Description
A Senior Associate Scientist (R2) position is available in the Upstream Process Development group within the Bioprocess R&D organization at Pfizer. The successful applicant will join a team of scientists and engineers focused on developing and optimizing manufacturing processes for recombinant proteins and other modalities for early- and late-phase human clinical trials.
In this role, you will be responsible for designing and executing laboratory experiments in bench-top bioreactors and associated scale-down equipment with the goal of developing robust, scalable, and high productivity processes.
The work will also involve working with pilot, clinical, and commercial production facilities to ensure accurate technology transfer, successful large-scale production and associated regulatory filing activities. You may also be involved in cutting-edge technology development projects that seek to improve production processes and control strategies leveraging various process analytical technologies.
Responsibilities
- Design and execute experiments in appropriate scale-down models such as shake flasks and bioreactors in an effort to develop robust, high yield, and scalable manufacturing processes
- Serve as upstream technical lead; ensure accurate technology transfer to pilot and GMP manufacturing facilities; provide technical support during manufacturing campaign as needed
- Timely and accurately document data in electronic lab notebooks; author technical reports and contribute to relevant sections of regulatory submissions such as IND and BLA
- Participate and contribute to discussions in lab and project team meetings on design of experiments and interpretation of data
- Contribute to safe, efficient, and harmonious lab environment; strong lab citizen and collaborative team player
- Occasionally work over the weekend to passage flasks, sample bioreactors or perform other essential tasks
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree with 3 years’ industrial experience or Master’s degree with 0-2 years experience in Chemical / Biochemical Engineering, Cell Biology, Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering or a relevant field
- Relevant research experience in a laboratory setting is required
- Ability to grasp scientific concepts, interpret complex data, and formulate new hypothesis
- Competency in aseptic laboratory technique and the ability to design and carry out complex experiments and interpret data
- Demonstrated effectiveness in collaborative projects, and ability to communicate effectively with scientists and management in a highly matrixed organization
Nice to Have
- Hands-on experience with high-throughput bioreactor platforms, including ambr15 and ambr250 systems
- Expertise in fed-batch / perfusion bioreactor operations, including process setup, control, troubleshooting, and scale-up of mammalian cell culture processes
- Proficiency in process modeling and multivariate data analysis for process characterization, and predictive process understanding
- Experience with Python programming, workflow automation, or app development to create tools that improve experimental planning, data analysis, visualization, and knowledge-sharing for process development scientists
Benefits
- Comprehensive and generous benefits and programs to help colleagues lead healthy lives and to support each of life’s moments
- 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
- Health benefits to include medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage