Senior Scientist, Process Development
- United States - Connecticut - Groton
Use Your Power for Purpose
We are seeking a creative, highly motivated chemist with experience in biocatalysis to join Chemical Research and Development (CRD) in Groton, Connecticut. The successful candidate will help develop innovative enzymatic processes for key precursors used in the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) candidates across our portfolio. This role requires scientific rigor, a strong interest in advancing biocatalysis technologies, and a demonstrated ability to deliver high-quality technical results.
As part of Pfizer Research and Development, CRD develops synthetic processes and manufacturing technologies for APIs. CRD scientists support programs from early route design and small-scale synthesis through commercial process development, pilot-scale manufacture, and technology transfer to internal and external manufacturing sites.
This position sits within the Biocatalysis Center of Excellence in the Technology API group and serves as both a laboratory-based experimentalist and subject matter expert. The role will focus on enzyme screening, reaction optimization, and the development of biocatalytic workflows for innovative synthetic routes. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with chemists, analysts, biochemists, and chemical engineers across Research and Development and manufacturing to design enzyme platforms, contribute to enzyme engineering efforts, and optimize processes for cost, robustness, and product quality.
What You Will Achieve
In this role, you will:
- Independently develop biocatalytic platforms, protocols, and workflows aligned with process chemistry objectives and emerging technology advances.
- Apply expertise across enzyme classes relevant to pharmaceutical biocatalysis, including enzyme screening, protein engineering, reaction kinetics, and reaction scale-up.
- Design and execute experiments independently with clear objectives, and maintain accurate, compliant documentation in electronic laboratory notebooks.
- Contribute innovative ideas for enzymatic and organic transformations for API synthesis and maintain current knowledge of the biocatalysis and synthetic chemistry literature.
- Coach, mentor, train, and supervise staff when assigned, and support recruiting activities as needed.
- Collaborate effectively with chemists, analysts, and chemical engineers across Research and Development and manufacturing to design novel enzyme-enabled processes.
- Prepare research reports, technical presentations, and external publications.
Here Is What You Need (Minimum Requirements)
- PhD in Chemistry or Chemical Biology with 0–5 years of pharmaceutical industry experience. Hands-on experience applying enzymes in a laboratory setting and familiarity with the development of pharmaceutical processes using biocatalytic methods.
Bonus Points If You Have (Preferred Requirements)
- Expertise in using a broad range of enzymes in organic chemistry. Experience designing and optimizing biocatalytic reactions, conducting high-throughput screening in multi-well plates, and developing new enzyme platforms.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Ability to work in a standard laboratory environment, including conducting experiments in a fume hood.
Ability to perform complex data analysis.
Strong communication skills and effective collaboration within multidisciplinary teams.
Self-awareness and willingness to seek input from others to improve ideas and problem-solving.
Adaptability in response to changing project priorities.
NON-STANDARD WORK SCHEDULE, TRAVEL OR ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS
Occasional domestic and international travel (0–5%) may be required to support technology development, clinical manufacturing, and technology transfer to commercial manufacturing.
Relocation support availableWork Location Assignment: On Premise

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $93,600.00 to $156,000.00. In addition, this position is eligible for participation in Pfizer’s Global Performance Plan with a bonus target of 12.5% of the base salary and eligibility to participate in our share based long term incentive program. We offer comprehensive and generous benefits and programs to help our colleagues lead healthy lives and to support each of life’s moments. Benefits offered include a 401(k) plan with Pfizer Matching Contributions and an additional Pfizer Retirement Savings Contribution, paid vacation, holiday and personal days, paid caregiver/parental and medical leave, and health benefits to include medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage. Learn more at Pfizer Candidate Site – U.S. Benefits | (uscandidates.mypfizerbenefits.com). Pfizer compensation structures and benefit packages are aligned based on the location of hire. The United States salary range provided does not apply to Tampa, FL or any location outside of the United States.




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)