Scientist, Assay Automation Full-time

Automation Scientist

At Pfizer, our purpose is to deliver breakthroughs that change patients' lives. By leveraging advanced science and technologies, you will help translate innovative ideas into therapies and vaccines that matter most. Whether you are involved in discovery sciences, ensuring drug safety and efficacy, or supporting clinical trials, your work will accelerate the delivery of best-in-class medicines to patients around the world, making a significant impact on global health.

We are seeking an Automation Scientist with strong skills in robotics and the use of high throughput screening (HTS) equipment to join our HTS team, within the Discovery Biology and Pharmacology (DBP) group in Groton, CT. The HTS team is building internal capabilities to support automated high-throughput screening to identify novel lead matter in support of Pfizer's small molecule portfolio. The successful candidate will combine his/her/their expertise with integrated screening platforms with strong collaboration and organizational skills to partner with colleagues across functions and to support multiple disease areas of focus.

The successful candidate will combine technical and scientific rigor, attention to detail, the ability to predict and maintain timelines, excellent communication skills, and a sense of humor to complete this challenging job with a sense of joy.

Role responsibilities include:

Helping to build Pfizer's internal HTS capability in DBP by collaborating to design and execute automated workflows to enable HTS including primary, confirmation, counter screen, and selectivity assays in 384-well and 1536-well plate formats, all with minimal supervision. This scientist will be responsible for integrating various dispensers and readers into our HighRes Bio automation systems, teaching positions, troubleshooting instrument issues, and creating new programs.

Enabling the rapid adaptation of assays to automated protocols including hit confirmation and downstream follow-up screening.

Programming automation systems using Cellario, Biomek, Echo, etc. for efficient execution of HTS campaigns.

Executing primary screening campaigns in high-throughput, leveraging plate-based assays and automation (384- and 1536-well plate formats).

Managing robotic system scheduling to optimize usage and ensure screening campaigns are conducted in a timely manner.

Managing the inventory of automation equipment shared in the DBP group including a variety of dispensers, incubators, plate readers, etc.

Assisting in coordination of instrument maintenance and repairs, planning for replacement when instrumentation becomes obsolete, and creating new methods on online and offline equipment, etc.

Evaluating and implementing new technologies into the HTS workflow to ensure that Pfizer stays current in the HTS field.

Basic qualifications include:

• BS or equivalent with 6+ years OR MS with 4+ years of experience relevant industry experience
• Experience providing lab automation support in an in vitro drug discovery group
• Demonstrated expertise in the use of HighRes automated systems including strong familiarity with Cellario scheduling software
• Ability to troubleshoot issues with common lab equipment
• Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively in a highly matrixed environment to ensure alignment and transparency around HTS timelines and needs
• Strong ability to interface with external vendors for support
• Strong attention to detail to ensure robust automation runs to optimize our HTS infrastructure and manage to ambitious timelines while ensuring high-quality screening campaigns

Preferred qualifications include:

• BS in Biology, Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, Bioengineering or related life-sciences field
• Expertise in a range of routine plate-based instruments including common HTS liquid handlers (Combi, Echo, Tempest, Biomek)
• Familiarity and working knowledge of common HTS readers such as the Pherastar, Envision, High-content systems, qRT-PCR instruments, etc.
• Familiarity with in vitro assay technologies (fluorescence, HTRF, AlphaLISA, nanoBRET, SPA, etc.)

Physical/mental requirements include:

• Lifting, sitting, standing, walking, bending
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations

Non-standard work schedule, travel or environment requirements include:

• Majority of work will be performed during the standard workday, but ability to work flexible hours when needed is preferable

Last day to apply: September 16, 2025

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $77,100.00 to $128,500.00. In addition, this position is eligible for participation in Pfizer's Global Performance Plan with a bonus target of 7.5% of the base salary. 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.