Principal Scientist, Process Chemistry
- United States - Washington – Bothell
ROLE SUMMARY
The Chemical Process and Analytical Development (CPAD) group in Bothell, WA develops innovative and phase‑appropriate synthetic routes and scalable chemical processes, for novel small molecule targeted therapeutics. Our process chemists, analytical scientists, and chemical engineers collaborate to design robust, safe, and scalable chemistry that accelerates delivery of life‑changing therapeutics to patients.
As a Principal Scientist, Process Chemistry, you will serve as a key technical leader driving route scouting, synthetic design, process development, and process characterization for our expanding portfolio. You will apply a strong foundation in modern synthetic organic chemistry and process development to build scalable, innovative chemistry using state‑of‑the‑art technologies (HTE, data‑rich experimentation, continuous processing, catalysis, and predictive tools).
This role provides the opportunity to contribute through hands‑on laboratory innovation while guiding strategy for early and late‑stage programs. You will mentor junior scientists, influence cross‑functional project direction, and represent process chemistry both internally and externally. You will also oversee execution of GMP production batches through technology transfer and campaign oversight.
ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES
- Design, execute, and interpret complex laboratory experiments aimed at route development, process optimization, and scale‑up.
- Develop fit‑for‑purpose processes for early‑ and late‑stage programs, ensuring safety, robustness, and scalability.
- Maintain rigorous laboratory records, author patents, and contribute to regulatory documents.
- Apply modern synthetic organic chemistry principles, high‑throughput experimentation, mechanistic insight, and data‑rich methods to accelerate development.
- Effectively communicate scientific strategy, risks, and solutions to project teams, leadership, and partner functions.
- Drive alignment to project timelines and portfolio strategy.
- Mentor junior staff and foster an inclusive, scientifically rigorous, and collaborative environment.
- Lead technology transfer and partner interactions to enable external development campaigns.
- Build strong stakeholder relationships across CPAD, partner functions, and project teams.
- Establish an external technical presence through publications and presentations.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- PhD in Organic Chemistry with 4+ years of industry experience in pharmaceutical process development, including route design, scale‑up, and GMP manufacturing; or a Master’s degree with 10+ years of relevant experience.
- Deep foundational understanding of synthetic organic chemistry, reaction mechanisms, process development, and modern purification and analytical technologies.
- Demonstrated scientific impact via peer‑reviewed publications, patents, or conference presentations.
- Strong communication skills with ability to collaborate across scientific and engineering disciplines.
- Experience supporting development from preclinical through commercial stages.
- Experience in regulated pharmaceutical environments including GMP operations and authoring regulatory submissions.
- This is an on‑site role (5 days/week).
- Submission of a research summary is required.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience developing drug‑linkers for ADCs, PROTACS, DACs or other targeted mixed‑modality therapeutics.
- Experience mentoring and developing scientific staff.
- Experience with technology transfer and oversight of external development work.
Experience at innovator pharmaceutical companies strongly preferred.
Relocation support available
Work Location Assignment: On Premise
Relocation assistance may be available based on business needs and/or eligibility.
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EEO & Employment Eligibility
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Breakthroughs that change patients’ lives
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Each word in our purpose has meaning and reflects the value we strive to bring to patients and society:
“Breakthroughs” - These are the innovations, scientific and commercial, that we seek to deliver every day. All colleagues, regardless of role, level or location, strive for breakthroughs every day.
“Change” - We want to do more than simply improve patients’ medical conditions; we want to dramatically change their lives for the better.
“Patients’ lives” - We consider not only patients, but everyone they touch—including their families, caregivers, and friends—and everything they love to do. It’s an intentionally holistic view.
Our purpose ensures that patients remain at the center of all we do. We live our purpose by sourcing the best science in the world; partnering with others in the healthcare system to improve access to our medicines; using digital technologies to enhance our drug discovery and development, as well as patient outcomes; and leading the conversation to advocate for pro-innovation/pro-patient policies.
Every decision we make and every action we take is done with the patient in mind—and to nurture an environment where breakthroughs can thrive.
Our Values
To fully realize Pfizer’s purpose, we have established a clear set of expectations regarding “what” we need to achieve for patients and “how” we will go about achieving those goals.
The “how” is represented by four simple, powerful values—courage, excellence, equity, and joy—that define our company and our culture.
Courage: Breakthroughs start by challenging convention, especially in the face of uncertainty or adversity. This happens when we think big, speak up, and are decisive.
Excellence: We can only change patients’ lives when we perform at our best together. This happens when we focus on what matters, agree who does what, and measure our outcomes.
Equity: We believe that every person deserves to be seen, heard, and cared for. This happens when we are inclusive, act with integrity, and reduce healthcare disparities.
Joy: We give ourselves to our work, but it also gives to us. We find joy when we take pride, recognize one another, and have fun.
Pfizer Research & Development
Pfizer Research & Development serves as the beating heart of Pfizer's trailblazing product pipeline, the essence of our mission to bring life-changing medicines to the world.
With an unwavering commitment to innovation, we use a multidisciplinary approach that blends scientific expertise, cutting-edge technologies, and strategic collaborations, igniting a powerful engine that propels groundbreaking discoveries into life-saving treatments for patients in need.
Through our relentless pursuit of progress, we envision a future where cutting-edge medicines pave the way to healthier, happier lives worldwide.
Benefits at Pfizer
Pfizer offers competitive compensation and benefits programs designed to meet the diverse needs of our colleagues. Our Pay for Performance Philosophy and Practices reward colleagues based on the contributions they make to our business.
Our Competitive Benefits Programs help our colleagues by:
- Promoting Health and Wellness to help colleagues maintain and improve their physical and mental wellbeing. Pfizer offerings include health and disability insurance, preventative health programs, medical screenings, free or reduced-cost vaccinations, discounts on Pfizer products, mental health support, nutrition and fitness counseling and more.
- Strengthening Colleagues’ Financial Security by providing company contributions to retirement plans, life insurance and financial planning education to help colleagues achieve their financial goals.
- Providing Benefits and Time off for the Moments that Matter to ensure Pfizer colleagues have the time away from the office to recharge, recover and return to work as the best version of themselves. Vacation, Holiday time and Sick time are just the beginning, with a 12 week parental leave policy for both parents of a new born, 10 day of caregiver leave for those times when your family needs you whether it’s a child, spouse or parent, bereavement leave, and additional country-specific programs.
- And so much more, depending on your country and site, Pfizer offers childcare facilities or discount programs, on-site health and/or fitness centers, movement and mindfulness solutions, “Log in for your Day” work flexibility and so much more.
For U.S. based jobs, view an overview of Pfizer’s U.S. benefits program (opens in a new window)