Senior Associate Scientist-Vaccine Immunology
- 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. Reporting to the Research & Development division, you will leverage advanced science and cutting-edge technologies to make a tangible impact on global health. Your work will be instrumental in ensuring drug safety and efficacy, supporting clinical trials, and accelerating the delivery of top-tier medicines to patients worldwide.
What You Will Achieve
Senior Associate Scientist will support preclinical evaluation and early clinical development of vaccine candidates through comprehensive immunogenicity assessment. This role will develop, optimize, and execute cellular and humoral immune assays to characterize vaccine-induced responses and support study decision-making. The Senior Associate Scientist will partner closely with cross-functional colleagues (e.g., discovery, translational, clinical, bioanalytical, and operations) to ensure samples and data are generated, documented, and reported in accordance with applicable SOPs and quality standards (e.g., cGLP and/or cGMP where appropriate). The successful candidate is a collaborative, detail-oriented experimentalist who can manage multiple priorities, troubleshoot independently, and communicate results clearly.
How You Will Achieve It:
Execute and troubleshoot assays to quantify antigen-specific B- and T-cell responses, including flow cytometry phenotyping, intracellular cytokine staining (ICS), ELISpot/FluoroSpot, etc. in support of preclinical and clinical vaccine studies.
Process mouse tissue samples, including spleens and lymph nodes, as well as human or non-human primate (NHP) PBMC samples, to prepare them for downstream functional assays.
Conduct multiparameter flow cytometry for cellular phenotype and functional characterization; design and optimize flow panels, operate advanced instruments such as the Spectral-based Cytek Aurora for sample acquisition, perform data analysis with software including FlowJo, FACS Suite, Diva, or OMIQ, and present results to study teams in a clear and systematic manner.
Manage sample and reagent lifecycle activities (receipt, accessioning, inventory, storage, chain-of-custody, and preparation for testing) to support multiple studies and timelines.
Ensure high-quality documentation and reporting in accordance with SOPs and applicable regulatory expectations (e.g., cGLP/cGMP where required); maintain laboratory notebooks and records per policy.
Prepare written summaries and presentations; communicate results, trends, and assay issues at team meetings and contribute to data review discussions with stakeholders.
Support continuous improvement by proposing and implementing assay optimizations, qualification activities, and workflow efficiencies; help train/mentor junior staff as needed
Complete all required safety and compliance training and perform responsibilities in alignment with EHS requirements and all applicable regulations.
Here Is What You Need (Minimum Requirements)
B.S. in Immunology, Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, or a related field with 3+ years of relevant laboratory experience, or M.S. with 2+ years of relevant laboratory or industry experience.
Hands-on experience with cellular immunology methods and/or vaccine immunogenicity readouts (e.g., ELISpot/FluoroSpot, flow cytometry, ELISA, neutralization assays).
Demonstrated ability to execute experiments, troubleshoot, and deliver high-quality data in a deadline-driven environment.
Proficiency with common scientific software (e.g., Microsoft Office; GraphPad Prism, FlowJo, OMIQ or equivalent) and with maintaining clear experimental records.
Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively in a team-based, cross-functional setting.
Bonus Points If You Have (Preferred Requirements)
Industry experience in vaccines, immunology, bioanalytical, or translational sciences.
Experience with multiplex cytokine assays (e.g., Luminex), complex and/or spectral flow cytometry panels, and/or assay qualification/validation activities.
Experience working in a regulated environment (e.g., cGLP and/or cGMP) and familiarity with relevant documentation practices.
Experience handling mouse tissue samples such spleens and lymph nodes; human samples and/or non-human primate (NHP) PBMC samples, including biosafety best practices.
Excellent organizational and time management skills
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Routine work in a laboratory environment; ability to perform aseptic technique and follow biosafety procedures.
Ability to safely handle biological specimens (including human and/or non-human primate samples) and, where applicable, work with infectious agents in accordance with biosafety requirements and training.
Ability to stand for extended periods, perform repetitive pipetting, and lift/move typical laboratory materials (e.g., boxes of consumables) consistent with site guidelines.
Ability to work effectively on time-constrained milestones in a highly collaborative and visible research program
Work Location Assignment: On Premise

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $68,600.00 to $114,300.00. In addition, this position is eligible for participation in Pfizer’s Global Performance Plan with a bonus target of 7.5% of the base salary. 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.

Candidates must be authorized to be employed in the U.S. by any employer.
U.S. work visa sponsorship (such as TN, O-1, H-1B, etc.) is not available for this role now or in the future.

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)