Principal Scientist - Primary Pharmacology

1w1 week ago

Pfizer

Groton, US · Full-time · $106,000 – $176,600

About this role

At Pfizer, our purpose is to deliver breakthroughs that transform patients' lives. The Research and Development team translates advanced science and innovative technologies into impactful therapies and vaccines. In this role, join the Discovery Biology and Pharmacology group in Groton to support hit identification and lead optimization for small molecule drug discovery.

The successful candidate combines expertise in pharmacology and target biology to develop hit identification strategies. Design and execute in vitro plate-based screen assays to drive projects. Investigate mechanistic pharmacology using biochemical and cellular systems for target-based and phenotypic projects.

Work collaboratively with project teams including discovery biology, structural biology, and chemistry. Support a broad portfolio encompassing disease indications in Internal Medicine. Build partnerships and communicate data clearly as a project team representative.

Maintain a strong knowledge base in state-of-the-art technical developments and scientific advancements. Apply these innovatively to advance internal capabilities. Forge strong collaborative relationships across disciplines and mentor junior colleagues.

Requirements

BA/BS and 12 years or MS and 9 years or PhD and 4 years of relevant experience in biochemistry, cell biology and/or pharmacology
Demonstrated expertise with multiple in vitro assay formats (e.g. HTRF, ELISA, FP, BRET) including assay troubleshooting and development
Practical experience with immortalized and primary cells and with molecular biology techniques such as RT-qPCR, transfection, and western blotting
Experience in laboratory automation and data analysis systems
Highly motivated, highly organized with excellent computer, verbal and written communication skills
Demonstrated ability to forge strong collaborative relationships inside and outside immediate team as well as cross disciplines
Experience mentoring junior colleagues

Responsibilities

Shape and support novel hit identification and optimization for small molecule drug discovery projects through in vitro pharmacology strategies
Independently design, develop, and perform in vitro assays to drive lead identification, SAR, and mechanistic pharmacology
Design creative experiments to investigate target engagement, structure-function relationships, and molecular mechanism of action
Maintain a strong knowledge base in state-of-the-art technical developments and scientific advancements in the field
Analyze and interpret data and communicate clearly to collaborators and project teams
Work with cross-disciplinary groups including Disease Biology, Chemistry, Computational Biology, and Structural Biology