Head of Immunodiagnostics and Next Generation Technology
- United States - New York - Pearl River
POSITION SUMMARY
As a Senior Leader within our Vaccines R&D Clinical Immunology and Diagnostics organization, you will envision and implement next-generation immunodiagnostics strategies. Reporting to the Head of Clinical Diagnostics, you will drive novel, high-throughput ligand binding assay (LBA) strategies outside of conventional plate-based assays—focusing heavily on automation, speed, and high precision.
You will lead a high-performing team developing and maintaining immunodiagnostic assays to support vaccine clinical trials and epidemiological studies. You will serve as the primary immunology and assay development Subject Matter Expert (SME) for vaccine program teams. You will leverage your deep end-to-end expertise in assay lifecycles, robotic sample handling, clinical batching, and analytical/clinical validations under GCLP/cGMP guidelines.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategy and Innovation
Envision and execute next-generation ligand binding assay (LBA) strategies, driving high-throughput, automated, and rapid-completion alternatives to traditional plate-based assays.
Keep abreast of scientific and technological breakthroughs; identify and in-license/in-house promising new diagnostic platforms.
Project and Clinical Leadership
Set objectives for and manage multiple assay development projects (serological, immunodiagnostic, and toxicological).
Drive the prioritization of clinical epidemiological studies by optimizing logistical testing resources.
Author and review high-level technical documents, validations, regulatory responses, and scientific publications.
Collaboration and Influence
Collaborate across internal Vaccines R&D teams and external partners to integrate cutting-edge testing technologies into clinical strategies.
Lead technology transfers and represent the department in key scientific and strategic discussions.
People Management and Compliance
Direct and mentor a diverse team of scientists, including direct management of multiple subordinate managers.
Ensure all laboratory work and clinical testing strictly adhere to Pfizer values, SOPs, and GCLP/cGMP standards.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience
PhD in Immunology or a closely related biological field.
5+ years of industry experience leading the development of advanced tools and assays and the implementation of cutting edge technologies
Experience managing other managers and mentoring junior scientists.
Technical Expertise
Deep expertise in assay development and lifecycle management (from concept/design to long-term sustainability).
Strong background in robotic sample handling systems, clinical batching, Design of Experiments (DoE), and general biostatistical analysis.
Expert knowledge of analytical/clinical validations under GCLP and/or cGMP guidelines.
Tools and Technology
Proficiency with LIMS, DoE software, and standard enterprise suites.
Communication and Influence
Strong publication record (primary author) and
Experience presenting concise, high-level data to senior leadership.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Experience leveraging AI, machine learning, or advanced algorithmic scheduling software to optimize high-throughput laboratory automation and automated assay data analysis pipelines
Experience interacting with/responding to regulatory agencies
Candidate demonstrates a breadth of diverse leadership experiences and capabilities including: the ability to influence and collaborate with peers, develop and coach others, oversee and guide the work of other colleagues to achieve meaningful outcomes and create business impact.
Work Location Assignment: This is a hybrid role requiring you to live within commuting distance and work on-site an average of 2.5 days per week or more as needed.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Sitting of long periods of time and occasional walking from one building to another.
Relocation support available
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)