Senior Associate Scientist
- United States - New York - Pearl River
Use Your Power for Purpose
At Pfizer, our purpose is to deliver breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. As a Senior Associate Scientist Biology, you will be at the forefront of our mission, contributing to the development of innovative therapies and vaccines that have the potential to transform patient care.
We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Associate Scientist with advanced expertise in next generation sequencing (NGS) to join the NGS/Data Science team within Vaccines Research in Pearl River. This is a primarily laboratory-based role supporting ongoing research and development initiatives.
The successful candidate will collaborate closely with multidisciplinary partners to advance and apply NGS technologies across vaccine programs. Key responsibilities include executing assays with precision, managing deliverables, maintaining laboratory readiness, participating in project meetings, and organizing action items. Additionally, this role requires meticulous documentation practices, attention to detail, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and sound critical thinking.
Along with adhering to established laboratory procedures, the ideal candidate should demonstrate scientific curiosity and enthusiasm for developmental and exploratory work. A solid foundation in DNA/RNA biology, qPCR assay development, genetics, molecular biology, and mechanisms of genomic mutation and variation is required.
What You Will Achieve
In this role, you will:
Execute NGS protocols to support vaccine program initiatives.
Conduct laboratory-based activities, including sample organization and preparation, DNA/RNA purification, library construction, qPCR, tissue processing, and related tasks.
Operate, maintain, optimize, and manage laboratory automation systems; develop and improve automated workflows.
Develop innovative sequencing protocols for pathogen and/or human genome characterization using Ion Torrent and Illumina platforms.
Demonstrate advanced problem-solving abilities, including troubleshooting and resolution of technical issues with high-level of independence.
Manage project timelines effectively and work efficiently on assigned tasks.
Maintain current knowledge of scientific literature and emerging technologies; attend relevant scientific meetings to integrate new technologies and principles as appropriate.
Perform molecular biology research, data analysis, and other tasks aligned with program needs.
Complete all required safety training in accordance with departmental standards. Where applicable, ensure compliance with GxP and other relevant regulatory requirements.
Here Is What You Need (Minimum Requirements)
Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology, Virology, Immunology, or a related scientific discipline with 4–5 years of relevant laboratory experience, or a Master’s degree with 2–3 years of relevant hands-on laboratory experience.
Minimum of two years’ experience working with NGS technologies.
Proficiency with a wide range of molecular biology and analytical techniques, including nucleic acid extraction, fluorescence-based quantification, and real-time PCR.
Exceptional task planning, problem-solving abilities, and ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
Effective verbal and written communication skills
Bonus Points If You Have (Preferred Requirements)
Experience and programming capabilities with laboratory automation systems, e.g. Biomek, Hamilton, or similar liquid handling systems
Experience working in a regulated laboratory environment
Familiarity with LIMS system or other digital laboratory information systems
Demonstrated abilities to rapidly learn new technical skills and concepts
Experience with single-cell RNA-seq and/or immune profiling NGS assays
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
This job will require lifting/moving objects in a laboratory setting less than 30 Ibs.
NON-STANDARD WORK SCHEDULE, TRAVEL OR ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS
BSL2 working requirements
Willing to work for extended hours when meeting urgent timelines (very rare)
Relocation support available
Work Location Assignment: On Premise
Relocation assistance may be available based on business needs and/or eligibility.
Sunshine Act
Pfizer reports payments and other transfers of value to health care providers as required by federal and state transparency laws and implementing regulations. These laws and regulations require Pfizer to provide government agencies with information such as a health care provider’s name, address and the type of payments or other value received, generally for public disclosure. Subject to further legal review and statutory or regulatory clarification, which Pfizer intends to pursue, reimbursement of recruiting expenses for licensed physicians may constitute a reportable transfer of value under the federal transparency law commonly known as the Sunshine Act. Therefore, if you are a licensed physician who incurs recruiting expenses as a result of interviewing with Pfizer that we pay or reimburse, your name, address and the amount of payments made currently will be reported to the government. If you have questions regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact your Talent Acquisition representative.
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.
Pfizer endeavors to make www.pfizer.com/careers accessible to all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process and/or interviewing, please email disabilityrecruitment@pfizer.com. This is to be used solely for accommodation requests with respect to the accessibility of our website, online application process and/or interviewing. Requests for any other reason will not be returned.
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)