Senior Scientist, Membrane Protein Biochemistry & DNA-Encoded Libraries Full-time

Senior Scientist, Membrane Protein Biochemistry and DEL Screening

The Discovery Biology & Pharmacology Department at our Groton campus is composed of ~60 scientists that support hit identification and lead optimization activities for small molecule drug discovery programs through the design, development, and execution of in vitro plate-based screening assays. Research Units supported by the group include Inflammation and Immunology, Cardiovascular/Metabolic and Oncology. We typically drive small molecule programs from initiation through clinical candidate selection.

We seek a candidate with membrane protein biochemistry experience to join a high throughput biology lab that is applying cutting-edge DNA-Encoded Library (DEL) technology to discover starting points for small molecule projects. As a primary responsibility in this lab-based role, you will collaboratively partner with project teams to discover and confirm hits with DEL.

To be successful in this role, you must be excited by new technology, thrive in an autonomous setting, and be invigorated by working with multiple partners. You will regularly be challenged to expand the boundaries of your knowledge in different disciplines, grow your skills and share learnings as we together advance Pfizer's DEL capabilities and deliver the global discovery portfolio. You will be expected to leverage strong collaborative, written and verbal communication skills; and be adept at building partnerships. As such, in addition to technical skills, you should demonstrate a personal drive, leadership skills, flexibility/resiliency, and a good sense of humor.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

• As an integral member of our DEL team, they will build capabilities to deliver projects focused on membrane proteins (e.g. GPCRs and SLCs) and other difficult targets, partnering with colleagues in Protein Science and Structural Biology to accomplish these goals
• This scientist will develop a portfolio of projects from across the global portfolio that is a combination of traditional targets as well as those from difficult classes (e.g. membrane proteins, DNA-modifying enzymes, transcription factors). They will design and deliver in vitro biochemistry investigations to characterize proteins prior to screening, and expand our biochemistry toolset to improve our lead identification from DEL. They will carry out data analyses as well as review and interpret these data for project teams
• As a senior member of the group, the candidate is expected to have a drive for both personal growth and will provide mentorship to junior colleagues within the team
• This scientist will work with an interdisciplinary team of Research Unit biologists, medicinal chemists, structural biologists and biophysicists, as well as external partners to deliver on the portfolio
• Contribute to the culture of the lab and department, participate on committees and community outreach activities as appropriate

QUALIFICATIONS

Must Have

• Ph.D. or equivalent with 0 to 4 years' experience relevant to drug discovery in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, and/or pharmacology OR MS with 7 to 9 years of relevant industry experience OR BS with 10+ years of relevant experience
• Practical experience working with recombinant integral membrane proteins
• Demonstrated experience with several in vitro assay formats, including troubleshooting (examples: LC-MS, HPLC, FRET, FP, ELISA, radioligand binding, TSA, etc.)
• A commitment to timely delivery and quality of the work product, overcoming obstacles in a fast-paced environment and a continuous improvement mind-set
• Demonstration of excellent computer, verbal and written communication skills

Nice to Have

• Hands-on protein biochemistry experience, familiarity with different biophysical techniques is a plus.
• Previous experience in multiple target classes in a drug discovery setting (e.g. purified GPCRs, transporters, kinases, ion channels)
• Knowledge of associated disciplines such as protein chemistry, bioanalytical chemistry, molecular and cellular biology, biophysical techniques and chemistry
• Demonstrated ability to forge strong collaborative relationships inside and outside organizational walls and across multiple cultures: academic, industrial, and CROs
• A comfort with script-based data analysis and handling large datasets on platforms beyond Microsoft Excel

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 and Pearl River, NY sites to meet project team members (2-4 times per year).
• Candidate must follow laboratory safety practices and wear personal protection as required.

Other Job Details

• Relocation support available
• Work Location Assignment: On Premise