Principal Scientist - Analytical Research and Development
- United States - Washington – Bothell
OVERVIEW:
As a Principal Scientist, you will be at the center of our operations, and you’ll find that everything we do, every day, is in line with an unwavering commitment to quality. You will be recognized as a technical expert and a significant scientific contributor. With your deep knowledge of the discipline, you will regularly contribute to the therapeutic area level and can represent the department on multidisciplinary teams.
With your deep knowledge of the discipline, you will work with internal and external partners around the world to manage and oversee GMP analytical readiness for novel small molecule components for use in targeted therapeutics. You will use strong communication skills to ensure technical and business line alignment across a variety of stakeholders within multidisciplinary teams. It is your scientific diligence, knowledge, and focus on execution that will help in making Pfizer ready to achieve new milestones and help patients across the globe. You will play a lead role in establishing an outsourcing culture and mindset within ARD.
ROLE SUMMARY:
As a member of the Pharmaceutical Sciences Analytical Research and Development team, you will collaborate with project teams, development analysts, GMP analysts and external vendors to deliver multiple units of analytical work in parallel. You will manage analytical testing through successful, timely delivery for internal project teams in support of small molecule drug development. You will apply your expertise in separations and chromatography as well as other analytical methodologies to enable drug development utilizing external resources.
The candidate will be responsible for independently delivering technical work packages in support of drug development during all clinical phases. Work will be predominantly focused on analytical development activities including validating and transferring analytical methods, developing, and executing general testing protocols aligned with ARD development workflows, critically evaluating vendor generated data and compiling summaries as required.
The role requires collaboration with ARD colleagues to identify appropriate analytical approaches, ensuring vendors clearly understand Pfizer's needs, managing technical risks, and developing appropriate contingencies across a dynamic portfolio. This role also requires direct interaction with outsourcing colleagues in partner groups and therefore requires knowledge of API and DP development workflows.
The candidate will manage differences in analytical instrumentation and operating procedures between the vendors and Pfizer, ensuring minimal technical impact on the work packages and data being delivered. The candidate will capture relevant feedback and facilitate the evolution of best practices and process improvements with the vendor.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry or related field with 4+ years of R&D experience OR Masters in Analytical Chemistry or relevant industry experience with 9+ years of R&D experience, OR B.S. with 12+ years of relevant industry experience and analytical development experience.
Significant hands-on experience of the development and application of common analytical methods to support the progression of drug candidate development workflows.
Good Knowledge of the development workflows used by ARD’s key partners within PSSM.
Demonstrated ability to manage parallel projects, prioritize activities in a dynamic environment, meet timelines, and interact with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders.
A breadth of diverse leadership experiences and the ability to lead change and work in new paradigms.
Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective interpersonal and communication skills are required.
Demonstrated oral and written communication skills, including visualization of data, presentations, and authoring technical articles
Demonstrated ability to meet timelines and interact with multi-disciplinary teams.
Demonstrated ability to learn new techniques and solve complex analytical problems.
Demonstrated ability to work with contract manufacturing organizations.
Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective interpersonal and communication skills are required.
Proficient with a wide variety of software and information systems.
Good understanding of GMP as applied to analytical development.
NON-STANDARD WORK SCHEDULE, TRAVEL OR ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS:
Limited US and international travel may be required
ADDITIONAL DETAILS:
Last date to apply is May 12, 2026
Work Location Assignment: This is an on-site role at our Bothell campus requiring you to live within commuting distance and work on-site an average of 2.5 days per week.
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.

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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)