Postdoctoral Research Fellow, BioMedicine Design
- United States - California - San Diego
Postdoctoral Research Fellow, BioMedicine Design
Last day to apply: July 6, 2026
BioMedicine Design (BMD) group at La Jolla, CA is seeking a highly driven and innovative Ph.D.-level scientist to join our Biotherapeutics Discovery group as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in driving therapeutic innovation through the development of a next-generation T cell engager (TCE) designed to improve tumor selectivity and minimize on-target, off-tumor toxicity. This is a unique opportunity to be trained at the interface of protein engineering, cell biology, and immunology, to work collaboratively with diverse research teams within Pfizer, and to publish in high-impact journals. By the end of the program, the Postdoc will be proficient in antibody discovery and engineering, cellular assays, and preclinical evaluation, and will be fully prepared to contribute to early-stage therapeutic discovery and modality selection. The ideal candidate should have solid training in molecular biology, cell biology, immunology or structural biology, with a good understanding of biology/oncology.
Key Responsibilities:
Demonstrate strong technical and scientific rigor in project planning and gap identification
Proactively conduct literature searches to gather relevant information and form hypotheses for testing experimentally
Design and produce constructs to further our understanding of underlying biology and mechanism of action; develop and utilize cell-based assays to test hypothesis and screen and rank molecules
Generate and effectively communicate results regularly at internal meetings, make data-driven decisions in shaping direction of research project
Participate in developing creative approaches to discover and optimize therapeutics
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS (must-have):
PhD in cancel biology, immunology, molecular or cellular biology, biochemistry, chemical and biomolecular engineering or a related discipline is required
Provide two letters of recommendation with your application (e.g. professors/PI)
Willingness to commit to the fixed‑term full-time postdoctoral fellowship (duration: 2–4 years)
Less than 2 years post-doctoral experience
At least 1 first-author scientific research article in high-quality specialty or general readership journals
Technically proficient in (at least) some molecular and cell biology tools, including construct design, molecular cloning, recombinant protein expression/purification, mammalian cell culture and cell line engineering, cell line transfection and characterization, development of cell-based assays (e.g. cytotoxicity proliferation, cytokine production), and flow cytometry
Proficient with data reporting and analysis software, strong planning and organizational skills
Strong motivation, passion and commitment to science and engineering of novel entities
Ability and desire to multitask and work in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary scientific team both independently and as part of a team, strong problem-solving and analytical skills
Excellent written and oral communication skills
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS (nice-to-have):
Prior experience with antibody discovery, protein engineering, and/or display technology (e.g., yeast and/or phage display) is highly desirable
Experience with bispecific antibodies or T cell engagers
ADDITIONAL INFORAMATION
Work Location Assignment: On Premise
Last day to apply: July 6, 2026

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $64,600.00 to $107,600.00. In addition, this position is eligible for participation in Pfizer’s Global Performance Plan with a bonus target of 7.5% of the base salary. 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.

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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)