Senior Associate Scientist - Cellular Genomics
- United States - Massachusetts - Cambridge
Role Summary:
We are seeking a highly motivated senior associate scientist to join the Pfizer Cellular Genomics team within Systems Immunology. The successful candidate will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across research and therapeutic areas to support the application of next-generation sequencing (NGS) and emerging genomic technologies to drug discovery, translational research, and preclinical development programs.
As a member of Cellular Genomics, this individual will contribute to the development, optimization, and execution of a broad portfolio of genomics assays, including single-cell sequencing applications. Responsibilities span experimental design, sample processing, library preparation, sequencing, data quality assessment, method development, troubleshooting, and documentation of laboratory activities.
This role requires strong technical expertise in molecular biology and genomics workflows, including tissue and cell processing, nucleic acid extraction, library preparation, sequencing and quality control. The successful candidate will also perform initial data quality assessment and upstream bioinformatics processing to ensure the delivery of high-quality datasets for downstream computational analysis.
The ideal candidate is scientifically curious, highly organized, and passionate about adopting innovative genomic technologies. Success in this role requires meticulous attention to detail, strong analytical thinking, effective problem-solving skills, and a commitment to scientific excellence and reproducibility.
Role Responsibilities
- Perform and maintain competency in complex Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) workflows according to established operational procedures, quality standards, and laboratory best practices.
- Execute laboratory activities including sample preparation, tissue dissociation, cell and nuclei isolation, nucleic acid extraction, library preparation, quality control, sequencing, and data generation to ensure high-quality and reproducible results.
- Perform upstream data processing and quality assessment of samples, libraries, sequencing runs, and associated datasets prior to downstream computational analyses.
- Optimize, troubleshoot, validate, and continuously improve NGS library preparation, sequencing workflows, and emerging genomics technologies.
- Apply TapeStation and other nucleic acid analysis techniques to support sample and library quality control.
- Serve as a technical resource for genomics technologies, providing guidance on experimental design, platform selection, sample requirements, and data management strategies.
- Contribute to the evaluation, implementation, benchmarking, and validation of new genomics assays, platforms, instrumentation, and workflow improvements.
- Educate and train scientists on genomics technologies, laboratory instrumentation, and best practices; deliver presentations and technical updates as appropriate.
- Stay current with advancements in single-cell genomics, spatial transcriptomics, sequencing technologies, and related molecular biology innovations.
- Draft and maintain experimental plans, validation reports, work instructions, SOPs, and other technical documentation.
- Maintain accurate and compliant ELN records and adhere to Pfizer quality, safety, and data integrity standards.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Molecular Biology, Genomics, Biotechnology, Biological Sciences, or a related discipline with 3+ years of relevant experience.
- Master's degree in Molecular Biology, Genomics, Biotechnology, Biological Sciences, or a related discipline with 0+ years of relevant experience.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Hands-on experience supporting NGS workflows, including assay development, optimization, troubleshooting, validation, and quality review.
- Experience working with bulk RNA sequencing, single-cell and single-nucleus RNA sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, targeted sequencing, immune repertoire sequencing, epigenomics assays, or related genomic technologies.
- Experience with tissue dissociation, cell isolation, nuclei isolation, and preparation of samples for single-cell genomics workflows.
- Proficiency in DNA and RNA extraction, nucleic acid quantification, quality control assessment, and library preparation methodologies.
- Familiarity with sequencing platforms and associated quality metrics.
- Experience with genomics data management and basic bioinformatics workflows is desirable.
- Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative environment.
- Demonstrated ability to prioritize multiple projects, manage timelines, and deliver high-quality work.
- Strong problem-solving skills and commitment to scientific rigor and reproducibility.
- Self-motivated, adaptable, and eager to learn new technologies and approaches.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Typical bench work, including sitting, pipetting, lifting <10lbs
NON-STANDARD WORK SCHEDULE, TRAVEL OR ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS
None
Work Location Assignment: Hybrid
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
Pfizer reports payments and other transfers of value to health care providers as required by federal and state transparency laws and implementing regulations. These laws and regulations require Pfizer to provide government agencies with information such as a health care provider’s name, address and the type of payments or other value received, generally for public disclosure. Subject to further legal review and statutory or regulatory clarification, which Pfizer intends to pursue, reimbursement of recruiting expenses for licensed physicians may constitute a reportable transfer of value under the federal transparency law commonly known as the Sunshine Act. Therefore, if you are a licensed physician who incurs recruiting expenses as a result of interviewing with Pfizer that we pay or reimburse, your name, address and the amount of payments made currently will be reported to the government. If you have questions regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact your Talent Acquisition representative.
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.
Pfizer endeavors to make www.pfizer.com/careers accessible to all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process and/or interviewing, please email disabilityrecruitment@pfizer.com. This is to be used solely for accommodation requests with respect to the accessibility of our website, online application process and/or interviewing. Requests for any other reason will not be returned.
To learn more about acceptable and prohibited uses of AI during the recruitment process, please review our candidate AI-use guidelines available on Pfizer Careers.

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)