Principal Scientist – Protein Formulation & Biophysical Characterization (High-Concentration Biologics)
- United States - Massachusetts - Andover
Principal Scientist – Protein Formulation & Biophysical Characterization (High-Concentration Biologics)
is a hands-on, laboratory-focused, scientific leadership role within a biologics and vaccines formulation group (DPDD- PhRD) for a deeply technical scientist driving innovation in protein formulation and high-concentration biologics.
The role focuses on developing and implementing novel formulation strategies and platform approaches to enable high-dose, patient-centric biologic delivery, including subcutaneous administration.
The successful candidate will generate mechanistic insights and translate them into scalable solutions that enhance Pfizer’s drug product capabilities.
The individual will serve as a technical subject matter expert, contributing across cross-functional teams and building external scientific presence through publications, presentations, and participation in industry collaborations and consortia.
Key Responsibilities
1) Formulation Science & Characterization
Design and execute experimental studies to develop and optimize protein formulations across biologic modalities (e.g., mAbs, fusion proteins, bispecifics, antibody-drug conjugates, peptides, etc.) in liquid and lyophilized dosage forms.
Apply biophysical and physicochemical characterization to assess and mitigate key risks (e.g., aggregation, viscosity, stability).
Analyze data, generate clear insights, and communicate findings to scientific teams.
2) Innovation & Technology Development
Develop and advance novel formulation strategies and enabling technologies for high-concentration biologics.
Build scalable approaches such as experimental workflows, screening methods, and predictive tools that can be applied across programs.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement and integrate new technologies.
3) External Scientific Engagement
Build collaborations with academic and industry partners to advance formulation science.
Contribute to external scientific visibility through publications, conference presentations, and participation in industry consortia.
4) Cross-Functional Contribution
Collaborate with the internal Device Center of Excellence to facilitate optimal device selection, serving as a liaison and technical subject matter expert on formulation matters.
Provide formulation expertise to project teams and support key development decisions.
Contribute scientific input to regulatory documentation as needed.
5) Technical Leadership
Lead a cross-functional group focused on subcutaneous delivery of biologics. Align with key stakeholders and devise and implement strategies to advance the biologics portfolio.
Lead focused technical initiatives or platform problems; prior experience with formal project leadership is preferred but not required.
Education & Experience
PhD in Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biophysical Sciences, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Biomedical or Chemical Engineering, or related disciplines with 3–5 years relevant experience in biologics formulation, biophysics, or drug product development (industry experience preferred)
Demonstrated scientific output (e.g., publications and/or conference presentations) preferred
Must Have
Strong background in protein formulation for parenteral biologics
Direct hands-on experience with biophysical/analytical characterization techniques and data interpretation including proficiency with a broad suite of techniques (DLS, DSC, DSF, SEC-MALS, NTA, CD, FTIR, fluorescence spectroscopy, rheology); ability to design and interpret multi-technique characterization studies
Familiarity with parenteral dosage forms and delivery considerations
Ability to analyze complex data and communicate clear, actionable insights
Nice to Have
Demonstrated expertise in protein design/engineering principles, structure-function relationship, identification of developability hot spots, and how molecular attributes influence formulation behavior.
Deep understanding of challenges at elevated protein concentrations: viscosity, self-association, aggregation, LLPS, colloidal instability, opalescence; familiarity with interaction parameters (kD, B22)
Knowledge of subcutaneous drug delivery fundamentals: injection volume/concentration constraints, tissue interactions, injectability, bioavailability considerations, container closure compatibility
Optional Technical Skills
Experience with formulation of oligonucleotides, peptides, or other non-mAb modalities is a plus
Experience with molecular modeling, molecular dynamics simulations, machine learning/AI approaches for formulation or protein behavior prediction, QSPR modeling
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Job involves lab-work and requires strong ability to perform complex data analysis and data interpretation.
NON-STANDARD WORK SCHEDULE, TRAVEL OR ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS
Some travel required as part of project support, conference attendance, consortia participation, etc.
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.

Sunshine Act
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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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Research and Development
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)