Quantitative Systems Pharmacologist
- United States - California - La Jolla

Our Purpose
Our Values
Pfizer Research & Development
Benefits
ROLE SUMMARY:
Quantitative Systems Pharmacology (QSP) is a discipline that uses mechanistic mathematical models and disease platforms to enhance the robustness and quality of decision-making from exploratory research through clinical development. We are seeking a highly motivated individual to lead the development and application of QSP models for thein silico evaluation of novel targets and compounds, including preclinical and clinical study design and mechanistic interpretation of results. The successful candidate will be responsible for integrating and sharing data and knowledge in a highly stimulating, collaborative, and multi-disciplinary environment to develop a deeper understanding of physiological systems and disease mechanisms across different therapeutic areas.
ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES:
Build and utilize QSP models of biological, physiological, and/or pathophysiological processes to evaluate novel targets, pathways, drug candidates to predict and interpret clinical response informing decision making
Work in close collaboration with biologists, clinicians, precision medicine scientists, clinical pharmacologists, pharmacometricians, QSP and nonclinical modelers, and other partner line colleagues to inform discovery and development programs and improve our understanding of disease mechanisms
Serve as QSP modeling & simulation expert in multidisciplinary project teams to solve challenging problems in drug discovery and development; contribute to preclinical and clinical study designs and mechanistic interpretation of data
Develop and/or utilize state-of-the-art mathematical and computational tools to gain insight into causal relationships between individual components of targets, pathways, and system-level responses
Analyze and interpret complex data sets in the context of disease mechanisms and pathways; develop a deep disease understanding and knowledgebase
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics, Engineering, Physics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related disciplines with strong background in mathematical, statistical, and numerical methods and 0+ years of experience
Experience in developing QSP and/or differential equation-based models of biological or physiological systems
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience, or strong interest, in applying QSP approaches to drug discovery and development programs in the pharmaceutical industry
Experience or interest in Oncology therapeutic area
Deep understanding of theory, principles, and statistical aspects of mathematical modeling and simulation, including numerical methods, parameter estimation/optimization, ordinary differential equations (ODEs), and how these can be applied in the development of complex models of biological pathways and systems
Computational fluency and extensive, hands-on experience with one or more modeling and simulation packages or programming languages (e.g., MATLAB, R, Julia, SimBiology, C/C++)
Creative and innovative scientist who is passionate about developing a deep understanding of disease and disease mechanisms and who hasexperience working closely with biologists, clinical and nonclinical modelers, and clinical colleagues
Self-directed, independent, and highly motivated researcher who excels in a collaborative, multi-disciplinary team environment
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Primary authorship on relevant publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals
Self-directed, independent, and highly motivated researcher who excels in a collaborative, multi-disciplinary team environment
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Primary authorship on relevant publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals
Additional Job Details:
Last date to apply is: December 15, 2025
The annual base salary for this position ranges from $102,900.00 to $171,500.00. In addition, this position is eligible for participation in Pfizer’s Global Performance Plan with a bonus target of 15.0% 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.
Sunshine Act
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EEO & Employment Eligibility
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. This position requires permanent work authorization in the United States.
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Breakthroughs that change patients’ lives
Research confirms what intuition tells us: that purpose-driven companies perform better, are more innovative, attract and retain the best people, and know how to unleash the power of those people. Pfizer’s purpose—Breakthroughs that change patients' lives—fuels everything we do and reflects our passion for building on our legacy as one of the greatest contributors of good to the world.
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)
