Senior Associate Scientist – Cellular Genomics Full-time NEW

Senior Associate Scientist

We are seeking a highly motivated senior associate scientist to join the Pfizer Cellular Genomics team within Systems Immunology. The successful candidate will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across research and therapeutic areas to support the application of next-generation sequencing (NGS) and emerging genomic technologies to drug discovery, translational research, and preclinical development programs.

As a member of Cellular Genomics, this individual will contribute to the development, optimization, and execution of a broad portfolio of genomics assays, including single-cell sequencing applications. Responsibilities span experimental design, sample processing, library preparation, sequencing, data quality assessment, method development, troubleshooting, and documentation of laboratory activities.

This role requires strong technical expertise in molecular biology and genomics workflows, including tissue and cell processing, nucleic acid extraction, library preparation, sequencing and quality control. The successful candidate will also perform initial data quality assessment and upstream bioinformatics processing to ensure the delivery of high-quality datasets for downstream computational analysis.

The ideal candidate is scientifically curious, highly organized, and passionate about adopting innovative genomic technologies. Success in this role requires meticulous attention to detail, strong analytical thinking, effective problem-solving skills, and a commitment to scientific excellence and reproducibility.

Role Responsibilities

• Perform and maintain competency in complex Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) workflows according to established operational procedures, quality standards, and laboratory best practices.
• Execute laboratory activities including sample preparation, tissue dissociation, cell and nuclei isolation, nucleic acid extraction, library preparation, quality control, sequencing, and data generation to ensure high-quality and reproducible results.
• Perform upstream data processing and quality assessment of samples, libraries, sequencing runs, and associated datasets prior to downstream computational analyses.
• Optimize, troubleshoot, validate, and continuously improve NGS library preparation, sequencing workflows, and emerging genomics technologies.
• Apply TapeStation and other nucleic acid analysis techniques to support sample and library quality control.
• Serve as a technical resource for genomics technologies, providing guidance on experimental design, platform selection, sample requirements, and data management strategies.
• Contribute to the evaluation, implementation, benchmarking, and validation of new genomics assays, platforms, instrumentation, and workflow improvements.
• Educate and train scientists on genomics technologies, laboratory instrumentation, and best practices; deliver presentations and technical updates as appropriate.
• Stay current with advancements in single-cell genomics, spatial transcriptomics, sequencing technologies, and related molecular biology innovations.
• Draft and maintain experimental plans, validation reports, work instructions, SOPs, and other technical documentation.
• Maintain accurate and compliant ELN records and adhere to Pfizer quality, safety, and data integrity standards.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Molecular Biology, Genomics, Biotechnology, Biological Sciences, or a related discipline with 3+ years of relevant experience.
• Master's degree in Molecular Biology, Genomics, Biotechnology, Biological Sciences, or a related discipline with 0+ years of relevant experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Hands-on experience supporting NGS workflows, including assay development, optimization, troubleshooting, validation, and quality review.
• Experience working with bulk RNA sequencing, single-cell and single-nucleus RNA sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, targeted sequencing, immune repertoire sequencing, epigenomics assays, or related genomic technologies.
• Experience with tissue dissociation, cell isolation, nuclei isolation, and preparation of samples for single-cell genomics workflows.
• Proficiency in DNA and RNA extraction, nucleic acid quantification, quality control assessment, and library preparation methodologies.
• Familiarity with sequencing platforms and associated quality metrics.
• Experience with genomics data management and basic bioinformatics workflows is desirable.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative environment.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize multiple projects, manage timelines, and deliver high-quality work.
• Strong problem-solving skills and commitment to scientific rigor and reproducibility.
• Self-motivated, adaptable, and eager to learn new technologies and approaches.

Physical/Mental Requirements

Typical bench work, including sitting, pipetting, lifting <10lbs

Non-standard work schedule, travel or environment requirements

None

Work Location Assignment: Hybrid