Principal Scientist, Head of Protein Biochemistry, Viral Vaccines
- United States - New York - Pearl River
Use Your Power for Purpose
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced protein biochemist to lead the Viral Vaccines Protein Biochemistry team. The successful candidate will provide strategic and innovative scientific leadership in the design, expression, purification, and characterization of viral protein antigens to support viral vaccine programs.
This role bridges high-level scientific strategy with hands-on laboratory leadership. You will be responsible for establishing efficient workflows, advancing our protein biochemistry capabilities, and directly managing and training a team of scientists. You will also leverage fit-for-purpose technologies and AI-driven tools to accelerate deliverables. Operating within a highly matrixed environment, you will collaborate closely with immunology, virology, and assay development teams to drive early-stage vaccine research through to clinical development.
What You Will Achieve
In this role, you will:
Scientific Leadership: Lead the protein biochemistry team in Viral Vaccine Department, drive the early-stage development of complex viral glycoproteins and antigens to support vaccine candidate development and assay development in collaboration with Research Scientific Leads across different viral vaccine programs.
Team Management & Mentorship: Build, develop, and manage a team of scientists and associate scientists. Oversee daily laboratory activities, develop efficient laboratory workflows, and provide hands-on training to junior colleagues to maximize group productivity.
Technical Innovation: Implement and optimize state-of-the-art purification and characterization techniques (e.g., FPLC, HPLC, Western blotting, UV-Vis, BLI, etc) to ensure reproducible protocols and deep product understanding.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with cross-functional project teams to deliver high-quality purified protein antigens required for downstream assay development, structural analysis, and in vivo small animal studies.
Documentation & Communication: Ensure robust, high-quality documentation in electronic laboratory notebooks. Author technical reports, prepare data packages that could underpin regulatory documents, and confidently present findings, strategies, and project milestones to leadership.
Qualifications
Must Have
Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Structural Biology, or a related discipline with 4 to 7 years of industry laboratory experience.
Deep hands-on expertise in recombinant protein expression, purification methodologies, and biophysical characterization.
Demonstrated experience in supervising laboratory staff, with a proven track record of mentoring junior scientists and successfully managing project deliverables.
Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills (both written and verbal) to effectively influence and collaborate in a fast-paced, multi-disciplinary team environment.
Nice to Have
Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills (both written and verbal) to effectively influence and collaborate in a fast-paced, multi-disciplinary team environment.
Managerial experience, preferably in a commercial research and development setting.
Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to apply novel and innovative approaches.
Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment
Strong leadership and mentoring skills.
Experience managing direct reports, including performance management and development.
Ability to drive projects to completion and meet deadlines.
Strong organizational and project management skills.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Basic laboratory training in aseptic technique is essential.
Ability to work with infectious agents safely.
The capacity to work effectively in a highly visible research program with time-constrained milestones.
NON-STANDARD WORK SCHEDULE, TRAVEL OR ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS
Relocation support available
Work Location Assignment: On Premise
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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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.
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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.
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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)