Principal Scientist

Role Summary

This is a laboratory-based position in the Viral Vaccine serology group. The ideal applicant must have experience in virology, biology, and immunoassays related to respiratory viruses. Additional knowledge on viral vaccination in human and animal models is highly desirable. To support the fast-moving project, the incumbent should possess a strong scientific curiosity and rigor and be adaptable to take on the project’s scientific challenges as they arise.

The incumbent will work closely with the scientific leads, project teams, team members, and external collaborators to drive the design and execution of experiments and take a “hands on” role in laboratory activities. The incumbent will contribute to strategic directions for projects. The appointee will be part of a dynamic team and should possess a strong work ethic and collaborative spirit.

• Work effectively in a highly visible research programs with time-constrained milestones to support fast-moving viral vaccine programs.
• As functional lead, align with study leads, design and conduct immunology assays, including neutralization assays, ELISA, and other functional assays from human and animal models to evaluate immunogenicity of vaccine candidates.
• To provide virology and immunology expertise to viral vaccine programs to guide the development of the preclinical data package.
• Document, interpret, and communicate experiments and results in timely manner with scientific leads and provide strategic suggestions for projects and support regulatory submissions.
• Independently develop and optimize immunology assays and technologies to improve capabilities and ways of working.
• Collaborate extensively with those from other scientific disciplines from within the group, from other subdivisions of Vaccines, from other divisions of Pfizer, and potentially from external partners.
• Mentor and manage junior scientists’ activities and provide technical guidance.
• Remain current in scientific literature and state of the art techniques.

• Required:
  
  PhD with 4+ years academic and industry experience in Immunology, Virology, Biology or a related field OR Master’s degree and 9+ years of relevant experience OR Bachelor’s degree and 12+ years of relevant experience
• Required:
  
  Comprehensive knowledge and hands on experience with immunoassays (neutralization and ELISA) development and data interpretation.
• Required:
  
  Strong background in immunology and virology.
• Required:
  
  Proficiency in software to perform analysis and presentation of data (Excel, Graph Pad Prism, PowerPoint, and relevant scientific software).
• Required:
  
  Strong motivation with a dedicated work ethic.
• Required:
  
  Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Preferred:
  Advanced experience in generating protocols using Bravo Automated Liquid Handling Platform.
• Preferred:
  Expert in Microsoft Excel (advanced formulas and functions).

• Basic laboratory training in aseptic technique is essential.
• Ability to work with infectious agents safely.
• Standard laboratory conditions and computer work – sitting, standing.
• This position may require the ability to stand and reach inside the hardware environment of various laboratory robotic equipment.
• Math skills for basic laboratory calculations.