Senior Scientist- mRNA Vaccine Development BioChemistry and Structure

Pfizer Inc.

Pearl River, NY

ID: 7145908
Posted: May 18, 2023
Salary / Pay Rate: 85,700.00 - 171,500.00 USD Annual
Application Deadline: June 19, 2023

Job Description

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.

Role Summary
The Upstream Development Group within Early Bioprocess Development at VRD in Pearl River, NY, is seeking an experienced Senior Scientist whose work will focus on RNA biochemistry and structure. The successful applicant will play a fundamental role in supporting the upstream mRNA drug substance team in various molecular biology and RNA biochemistry efforts. A comprehensive, hands-on background in all aspects of molecular biology is required, including in vitro transcription, RNA biochemical and structural analysis, molecular cloning, and plasmid construction. There would be particular interest in candidates with a background in NGS-based and Nanopore-based RNA analyses. The incumbent would join a team of scientists well-versed in mRNA production and characterization and would be expected to support and innovate efforts on multiple fronts.

Responsibilities
The primary responsibility would be to lead and innovate efforts in molecular biology and RNA biochemistry/structure work in the group. The incumbent should understand all aspects of molecular biology, including plasmid design, biochemical and structural assays for RNA, and nucleic acid characterization for quality and purity. In addition to the above, the ideal candidate would have hands-on experience performing and analyzing nucleic acid sequencing in the context of RNA structural tools, i.e., SHAPE-MaP, Nanopore, or other affiliated techniques. As well as working with the mRNA team, the incumbent will be working closely with several other teams within and outside of VRD and leading innovation efforts on their own. Data documentation will be performed promptly and compliant, and data presentation will occur within the group, to project teams, and at the departmental level.

Qualifications
Ph. D with a minimum of 1 year relevant experience. Individuals with an MS/BS that have the expertise appropriate to the specific position

Supervisory qualification: demonstrated ability in project management, some appreciation or experience in related fields of science.

Extensive expertise and hands-on experience in molecular biology, RNA biochemistry, cell biology, immunology, or related fields, and a desire to continue working in a laboratory-focused role. Command of analytical techniques such as gel/capillary gel electrophoresis, fragment analyzer, RNA structural analysis, e.g., SHAPE-seq, SHAPE-MaP, DMS-seq, nucleic acid analysis (Sanger, NGS, Nanopore, etc.)

The candidate should have a desire to build on their knowledge, as well as lead, innovate, recommend, and deploy new strategies, and recommend new technologies.

Excellent written and oral communication, and highly organized - in terms of goal-setting and achieving for multiple experiments/tasks - are required skills, as well as the ability to give clear, concise direction and provide expectations to direct reports.

Scientific skills such as developing working hypotheses, developing and validating assays, and data interpretation are required.

Ability to troubleshoot and perform complex data analysis, the ability to effectively manage, organize, and prioritize multiple projects and meet deadlines

A team player with strong interpersonal and organizational skills are a must. The candidate should possess a strong work ethic and collaborative spirit.

Experience managing and/or training junior colleagues

Experience in leading complex projects or teams

Act as a technical and scientific resource within own project team/discipline

Ability to integrate intellectually complex and diverse pieces of information

Develop the ability to assess technical risk.

Use own scientific judgment to apply and adapt standard methods and techniques

Ability to plan experimental workflows for multiple experiments

Ability to work independently

Collaborates in a team environment

Has experience in preparing and making comprehensive presentations


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.