AI Data Engineer--LLMs / Agentic Systems
- United States - Massachusetts - Cambridge
POSITION SUMMARY
In this innovative role, you will combine cutting-edge software engineering with artificial intelligence to build next-generation knowledge work automation tools that directly impact pharmaceutical research outcomes.
You will work at the forefront of applied AI, collaborating closely with Medicinal Chemists and Biomedical Scientists to design, develop, and deploy intelligent systems that enhance productivity and accelerate decision-making in drug discovery.
This is a unique opportunity to bridge modern web technologies with Large Language Model (LLM) capabilities, creating intuitive user experiences that solve real-world scientific challenges. As you deliver core solutions, you'll have the exciting opportunity to contribute to pioneering research in semantic frameworks that benchmark and expand the understanding of concepts and semantic similarity in LLMs.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
Design and implementation of production-grade full stack applications that seamlessly integrate LLM and AI capabilities into scientific workflows, enabling researchers to leverage cutting-edge artificial intelligence in their daily work
Direct collaboration with medicinal chemists, biomedical researchers, and domain experts to deeply understand requirements, translate scientific challenges into technical solutions, and deliver intuitive, user-centric applications
Development of scalable backend services using Python frameworks for data processing, embedding generation, vector search, and LLM orchestration that power AI-driven research tools
Creation of responsive, modern frontend interfaces using React and TypeScript that provide exceptional user experiences and dramatically enhance researcher productivity
Implementation of retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) systems, conversational AI interfaces, and agentic LLM architectures that automate knowledge work in pharmaceutical research
Deployment and maintenance of production systems on AWS cloud infrastructure with emphasis on reliability, performance, scalability, and optimal user experience
Rapid iteration and continuous improvement based on user feedback, evolving scientific needs, and emerging AI/LLM capabilities
Integration of semantic search technologies, vector databases and embedding models to enable intelligent information retrieval
Contribution to the development of novel semantic frameworks and conceptual research that advances AI-driven knowledge systems for drug discovery
Strengthen cross-functional collaboration and knowledge sharing through clear communication, documentation, and engagement with the broader research community
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
PhD in in Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacology, Toxicology, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline OR
Master’s degree and 2+ years of experience building AI powered research applications
Strong technical problem solving skills with ability to translate complex scientific requirements into elegant technical solutions
2+ years of programming experience in Python and TypeScript with experience building production-quality software
Portfolio of production-grade full stack applications with Python backends and React frontends (GitHub portfolio required)
Experience with modern web frameworks including backend frameworks (FastAPI) and frontend frameworks (React.js)
Excellent communication and collaboration skills with experience working effectively in cross-functional teams
Strong communications skills—written, verbal and presentation
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Background or demonstrated interest in life sciences, pharmaceutical research, drug discovery, or cheminformatics
Hands-on experience with LLM frameworks and libraries (OpenAI API, Hugging Face Transformers, Anthropic Claude)
Practical knowledge of prompt engineering, LLM optimization techniques, and best practices for building LLM-powered applications
Experience building conversational AI interfaces, chatbots, or agentic systems with autonomous decision-making capabilities
Familiarity with vector databases and semantic search technologies for similarity search and retrieval
Familiarity with MongoDB, PostgreSQL or other modern database technologies for data persistence and retrieval
Demonstrated experience implementing, training, fine-tuning, or applying deep learning models to natural language processing or computer vision problems using PyTorch
Experience with AWS cloud infrastructure and services (EC2, S3, CloudFormation, RDS) and DevOps best practices
Knowledge of containerization and orchestration tools (e.g. Docker) for scalable application deployment
Experience with CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, and deployment automation tools (GitHub Actions, Jenkins, GitLab CI)
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Ability to perform complex technical problem-solving and system design requiring sustained concentration and analytical thinking
Ability to rapidly context-switch between different technical domains (frontend, backend, AI/ML, infrastructure) and scientific problem spaces
NON-STANDARD WORK SCHEDULE, TRAVEL OR ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS
- Flexibility to collaborate across time zones with global research teams as needed
- Occasional travel may be required for team meetings, scientific conferences, or collaborative workshops
This is a hybrid role requiring you to live within commuting distance and work on-site an average of 2.5 days per week or more as needed.
The annual base salary for this position ranges from $106,000.00 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
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)