Why Patients Need You
Pfizer’s purpose is to deliver breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Research and Development is at the heart of fulfilling Pfizer’s purpose as we work to translate advanced science and technologies into the therapies and vaccines that matter most. Whether you are in the discovery sciences, ensuring drug safety and efficacy or supporting clinical trials, you will apply cutting edge design and process development capabilities to accelerate and bring the best in class medicines to patients around the world.

What You Will Achieve
The Viral Vaccine group is seeking for a motivated Sr. Associate Scientist with a strong understanding and experience in DNA synthesis and molecular biology contribute to help optimize vaccine design strategies in viral vaccine development. The incumbent is responsible for supporting the preclinical evaluation and early clinical development of our RNA-based vaccine platform. The incumbent will support DNA synthesis, molecular cloning, and construct characterization. In particular, the incumbent will assist in the implementation of novel synthetic technology and molecular biology approaches that can rapidly, accurately, and efficiently produce high-quality DNA constructs to make game-changing RNA vaccines with superior efficacy or for other virology applications. Work and documentation are to be done in a compliant manner according to relevant SOP guidelines and cGLP guidelines where appropriate. The incumbent will be part of a dynamic team and should possess a strong work ethic and collaborative spirit.

How You Will Achieve It
Apply gene synthesis technologies and molecular biology to advance our RNA-based vaccine platform technology, include (but are not limited to) molecular biology work for the annual strain change for Influenza virus and new emerging variant of SARS-CoV-2

Perform molecular biology techniques that include recombinant DNA techniques, sequence analysis, PCR, restriction digestion, ligation/Gibson Assembly/ Golden Gate assembly, miniprep, maxiprep, DNA/RNA concentration determine, agarose gel analysis, RT-qPCR/ddPCR, RNA manipulation and analysis

Support the development and implementation of molecular tools and assays to characterize DNA/RNA

In collaboration with manager, interpret and summarize experimental data. Present experimental results at group meetings as needed

Generate and characterize reagents used to perform necessary assays and support maintenance of laboratory supplies

Regular review of literature to maintain knowledge of scientific trends and industry processes, advance molecular biology, and RNA-based vaccine

Maintain laboratory notebooks in compliance with the Pfizer Laboratory Notebook Policy

Satisfactorily completes all safety and quality training in conformance with Departmental requirements

QUALIFICATIONS
Must-Have
Degree in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Virology, or a related scientific field. MS with 0-2 years of research experience, or BS with +3 years of laboratory research experience

Laboratory hands-on experience with standard molecular biology techniques (PCR/qPCR, cloning, DNA/RNA production and purification, sanger sequencing and analysis, etc.)

Technical expertise of molecular biology and sequence analysis software/webserver

Must be detail oriented; possess problem solving skills, and the ability to handle multiple tasks. Adaptability to changing priorities and projects is expected

Must possess good interpersonal and communication skills and be a team player in a cross-functional collaborative environment

Nice-to-Have
Direct knowledge of influenza virus strain change is highly

Previous experience handling and manipulating DNA synthesis

Previous hands-on experience with automation of DNA synthesis or Sanger Sequencing

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Strong laboratory training in aseptic technique is essential. Ability to work with infectious agents safely. The capacity to work effectively in a highly visible research program with time-constrained milestones. Work is primarily performed at the laboratory bench and at an office desk using a computer.

NON-STANDARD WORK SCHEDULE, TRAVEL OR ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS

This position requires occasional weekend work to meet critical timelines.

OTHER INFORMATION
Work Location Assignment: On Premise

Other Job Details:

Eligible for relocation package

Eligible for employee referral bonus