thermodynamics, diffusion and permeation of molecules across membranes 
• Strong fundamental understanding of molecular and supramolecular interactions of small molecules in aqueous environments 
• Ability and interest to understand and probe molecular/supramolecular interactions of small molecules in common enabling drug delivery technologies; desire to optimize system properties to achieve required delivery profiles for pre-clinical and clinical studies 
• Strong fundamental understanding of principles governing crystallization and polymorph behavior, characterization techniques for crystalline and amorphous solid forms, and impacts of solid form on stability, manufacturability, and bio-performance of small molecule drug candidates and drug products
• Efficient application of existing advanced modeling and simulation tools for predictive performance of oral absorption and systemic exposure (pharmacokinetics) in pre-clinical and clinical studies 
• Development and advancement of the concepts of early translational biopharmaceutics with a focus to improve predictive capabilities by linking in vitro drug and drug product performance attributes to in vivo performance attributes 
• Lead matrix teams of scientists across multiple levels to deliver portfolio and initiative breakthroughs 
• Lead scientific strategy and set direction for advances in oral, small molecule drug delivery through interaction with organizational thought leaders and cross functional management 
• Maintain an awareness of and contribute to current relevant scientific literature 
• Conduct novel scientific research and present significant findings via internal and external presentations or publications 

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES  

• Will provide scientific advances, leadership, and strategic direction for the fundamental understanding of key connectivity of molecular structure, solution and diffusion behavior and permeation characteristics to enable optimal drug formulation and drug delivery systems design 
• Integrates pharmaceutics, physical organic chemistry, biophysical chemistry, supramolecular chemistry, materials science, and fundamental biopharmaceutics principles into drug candidate screening and design, formulation design, solid form strategy, and ultimately project direction 
• Teach and mentor colleagues across the Pfizer organization 
• Cultivates sustainable and effective relationships with internal partners and stakeholders, i.e., partner lines in Medicinal Design, Pharmaceutical Sciences Small Molecule (PSSM), Clinical Pharmacology , Drug Safety (DSRD), relevant Research Units, and Pharmacokinetics, Dynamics, and Metabolism (PDM)  
• Advances scientific research and expands capability in the areas of molecular design-drug delivery, materials science, early biopharmaceutics, and drug formulation 

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS  

• PhD in Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Materials Science, Physical Chemistry, Physical Organic Chemistry, Biophysical Chemistry or related discipline with 8+ years relevant experience in drug delivery, or BS/MS in Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Materials Science, Physical Chemistry, Physical Organic Chemistry, Biophysical Chemistry or related discipline with a minimum of 10-12 years relevant pharmaceutics industry experience in small molecule drug product design. 
• Knowledge in biology/pharmacology/drug discovery /drug delivery up to Proof of Concept (POC) studies. 
• Small molecule Formulation and/or early Biopharmaceutics, Materials Science, or Pharmacokinetics background, and a strong record of scientific achievement.  
• Experience in using and interpreting biophysical modeling, physicochemical (solubility & dissolution) and biological (passive, transporter mediated, efflux) transport phenomena, design, interpretation, and use of in vitro experiments, or in vivo/in vitro drug metabolism studies, and interpretation of pre-clinical exposure data for the design and selection of new small molecule drug candidates and drug delivery systems 
• A strong interest and motivation to learn and implement new technologies and concepts. 
• A strong interest in leadership  
• Extensive practical experience working within cross-disciplinary teams and achieving results in a matrix environment. 
• Excellent organizational and communication (oral and written) skills.  
• The ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Proven track record of supervising, mentoring and coaching scientists. 
• Understanding of drug discovery and development concepts 
• Experience in actively developing and advancing scientific initiatives and external collaborations. 
• Collaborative and effective partnering skills applied in a complex, multi-disciplinary organizational model. 

 
Candidate demonstrates a breadth of diverse leadership experiences and capabilities including: the ability to influence and collaborate with peers, develop and coach others, oversee and guide the work of other colleagues to achieve meaningful outcomes and create business impact.
 

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to work in a dynamic laboratory environment, involving standing, sitting, manipulating small scale laboratory samples. Ability to perform mathematical calculations and data analysis. Ability to work on multiple projects and prioritize assignments.

NON-STANDARD WORK SCHEDULE, TRAVEL OR ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS

Occasional travel may be required.

Relocation support available

Work Location Assignment: On Premise

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $124,400.00 to $207,400.00. In addition, this position is eligible for participation in Pfizer’s Global Performance Plan with a bonus target of 17.5% 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.

Research and Development