Associate Scientist, Culture Process Development Full-time

Associate Scientist (R1)

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 developing manufacturing processes in support of clinical studies, you will apply cutting edge design and process development capabilities to accelerate and bring the best-in-class medicines to patients around the world.

An Associate Scientist (R1) position is available in the Upstream Process Development group within the Bioprocess R&D organization. The successful applicant will join a team of scientists and engineers focused on developing and optimizing manufacturing processes for recombinant proteins and mRNAs for early- and late-phase human clinical trials. In this role, the candidate 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. The candidate may also be involved in cutting edge technology development projects that seek to improve production processes and control strategies leveraging various process analytical technologies.

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 tech lead; ensure accurate tech transfer to pilot and GMP manufacturing facilities; provide technical support during manufacturing campaign

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

Must-Have

Bachelor's degree with 0-2 years' industrial experience in Chemical/Biochemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Microbiology or a relevant field.

Significant experience with sophisticated lab instruments such as bioreactor systems and analytical equipment.

Strong mammalian cell culture expertise required.

Self-motivated, organized, and excellent attention to details.

Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Ability to adapt in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities.

Nice-To-Have

Experience with high-throughput instrument such as ambr15, ambr250, and Tecan liquid handler

Knowledge pertaining to in vitro transcription for mRNA synthesis or hands-on experience with molecular biology techniques.

Experience with developing and implementing process analytical technologies such as Raman spectroscopy and biocapacitance.

Proficiency with multi-variate data analysis techniques

Lifting, sitting, standing, walking, bending, ability to perform mathematical calculations and ability to perform complex data analysis.

May require occasional work on the weekend for essential tasks

May need to travel occasionally to attend internal meetings or external conferences

Work Location Assignment: On Premise