Senior Scientist
- United States - Massachusetts - Cambridge

Our Purpose
Our Values
Pfizer Research & Development
Benefits
COMPANY OVERVIEW
At Pfizer, our purpose is to deliver breakthroughs that transform patients' lives. Central to this mission is our Research and Development team, dedicated to translating advanced science and innovative technologies into impactful therapies and vaccines. In this role, you will be at the forefront of this effort, ensuring that our daily activities align with our unwavering commitment to quality. Your work will accelerate the delivery of best-in-class medicines to patients globally, fulfilling Pfizer's commitment to making a meaningful difference in healthcare.
ROLE SUMMARY
The Internal Medicine Research Unit (IMRU) at Pfizer is seeking a PhD biologist with 2-5 years of postdoctoral experience and expertise in adipose metabolism and obesity for a Senior Scientist position. This position requires a comprehensive understanding of adipose metabolism, physiology and biology, as well as the impact of obesity on normal adipose tissue metabolic functions. Responsibilities include designing and executing both in vivo and in vitro experimentation, culturing murine and human adipocytes, and effectively interpreting and communicating results to multidisciplinary drug discovery teams. In addition to supporting drug discovery initiatives, candidates are encouraged to publish in high-impact journals and present their research findings at external meetings. The successful candidate will collaborate daily with a team of innovative scientists within a supportive environment that promotes rigorous scientific inquiry and professional growth in drug development. Strong self-motivation, exceptional communication and interpersonal abilities, and the capacity to work both independently and collaboratively are essential requirements.
ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES
Apply creative thinking and scientific expertise to identify and validate therapeutic targets for improving weight loss and adipose tissue function.
Conceptualize, design and execute in vivo and in vitro experiments to support target discovery and active drug programs.
Maintain awareness of ‘cutting edge’ scientific and technical developments in adipose research and implement them when needed to advance portfolio programs.
Participate as a member of diverse scientific drug discovery teams to provide adipose and obesity expertise.
Mentor junior scientists to develop skills essential to the execution of rigorous scientific research
Maintain accurate and timely records of experimentation in electronic notebooks and internal systems.
Build and facilitate collaborations with partners in the academic scientific community, as well as within the Pfizer network of scientists.
Present research findings to Pfizer colleagues and the scientific community through publication in peer-reviewed journals and talks and posters at scientific meetings.
Present and represent research programs to Pfizer leadership.
QUALIFICATIONS
Basic Qualifications:
PhD with postdoctoral training in metabolic disease research primarily focused on adipose metabolism and physiology.
Successful record of scientific accomplishments as indicated by scientific publications and presentations at scientific conferences.
Deep expertise in adipose metabolism and cellular signaling pathways.
Ability to contribute to multiple projects in parallel with learning agility and scientific rigor.
Demonstrated ability to review critically available data and to think creatively in formulating novel hypotheses.
Strong written/verbal communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively in a team setting with scientists working in other disciplines.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with isotopic and radioactive tracer study design, execution and interpretation.
Previous experience with adipose inflammation and fibrosis.
Work Location Assignment: On Premise
The annual base salary for this position ranges from $93,600.00 to $151,500.00. 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.
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)

