Senior Scientist (PhD) - Immunology/T-Cell Biology

Role Summary

Pfizer's Oncology Research Unit (ORU) in La Jolla, California, is seeking a Senior Scientist (PhD) to join the Post-Candidate Research (PCR) group, focused on translating basic discoveries in the field of immune oncology (IO) into novel therapeutics.

The Senior Scientist will serve as a technical subject matter expert and scientific contributor, working with a collaborative team of motivated and scientifically rigorous scientists to advance our clinical and pre-clinical drug programs in the field of immune oncology, focused on large molecule (biologic) therapeutics. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in immunology and cancer biology, with deep understanding of emerging field technologies and novel approaches to probe their mechanism of action. The candidate will execute translational research to evaluate target biology, understand pharmacological mechanism(s) of action, evaluate novel drug combination strategies and mechanisms of resistance. A successful candidate will demonstrate experience with primary immune cell assays, developing novel methods to rigorously test hypothesis, and a proven track record of productivity as evidenced by scientific initiative and creativity or first author publications in scientific journals.

Role Responsibilities

• Independently design, execute and analyze/interpret experiments to evaluate mechanism of action, elucidate mechanisms of resistance, and identify rational drug combinations that will advance preclinical and clinical stage IO programs
• Participate at the project team level as a subject matter expert and effectively collaborate with other members of the Oncology Research Unit, including early research and discovery biology, computational biology, in vivo pharmacology, toxicology and drug pharmacokinetics teams
• Proactively seek out novel methods in the literature and incorporate learnings to progress preclinical research and develop new experimental ways of testing hypotheses
• Present research results and methodologies at routine meetings with immediate supervisor and/or project leader, project team meetings and other research forums
• Forecast and plan resource requirements to meet the research goals as part of the project team
• Record experimental protocols/results in detail and may write technical reports for regulatory filings
• Supervise and mentor junior colleagues in experimental assay design, execution, and analysis
• May occasionally engage and work with external collaborations and Contract Research Organizations (CROs).
• Contribute to building a culture that embraces scientific excellence, urgency, partnerships with key stakeholders, continuous learning and improvement, increasing technical skill base and cancer biology expertise; take a proactive role in personal growth and scientific development

Qualifications

Must-Have

• PhD, in cancer biology, tumor immunology, immunology or a related field with 2+ years of relevant postdoctoral experience in an academic or pharmaceutical/biotech environment
• A desire to continue in a laboratory-focused role and develop innovative methods to evaluate biological therapeutics for their impact on target biology and immune modulation
• Expertise in tumor biology or immunology as evidenced by publication in peer-reviewed journals
• Demonstrated proficiency in a wide range of immune assays and cellular techniques including mammalian cell culture, multicolor flow cytometry/FACS to immunophenotype murine and human cells from blood and tissues, and cytokine measurements from serum/plasma (MSD, Luminex, ELISA).
• Strong knowledge of T cell biology with technical expertise in T cell-based functional assays (e.g. activation, differentiation, proliferation)
• Strong ability to multi-task and work independently and efficiently in a fast-paced, highly collaborative in a diverse team environment with excellent communication skills and excellent leaderships skills

Nice-to-Have

• Previous industry experience with target validation or evaluating drug combinations and a track record of success in immune-oncology drug discovery
• Experience in writing technical study reports in support of regulatory filings
• Prior experience in mentoring junior scientists
• Extensive experience in cancer research, tumor microenvironment biology, immunology, or related fields, and a desire to continue in a laboratory-focused role

  
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