Senior Scientist, Antibody Engineering & Discovery (BMD)
- United States - California - San Diego
Role Overview
The BioMedicine Design (BMD) group at Pfizer Torrey Heights site is seeking a highly motivated Senior Scientist (R4) to contribute to the discovery and engineering of next-generation biologics, with an emphasis on multispecific antibodies like immune cell engagers (TCEs).
This role will leverage yeast and phage display platforms to drive antibody discovery and optimization and will contribute to format engineering across immuno-oncology portfolios. A successful candidate will bring strong scientific rigor, execution excellence, and a collaborative mindset to advance programs from early discovery through candidate selection, delivering high-quality molecules for challenging targets. The candidate will have access to state-of-the-art protein and antibody engineering technologies and will be expected to continue our tradition of developing world-class methods and technologies that enhance our therapeutic discovery efforts.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and execute antibody discovery/engineering campaigns using yeast/phage display technologies, including library construction, screening, and hit identification
- Implement innovative strategies for the design and development of next-generation multispecific biologics
- Leverage cross-functional data to define and drive molecular design and optimization strategies, collaborate across internal teams and external partners to drive efficient decision-making and program advancement
- Contribute to platform development and continuous improvement of display technologies and screening strategies
- Clearly communicate results and scientific insights to project teams and leadership
- Stay informed with literature and scientific advancement in the biologics discovery and engineering field
- Maintain rigorous documentation and uphold high standards of scientific quality and data integrity
Basic Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Protein Engineering, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering or a related field, with postdoctoral training
- Demonstrated strong hands-on expertise in yeast display for antibody discovery and/or engineering, with creative problem-solving and solid analytical skills.
- Extensive technical skills in protein expression, purification and molecular biology.
- Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals, reflecting scientific innovation and impact
- Proven ability to independently design experiments, analyze complex datasets, and drive scientific decisions
- Excellent work ethic, with strong ownership, attention to detail, and a commitment to high-quality execution
Preferred Qualifications
- Demonstrated experience in project leadership within cross-functional teams
- Proven expertise in multispecific antibody design and production, including format engineering and expression strategies
- Working knowledge of computational tools supporting antibody discovery and engineering workflows
- Prior experience in a matrixed drug discovery environment, ideally in biologics or antibody therapeutics
Key Attributes
- Strong scientific curiosity and problem-solving mindset
- Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment
- Clear and concise communication skills, with the ability to influence cross-functional decisions
- Commitment to BMD culture: collaboration, scientific excellence, and delivery for portfolio impact (“we better”)
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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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)