Senior Principal Scientist
- Ireland - Cork - Ringaskiddy
Senior Principal Scientist – Process Development Centre
Use Your Power for Purpose
At Pfizer, our purpose is to deliver breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Your contributions will directly impact the development of new therapies and vaccines, ultimately improving the lives of patients around the world. By leveraging cutting-edge design and process development capabilities, you will help accelerate the delivery of best-in-class medicines to patients globally.
About Pfizer Process Development Centre
The Pfizer global Process Development Centre (PDC) is an innovative team which develops novel synthetic routes and scalable chemical API processes and technology for the Pfizer global manufacturing network. Our process chemists, analytical scientists, and chemical engineers collaborate to design robust, safe, and scalable chemistry that accelerates delivery of life‑changing therapeutics to patients.
Additionally, the PDC leads and supports various supply assurance projects for the global manufacturing network. Our team works closely with global research and operations teams enabling the manufacture of life saving medicines.
About the role
We now have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Principal Scientist in Process Development to join our team based in Cork, Ireland. The successful candidate will work as part of a multi-disciplinary team working with leading edge technology. As a Senior Principal Scientist, you will serve as a key technical leader driving route scouting, synthetic design, process development, and process characterization for our development programs. You will apply a strong foundation in modern synthetic organic chemistry and process development to build scalable, innovative chemistry using state‑of‑the‑art technologies (HTE, data‑rich experimentation, AI tools, continuous processing, catalysis, and predictive tools).
This role provides the opportunity to contribute through hands‑on laboratory innovation while guiding strategy for early and late‑stage programs. You will mentor junior scientists, influence cross‑functional project direction, and represent PDC both internally and externally.
The PDC is a vibrant, dynamic team with excellent career development and advancement opportunities. This role will require attendance at our facility in Cork.
What we offer
An attractive and competitive package of pay and conditions.
Excellent opportunities for career enhancement and development.
A well-established further education program.
Opportunity to travel to other Pfizer sites and locations.
A strong personal development program.
About the position
Reporting to the PDC Lead, the successful candidate’s key responsibilities, commensurate with the position:
Contribute a range of highly innovative chemistry and process development ideas to support global process development projects.
Apply innovative synthetic chemistry and process development skills, new technologies and statistical experimental design approaches to develop safe, efficient, and robust processes including full-scale qualification and/or commercial validation batches meeting contemporary regulatory standards.
Apply synthetic chemistry and mechanistic expertise to support commercial API processes at relevant API sites.
Demonstrate problem solving by leading chemistry and process understanding.
Lead matrix teams of scientists across multiple levels to deliver portfolio and initiative breakthroughs.
Lead and contribute to scientific strategy and direction for advances in delivery of 2nd Generation API process development through interaction with organizational thought leaders and cross functional management.
Advance scientific research and expand capability in the areas of chemical synthesis and process research and development, including the identification and application of advances in automation, robotics and AI to process development programs.
Investigate new technologies and process development approaches to bring added value to Pfizer Global Supply.
Contribute to current relevant scientific literature and maintain an awareness of new advances in the field of chemistry.
Conduct novel scientific research and present significant findings via internal and external presentations or publications.
Provide scientific advances, leadership, and strategic direction for the fundamental understanding of small molecule API chemical synthesis and process development programs.
Teach and mentor colleagues across the Pfizer organization.
Cultivate sustainable and effective relationships with internal partners and stakeholders, i.e., partner lines in Global Technology Engineering and Launch (GTEL), Pfizer Global Supply (PGS) and Pharmaceutical Sciences Small Molecule (PSSM).
Lead key projects in support of SMT initiatives, through cross-functional and divisional teams.
Complete reports, memos and eLN experiments to a high standard and meeting required deadlines.
Contribute to the PDC chemistry team program of continuous improvement.
Ensure the ongoing safe and efficient operation of PDC facilities.
The ideal candidate:
A PhD in synthetic organic chemistry and a minimum of 15 years’ experience in small molecule API process research and development within the pharma industry.
State of the art knowledge of modern synthetic methodology, including aspects of asymmetric synthesis, green chemistry, catalysis and physical organic chemistry as it relates to reaction mechanism is expected. The ability to employ analytical tools, computational and statistical methodology, and automated laboratory technologies to enhance process development efficiency is desirable.
A proven ability in the design and redesign of API manufacturing processes applying retrosynthetic principles, covering ideation through commercial manufacture, regulatory submission, and approval.
Expert knowledge and proven track record in driving continuous improvement of commercial manufacturing processes to achieve improvements in manufacturing process efficiency and sustainability.
The ability to work on and lead multi-disciplinary teams involving chemists, analysts, engineers, and technologists, and to represent the PDC on cross-functional teams is essential.
Demonstrated ability to apply innovative and practical technical solutions to resolve complex problems, both in the lab and manufacturing plant, and to direct research teams to a conclusion. Up to date knowledge of emerging focus areas applicable to API development and manufacture.
Excellent practical synthetic laboratory experience and skills across a broad range of chemistries.
Recognised by industry and academic peers as a leading subject matter expert in synthetic chemistry, small molecule API process research and development and route design.
A thorough grasp of intellectual property and patents as it pertains to API process research and development.
Knowledge of contemporary quality and regulatory guidance pertaining to the control of impurities, including potentially genotoxic impurities, is desirable.
A proven ability to plan and work independently. The ability to determine and pursue courses of action necessary to obtain desired results; develops advanced ideas and guides their development into a final product.
Experience in actively developing and advancing scientific initiatives and external collaborations.
A strong interest and motivation to learn and implement new technologies and concepts.
Proven track record of supervising, mentoring and coaching scientists.
Excellent organizational and communication (oral and written) skills.
Collaborative and effective partnering skills applied in a complex, multi-disciplinary organizational model.
Extensive practical experience working within (and leading) cross-disciplinary teams and achieving results in a matrix environment.
Candidate demonstrates a breadth of diverse leadership experiences and capabilities including: the ability to influence and collaborate with peers, develop and coach others, oversee and guide the work of other colleagues to achieve meaningful outcomes and create business impact.
Work Location Assignment: On Premise
Additional Information
In order to be considered for this position in Ireland you need to be legally eligible to work in Ireland.
Please note there is no relocation support available for this position
How to apply
Make a difference today, all suitable candidates should apply with CV below. We are looking forward to hearing from you!
Purpose
Breakthroughs that change patients' lives... At Pfizer we are a patient centric company, guided by our four values: courage, joy, equity and excellence. Our breakthrough culture lends itself to our dedication to transforming millions of lives.
Digital Transformation Strategy
One bold way we are achieving our purpose is through our company wide digital transformation strategy. We are leading the way in adopting new data, modelling and automated solutions to further digitize and accelerate drug discovery and development with the aim of enhancing health outcomes and the patient experience.
Equal Employment Opportunity
We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is crucial to building a successful business. As an employer, Pfizer is committed to celebrating this, in all its forms – allowing for us to be as diverse as the patients and communities we serve. Together, we continue to build a culture that encourages, supports and empowers our employees.
Disability Inclusion
Our mission is unleashing the power of all our people and we are proud to be a disability inclusive employer, ensuring equal employment opportunities for all candidates. We encourage you to put your best self forward with the knowledge and trust that we will make any reasonable adjustments to support your application and future career. Your journey with Pfizer starts here!
To learn more about acceptable and prohibited uses of AI during the recruitment process, please review our candidate AI-use guidelines available on Pfizer Careers.

Research and DevelopmentBreakthroughs 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 Global Supply
Pfizer Global Supply proudly shoulders the responsibility of manufacturing and distributing our wide-ranging pharmaceutical products.
With an unwavering commitment to ensuring the availability and accessibility of these life-saving medications, we play a pivotal role in reaching patients, healthcare professionals, and markets across the globe.
Our network of state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, strategically located distribution centers, and streamlined logistics systems enables us to deliver Pfizer's medicines with utmost efficiency and reliability, making a tangible difference in patients' 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)