Senior Associate Scientist

Use Your Power for Purpose
At Pfizer, our purpose is to deliver breakthroughs that change patients' lives. As a Senior Associate Scientist Biology, you will be at the forefront of our mission, contributing to the development of innovative therapies and vaccines that have the potential to transform patient care.
We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Associate Scientist with advanced expertise in next generation sequencing (NGS) to join the NGS/Data Science team within Vaccines Research in Pearl River. This is a primarily laboratory-based role supporting ongoing research and development initiatives.
The successful candidate will collaborate closely with multidisciplinary partners to advance and apply NGS technologies across vaccine programs. Key responsibilities include executing assays with precision, managing deliverables, maintaining laboratory readiness, participating in project meetings, and organizing action items. Additionally, this role requires meticulous documentation practices, attention to detail, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and sound critical thinking.
Along with adhering to established laboratory procedures, the ideal candidate should demonstrate scientific curiosity and enthusiasm for developmental and exploratory work. A solid foundation in DNA/RNA biology, qPCR assay development, genetics, molecular biology, and mechanisms of genomic mutation and variation is required.
What You Will Achieve
In this role, you will:

• Execute NGS protocols to support vaccine program initiatives.
• Conduct laboratory-based activities, including sample organization and preparation, DNA/RNA purification, library construction, qPCR, tissue processing, and related tasks.
• Operate, maintain, optimize, and manage laboratory automation systems; develop and improve automated workflows.
• Develop innovative sequencing protocols for pathogen and/or human genome characterization using Ion Torrent and Illumina platforms.
• Demonstrate advanced problem-solving abilities, including troubleshooting and resolution of technical issues with high-level of independence.
• Manage project timelines effectively and work efficiently on assigned tasks.
• Maintain current knowledge of scientific literature and emerging technologies; attend relevant scientific meetings to integrate new technologies and principles as appropriate.
• Perform molecular biology research, data analysis, and other tasks aligned with program needs.
• Complete all required safety training in accordance with departmental standards. Where applicable, ensure compliance with GxP and other relevant regulatory requirements.

Here Is What You Need (Minimum Requirements)

• Bachelor's degree in Molecular Biology, Virology, Immunology, or a related scientific discipline with 4-5 years of relevant laboratory experience, or a Master's degree with 2-3 years of relevant hands-on laboratory experience.
• Minimum of two years' experience working with NGS technologies.
• Proficiency with a wide range of molecular biology and analytical techniques, including nucleic acid extraction, fluorescence-based quantification, and real-time PCR.
• Exceptional task planning, problem-solving abilities, and ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills

Bonus Points If You Have (Preferred Requirements)

• Experience and programming capabilities with laboratory automation systems, e.g. Biomek, Hamilton, or similar liquid handling systems
• Experience working in a regulated laboratory environment
• Familiarity with LIMS system or other digital laboratory information systems
• Demonstrated abilities to rapidly learn new technical skills and concepts
• Experience with single-cell RNA-seq and/or immune profiling NGS assays

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
This job will require lifting/moving objects in a laboratory setting less than 30 Ibs.
NON-STANDARD WORK SCHEDULE, TRAVEL OR ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS
BSL2 working requirements
Willing to work for extended hours when meeting urgent timelines (very rare)
Relocation support available
Work Location Assignment: On Premise
The annual base salary for this position ranges from $68,600.00 to $110,900.00. 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. Learn more at Pfizer Candidate Site - U.S. Benefits | (uscandidates.mypfizerbenefits.com). Pfizer compensation structures and benefit packages are aligned based on the location of hire. The United States salary range provided does not apply to Tampa, FL or any location outside of the United States.
Relocation assistance may be available based on business needs and/or eligibility.
Sunshine Act
Pfizer reports payments and other transfers of value to health care providers as required by federal and state transparency laws and implementing regulations. These laws and regulations require Pfizer to provide government agencies with information such as a health care provider's name, address and the type of payments or other value received, generally for public disclosure. Subject to further legal review and statutory or regulatory clarification, which Pfizer intends to pursue, reimbursement of recruiting expenses for licensed physicians may constitute a reportable transfer of value under the federal transparency law commonly known as the Sunshine Act. Therefore, if you are a licensed physician who incurs recruiting expenses as a result of interviewing with Pfizer that we pay or reimburse, your name, address and the amount of payments made currently will be reported to the government. If you have questions regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact your Talent Acquisition representative.
EEO & Employment Eligibility
Pfizer is committed to equal opportunity in the terms and conditions of employment for all employees and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, disability or veteran status. Pfizer also complies with all applicable national, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act and IRCA. Pfizer is an E-Verify employer. This position requires permanent work authorization in the United States.
Pfizer endeavors to make www.pfizer.com/careers accessible to all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process and/or interviewing, please email [email protected] . This is to be used solely for accommodation requests with respect to the accessibility of our website, online application process and/or interviewing. Requests for any other reason will not be returned.
Research and Development