Principal Scientist, Primary Pharmacology Full-time

Use Your Power for Purpose

At Pfizer, our purpose is to deliver breakthroughs that transform patients' lives. Central to this mission is our Research and Development team, dedicated to translating advanced science and innovative technologies into impactful therapies and vaccines. In this role, you will be at the forefront of this effort, ensuring that our daily activities align with our unwavering commitment to quality. Your work will accelerate the delivery of best-in-class medicines to patients globally, fulfilling Pfizer's commitment to making a meaningful difference in healthcare.

What You Will Achieve

The successful candidate will join our Discovery Biology and Pharmacology (DBP) group in Groton, CT and combine expertise in pharmacology and target biology to support and accelerate hit identification and lead optimization for small molecule drug discovery. Bringing strong technical and problem-solving skills, the individual will work collaboratively with project teams to develop hit identification strategies, design and execute in vitro plate-based screen assays, and investigate mechanistic pharmacology. As part of this early discovery group, the individual should be excited to collaborate closely with discovery biology, structural biology, and chemistry teams to support a broad portfolio encompassing disease indications in Internal Medicine.

In this role, the successful candidate will:

• Shape and support novel hit identification and optimization for small molecule drug discovery projects through application of in vitro pharmacology strategies for target-based and phenotypic projects.
• Independently design, develop, and perform in vitro assays to drive lead identification, SAR, and mechanistic pharmacology using a combination of biochemical and cellular systems.
• Design creative experiments and leverage diverse approaches 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 and apply these innovatively to advance internal capabilities.
• Analyze and interpret data and as representative on project teams, communicate back clearly to collaborators and project teams.
• Be excited by working with cross-disciplinary groups (Disease Biology, Chemistry, Computational Biology, Structural Biology), be adept at building partnerships, and be team-oriented.

Here Is What You Need (Minimum 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, etc) including assay troubleshooting and development. An ability to quickly learn new skills and knowledge on the job is critical.
• 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 and possess 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.

Bonus Points If You Have (Preferred Requirements)

• PhD with experience in hit identification and plate-based pharmacology for drug discovery.
• Experience with multiple target classes (e.g. GPCRs, enzymes, transcription factors) in a drug discovery setting.
• Knowledge of metabolic and cardiovascular disease concepts and approaches.
• Strong bases in protein/pathway studies.
• Knowledge of associated disciplines such as protein chemistry, molecular and cellular biology, and chemistry.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Sitting, standing, lifting, bending, and walking. Ability to perform practical laboratory bench work and work on a computer (while standing or sitting). Ability to perform mathematical calculations and interpret data.

NON-STANDARD WORK SCHEDULE, TRAVEL OR ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS

• Candidate may periodically be asked to travel to the Pfizer Cambridge, MA site to meet project team members and to attend appropriate meetings and conferences.
• Candidate must comply with all laboratory safety practices.

Relocation support available for those who qualify. Work Location Assignment: Lab based role onsite.