Scientist Process Development Full-time NEW

Use Your Power for Purpose

Pfizer's mission to deliver breakthroughs that transform patients' lives relies on advancing upstream process development. In the Upstream Fermentation, your work is pivotal in translating innovative science into high-quality therapies and vaccines. By developing and optimizing microbial fermentation processes, you help ensure the robust production of critical product modalities, accelerating the journey from the laboratory to patients in need. Your expertise supports the creation of best-in-class medicines through scalable process solutions that uphold safety, efficacy, and quality at every stage of development.

Manufacturing Sciences and Technology (MSAT) at Pfizer is seeking a Scientist to join the Upstream Fermentation team in Andover, MA. The group supports late-stage development, commercialization, and lifecycle management of Pfizer's microbial-derived products through process understanding, process improvement, and technology development.

This is a hands-on, laboratory-based role focused on the development and execution of aerobic and anaerobic microbial fermentation processes across multiple product modalities, including plasmid DNA, polysaccharides, therapeutic proteins, and enzymes. The Scientist will be a key technical contributor to fermentation process development activities, including Process Analytical Technology (PAT) implementation (Raman, FTNIR), data analysis and instrument connectivity, and process characterization and LPQ studies.

The successful candidate is expected to independently plan and execute routine fermentation experiments, analyze and interpret data, and effectively communicate results within a collaborative MSAT environment.

Upstream Fermentation Process Development

• Plan and execute routine microbial fermentation experiments in support of process development, process improvement, and troubleshooting activities.
• Develop and optimize aerobic and anaerobic fermentation processes across microbial systems and product modalities including plasmids, polysaccharides, therapeutic proteins, and enzymes.
• Perform hands-on operation of glass and stainless-steel bioreactors, including bioreactor setup, SIP, CIP, and execution of fermentation runs.
• Apply fermentation fundamentals (e.g., oxygen transfer, agitation, feeding strategies, off-gas interpretation) to support robust and scalable process development.
• Perform scale-up and scale-down calculations with guidance from more senior colleagues, ensuring relevance of lab-scale studies to manufacturing processes.

Process Analytical Technology (PAT)

• Support development, deployment, and application of PAT tools for upstream fermentation processes.
• Generate, analyze, and interpret PAT-enabled datasets (e.g., glucose, biomass, metabolites, titer) to enhance process understanding.
• Collaborate with MSAT, analytical, and automation colleagues on PAT data generation, evaluation, and documentation.

Data Analysis & Experimental Design

• Perform data analysis using statistical and multivariate techniques, including multifactorial studies and design of experiments (DoE).
• Support data capture, organization, and visualization for lab-scale fermentation and PAT instruments.
• Document experimental results clearly and contribute to technical reports, presentations, and knowledge sharing.

Process Characterization & LPQ Studies

• Support execution of LPQ and other process characterization studies under the direction of project leads.
• Execute experimental plans, analyze results, and communicate findings to cross-functional technical teams.
• Participate in multidisciplinary teams to address and resolve complex process challenges, contribute to manufacturing investigations, lead process improvement projects, and support organizational initiatives aligned with Six Sigma methodologies.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• This is a primarily in-lab role requiring frequent hands-on experimental work.
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time while performing laboratory operations is required.
• Must be able to work occasional off-hours, including early mornings, evenings, or weekends, to support fermentation run schedules.
• All work is performed in accordance with site safety procedures and laboratory risk assessments.

What Success Looks Like in This Role

• Independently executes routine fermentation experiments with high technical rigor.
• Produces high-quality, well-documented data that supports process understanding and improvement.
• Effectively collaborates with MSAT colleagues and cross-functional partners.
• Progressively builds depth in fermentation, PAT, and data analysis, positioning for increased technical responsibility.

Here Is What You Need (Minimum Requirements)

• Applicant must have a bachelor's degree with at least 6 years of experience; OR a master's degree with 4+ years of experience.
• Experience on interdisciplinary drug development teams and industrial experience developing upstream strategies and methods in support of product and process development and to assess the quality and characteristics of biotherapeutics.
• Demonstrated technical writing skills and effective communication are strongly desired.
• Experience operating bench-scale bioreactors, including exposure to SIP and CIP activities.
• Demonstrated ability to independently execute experiments, analyze data, and communicate results.
• Familiarity with statistical data analysis and experimental design principles.
• Participate in multidisciplinary teams to address and resolve complex process challenges, contribute to manufacturing investigations, lead process improvement projects, and support organizational initiatives aligned with Six Sigma methodologies.
• Change agile, functional in a fast-paced team environment where multi-tasking is required.
• Enthusiastic about communicating to a broad range of stakeholders (from novices to experts) and seeking agreement in complex situations.

Bonus Points If You Have (Preferred Requirements)

• Experience with aerobic and/or anaerobic fermentation processes.
• Exposure to Process Analytical Technology (PAT), including Raman and/or FTNIR spectroscopy, off gas analysis, auto sampling.
• Experience supporting process characterization or LPQ studies.
• Familiarity with scale-up/scale-down concepts and multivariate data analysis tools.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work primarily in a laboratory and pilot plant environment, including areas with active processing equipment, utilities, and instrumentation.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time while performing laboratory and pilot plant operations, including monitoring active fermentations and PAT systems.
• Ability to perform hands-on tasks such as bioreactor setup, SIP/CIP activities, equipment connections, probe installation, sampling, and troubleshooting.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull materials and equipment (e.g., hoses, vessels, filters, gas cylinders, tools, or consumables) in accordance with site safety guidelines.
• Ability to work in PPE, including but not limited to lab coats, gloves, safety glasses, face shields, respirators (as required), and hearing protection.
• Ability to climb stairs, ladders, or platforms to access pilot-scale equipment, utilities, and instrumentation as required.
• Ability to operate equipment using fine motor skills, including computers, touch screens, valves, connectors, and hand tools.
• Ability to work around pressurized systems, heated systems, and rotating equipment while following all safety procedures.
• Visual acuity sufficient to read instrumentation displays, labels, batch records, and electronic systems, including extended computer use.
• NON-STANDARD WORK SCHEDULE, TRAVEL OR ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS
• Ability to work off-hours, including early mornings, evenings, nights, or weekends, to support fermentation run schedules, process interventions, and critical operations.
• Ability to respond to time-sensitive process events, alarms, or deviations during active runs.
• Ability to work in environments with variable noise levels, temperatures, and humidity, consistent with pilot plant operations. Work Location Assignment: On Premise