Principal Scientist, Process Chemistry
- United States - Washington – Bothell
OVERVIEW:
Pfizer’s purpose is to deliver breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Process Research and Development is at the heart of fulfilling Pfizer’s purpose as we work to translate advanced science and technologies into the therapies that matter most. Whether you are in the discovery sciences, ensuring drug safety and efficacy or supporting clinical trials, you will apply cutting edge design and process development capabilities to accelerate and bring the best-in-class medicines to patients around the world.
ROLE SUMMARY:
The Chemical Process and Analytical Development (CPAD) group located in Bothell, WA is responsible for the development of chemical processes and analytical methods for novel drug-linkers (linker-payloads) used in antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). Our process chemists, analytical chemists, and chemical engineers collaborate to discover phase-appropriate synthetic routes and chemical processes to accelerate the delivery of life saving medicines to patients, and to develop robust and innovative synthetic processes to novel commercial drug-linker candidates that drive the next generation of targeted cancer therapy.
As a Principal Scientist in CPAD, you will provide technical leadership to a team of process chemists engaged in route screening/selection, process development, and process characterization for our growing drug-linker portfolio. You will drive the development of safe and scalable chemistry by leveraging state-of-the-art technologies such as high-throughput experimentation, data-rich experimentation, catalysis, continuous processing, and predictive technologies. You will spearhead the advancement of Pfizer’s oncology portfolio through personal laboratory effort as well as oversee external resources through technology transfer and campaign execution at CDMOs. You will serve as a technical and strategic leader for early and late-phase programs while mentoring junior staff members in a supportive and inclusive work environment. You will propose technical and strategic solutions to management and represent process chemistry in cross-functional teams requiring excellent communication skills. Finally, you will be expected to establish an external presence as technical leader in the field by authoring journal articles and presenting at leading external scientific meetings.
ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES:
Design and execute well-planned laboratory experiments that require complex data analysis.
Maintain high standards for all laboratory records, reports, patents, regulatory documents, and external communications.
Employ state-of-the art technologies including high-throughput experimentation, data-rich experimentation, computational tools, and predictive software to accelerate process development.
Be recognized as a technical leader internally and externally by authoring publications and presenting externally.
Drive technical aspects of early and late phase pharmaceutical development.
Lead technology transfer to internal sites or external CDMOs for GMP manufacturing while managing CRO/CMO resources.
Persuasively communicate abstract concepts, ideas, and solutions to project teams, leadership, and cross-functional teams.
Establish and deliver on tight timelines aligned with our portfolio goals.
Promote a supportive and inclusive work environment and mentor junior staff.
Maintain an understanding of the activities and research carried out by the project team members.
Lead authoring for patents and regulatory documents.
Leverage knowledge and experience to guide cross-functional team decisions.
Build strong relationships with stakeholders to advocate for our department.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
PhD in Organic Chemistry with 4+ years of experience in pharmaceutical process development, including route design, scale-up, and GMP manufacturing; or a Master’s degree with 9+ years of relevant experience OR Bachelors degree and 12+ years of experience.
Proven track record of scientific innovation and impact, demonstrated through authorship of peer-reviewed publications, patents, or presentations at recognized scientific conferences.
A sound understanding of modern synthetic organic chemistry principles, process development, engineering, analytical and purification technologies.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to effectively collaborate with stakeholders.
In-depth knowledge of pharmaceutical development from pre-clinical to commercialization.
Experience in a regulated pharmaceutical environment including GMP deliveries and regulatory authoring.
This is an on-site designated role, and you will be expected to work five days per week on-site.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience with drug-linkers for ADCs or other targeted mixed-modality therapeutics.
Experience in mentoring scientific staff, both directly and in a matrix environment.
Experience with technology transfer activities and CRO/CDMO resource management.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:
Lifting, sitting, standing, walking, bending and ability to perform mathematical calculations.
NON-STANDARD WORK SCHEDULE, TRAVEL OR ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS:
This is a laboratory-based position. Adherence to safe work practices, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses, lab coats, and gloves, is required. Occasional travel for business purposes, scientific conferences, or collaboration (typically <10%) is expected.
Additional Job Details:
Work Location Assignment: On Premise
Last date to apply is June 23, 2026
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
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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)