Senior Scientist, Downstream Process Development R&D

Job Description

ROLE SUMMARY

A Senior Scientist (R4) position is available in the Downstream Process Development group within Bioprocess R&D. The successful candidate will have strong laboratory research experience and a desire to remain in a hands‑on, laboratory‑focused role.

This position will be part of a multidisciplinary team of scientists across multiple sites focused on the development and optimization of recovery and purification processes for recombinant proteins expressed in mammalian cell culture, supporting early‑ and late‑phase clinical programs. The Senior Scientist will work collaboratively to develop robust, efficient, and scalable downstream strategies to improve process performance and enable successful technology transfer.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

- Design and execute small‑scale downstream process development studies, with support for pilot‑scale and manufacturing purification activities.

- Analyze experimental data to develop, test, and refine hypotheses that improve the fundamental understanding of recovery and purification processes.

- Contribute to process characterization, validation strategies, Quality by Design (QbD) approaches, and regulatory filings.

- Author internally reviewed technical reports, present scientific results to cross‑functional teams and management, and publish externally as appropriate.

- Identify and implement opportunities for operational efficiency and continuous improvement across Bioprocess R&D workflows.

- Support change initiatives related to business infrastructure, platforms, and technologies to enable pipeline, legacy, and innovation programs.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Bachelor’s degree with 8+ years of relevant experience, or
• Master’s degree with 6+ years of relevant experience, or
• PhD with 0–3 years of experience

Degrees should be in a biological or engineering discipline (e.g., Biotechnology, Chemistry/Biochemistry, Chemical or Biochemical Engineering, or equivalent).

Experience/Skills

• Hands‑on experience in recombinant protein downstream process development, technology transfer, and/or bioprocess manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of protein chemistry and protein analytics, with demonstrated ability to apply current scientific literature.
• Proven ability to independently drive experimental work, deliver results, and contribute innovative solutions within project teams.
• Highly organized, self‑motivated, and capable of working both independently and collaboratively in a matrix environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including technical documentation and presentations.
• Strong analytical, data interpretation, and computer skills.
• Ability to manage personal workload effectively and contribute to planning of people and technology resources within project teams.
• 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.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with recovery and purification of recombinant proteins from mammalian and microbial or yeast expression systems.
• Experience transferring biologics processes to pilot‑scale or commercial manufacturing, including familiarity with data acquisition and process control systems.
• Experience supporting late‑stage development, process validation, and commercialization activities.
• Working knowledge of statistical experimental design and data analysis.
• Broad understanding of the biologics drug development process and requirements for advancing candidates through clinical development.

Work Location Assignment: On Premise

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $93,600.00 to $156,000.00. In addition, this position is eligible for participation in Pfizer’s Global Performance Plan with a bonus target of 12.5% 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.

Sunshine Act

Pfizer reports payments and other transfers of value to health care providers as required by federal and state transparency laws and implementing regulations. These laws and regulations require Pfizer to provide government agencies with information such as a health care provider’s name, address and the type of payments or other value received, generally for public disclosure. Subject to further legal review and statutory or regulatory clarification, which Pfizer intends to pursue, reimbursement of recruiting expenses for licensed physicians may constitute a reportable transfer of value under the federal transparency law commonly known as the Sunshine Act. Therefore, if you are a licensed physician who incurs recruiting expenses as a result of interviewing with Pfizer that we pay or reimburse, your name, address and the amount of payments made currently will be reported to the government. If you have questions regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact your Talent Acquisition representative.

EEO & Employment Eligibility

Pfizer is committed to equal opportunity in the terms and conditions of employment for all employees and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, disability or veteran status. Pfizer also complies with all applicable national, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act and IRCA. Pfizer is an E-Verify employer. This position requires permanent work authorization in the United States.

Pfizer endeavors to make www.pfizer.com/careers accessible to all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process and/or interviewing, please email disabilityrecruitment@pfizer.com. This is to be used solely for accommodation requests with respect to the accessibility of our website, online application process and/or interviewing. Requests for any other reason will not be returned.

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