Senior Scientist, Functional Genomics

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

We are seeking a highly talented individual with expertise in functional genomics to join our Cellular, Genomic, and Protein Sciences (CGPS) group at our Groton, CT campus. The successful candidate will combine expertise in functional genomics, high-content/high-throughput screening, molecular biology, and complex cellular models, to support and accelerate the deconvolution of novel therapeutic mechanisms across a diverse discovery portfolio. The candidate will be encouraged to bring innovative approaches to tackle complex protein and RNA biology and diverse targeting modalities. As part of this early discovery group, the individual will collaborate closely with discovery biology teams and partner lines to support broadly across our portfolio with a strong focus on Immunology and Internal Medicine.

How You will Achieve It

The successful individual will contribute to the implementation of functional genomic strategies to support early drug discovery and development. He/She/They will apply functional genomics methods to study and validate novel therapeutic mechanisms and targets, inform target modulation and hit-ID strategies, assess target engagement, and deconvolute small molecule mechanism of action. 

The successful candidate will integrate gene editing methods with high-dimensional functional assays and physiologically relevant cell models.

He/She/They will collaborate closely with partner lines in a highly cross-matrixed environment to develop and execute functional screens and analyze, interpret, and communicate results to guide decision-making.  

Successful candidates will be expected to:

• Apply a breadth of cell and molecular biology capabilities to increase understanding of target biology, inform hit-ID strategies, and decipher mechanisms of action for small molecule compounds.

• Independently develop and execute CRISPR screens (pooled and arrayed) and adapt them for mid- to high-throughput screening.

• Work with complex physiologically and disease relevant cell models such as primary cells, and as appropriate design and generate reporter lines for relevant readouts.

• Maintain a strong knowledge base in state-of-the-art cellular and genomic tools and incorporate novel approaches, where applicable, including assay technologies and emerging gene editing modalities. 

• Interpret and integrate in vitro data in the context of disease-area and target/pathway biology to articulate results in broader project teams to guide decision-making.

• Establish and leverage close partnerships with colleagues within Research Units and adjacent partner lines to influence strategy and decision-making relating to the incorporation of functional genomics’ capabilities to address key program questions.

• Maintain up to date electronic laboratory notebooks and records in accordance with Pfizer policy and comply with all safety training and good laboratory practices.

• Mentor junior scientists in functional genomic screening to drive team success.

Qualifications

Must Have

• PhD or equivalent in cell biology and functional genomics.

• Experience developing and applying diverse functional assay readouts including genetic reporters, high content imaging, flow cytometry, and/or other technologies.

• Skilled in a breadth of molecular biology techniques including Next Generation Sequencing.

• A strong and current knowledge of various functional genomics methods ranging from gene editing for knockout, knock-in, expression modulation and mutations. 

• Hands on experience applying a variety of different gene editing modalities to answer mechanistic biology questions.

• Ability to analyze and interpret data from genomic screens and mechanistic studies. 

• Be a strategic and innovative thinker with an ability to adapt technologies for novel applications.

• Applicants should have experience working independently in a laboratory setting, an ability to quickly learn new skills and knowledge on the job, and a broad understanding and applied knowledge of cellular and molecular biology.

• A demonstrated sustained track record of delivering high quality data meeting the needs of teams.

• Experience with troubleshooting technical assays and protocols.

• Demonstrated examples of personal and scientific leadership.

• Possess strong collaborative and written and verbal communication skills, be excited by working on cross-disciplinary groups (Disease Biology, Chemistry, Computational Biology, Structural Biology, Primary Pharmacology), be adept at building partnerships, and be very team-oriented.

• Highly motivated, highly organized and possess excellent computer, verbal and written communication skills.

Nice To Have

• Experience with application of multiple CRISPR modalities.

• Experience with application of genomic technologies (e.g. NGS, Chip-Seq, etc) and basic bioinformatic and statistical analysis.

• Experience with FACS-based pooled screening.

• Knowledge and experience with protein chemistry.

 
 

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 site to meet project team members and to attend appropriate meetings and conferences.

• Candidate must comply with all laboratory safety practices.

Other Job Details

• Relocation support available

• Work Location Assignment: On Premise

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $88,300.00 to $147,100.00. In addition, this position is eligible for participation in Pfizer’s Global Performance Plan with a bonus target of 12.5% of the base salary and eligibility to participate in our share based long term incentive program. 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.

Research and Development