Sr. Associate Scientist MSAT Cell Culture
- United States - North Carolina - Sanford
Use Your Power for Purpose
Pfizer’s purpose is to deliver breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. At the core of fulfilling this purpose is Research and Development, where we strive to translate advanced science and technologies into the therapies and vaccines that matter most. Your role will focus on developing robust, scalable, and high-productivity cell culture processes for manufacturing biological therapeutics for both early- and late-phase clinical programs. Your extensive experience and deep understanding of the principles, concepts, and practices of the discipline will make you an invaluable team member. Your expertise will guide critical decision-making processes, often requiring you to choose among limited options. You will actively contribute to all team discussions, bringing your innovative scientific mindset to the table. This proactive approach will help Pfizer achieve new milestones and make a significant impact on patients worldwide.
What You Will Achieve
The role of a Senior AssociateScientist in the upstreamgroup of the Manufacturing Sciences and Technologies department (MSAT) at Sanford is to support vaccine DSI/DS manufacturing. This includes supporting launch, commercial (robustness, investigation, continued process validation, tech transfer), and 2G process development activities. Senior Associate Scientists are also expected to support MSAT and/or network initiatives related to internal operations improvements and scientific development. Work is primarily non-GMP and must adhere to business, quality, and compliance objectives and be executed in a manner that is compliant with government regulations as well as internal company standards and values. The role is primarily lab-based and team-oriented.
In this role, you will:
Comply with all safety, training, and data integrity expectations.
Maintain a clean laboratory environment and support team 5S activities.
Order supplies and maintain inventories as directed.
Safely operate and maintain laboratory equipment and instruments according to Job Aids, SOPs, and Batch Records. Assist in the development of Job Aids, SOPs, and Batch Records.
Perform shiftwork and weekend work as needed to meet business objectives.
Perform pre-work for, attend, and actively participate in all required meetings. Facilitate Tier 1 meetings, as needed.
Perform data entry and verification.
Manage individual projects, scientific or otherwise, without direct oversight (i.e. develop objectives, timelines, and report on progress).
Perform and/or lead OpEx activities. Provide feedback/improvements to PCT in IMEX workshops. Support department OpEx
Train others on equipment as appropriate. Provide feedback/suggestions for OJTs.
Share study results, conclusions, or project information within the PCT via power point presentations.
Execute lab studies and document results as a member of a team. Understand the prupose and design of individual studies.
Lead or participate in M1 investigations. Identify issues with lab equipment and lab studies. Troubleshoot lab equipment issues with assistance.
Author technical documents with assistance (e.g. memos)
Participate in model/ process dev studies. Accommodate last-minute changes to study design/ execution.
Understand current project milestones and timelines.
Here Is What You Need (Minimum Requirements)
Degree in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Biochemical Engineering or closely related field. Bachelor’s degree with 3+ year relevant experience, M.S. or Ph.D. with 0+ years of relevant experience may consist of skill development in an academic or industry setting.
Hands-on expertise in microbial or mammalian cell culture
Proficiency in small-scale cell culture, fermentation bioreactor, and WAVE process development
Strong foundation in genetics, molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, and cell culture techniques
Excellent oral and written communication skills, particularly in report writing
Proficiency with personal computers, including word processing, spreadsheets, PowerPoint, and relevant scientific software
Ability to analyze and interpret data accurately
Bonus Points If You Have (Preferred Requirements)
General knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (also cGMP) practices
Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
Experience using common AI tools, including generative technologies such as ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot, to support problem solving and enhance productivity. Demonstrated curiosity for exploring how these tools can improve outcomes and understanding of responsible AI practices, including risk management and ethical use
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Lab based role requires:
1) Ability to lift up to 25lbs unassisted and up to 50lbs assisted.
2) Periods of standing, sitting, walking, bending for long periods of time.
3) Ability to perform mathematical calculation, both basic and complex data analysis.
NON-STANDARD WORK SCHEDULE, TRAVEL OR ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS
This is a 1st shift position. Flexible schedule 8 AM to 5 PM depending on the process.
Occasional weekend and off shift work required. Business travel may be required on rare
Work Location Assignment: On Premise
OTHER JOB DETAILS
Last Date to Apply for Job (Internal Candidates): July 23rd, 2026
Last Date to Apply for Job (External Candidates): July 30th, 2026

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $68,600.00 to $114,300.00. 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.

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 Global Supply
Pfizer Global Supply proudly shoulders the responsibility of manufacturing and distributing our wide-ranging pharmaceutical products.
With an unwavering commitment to ensuring the availability and accessibility of these life-saving medications, we play a pivotal role in reaching patients, healthcare professionals, and markets across the globe.
Our network of state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, strategically located distribution centers, and streamlined logistics systems enables us to deliver Pfizer's medicines with utmost efficiency and reliability, making a tangible difference in patients' 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)