Postdoctoral Fellow, Quantitative Systems Pharmacology
- United States - Massachusetts - Cambridge
Role summary
Quantitative Systems Pharmacology (QSP) is a scientific discipline that applies mechanistic, mathematical models and disease platforms to improve the robustness and quality of decision-making across the drug discovery and development process, from discovery research to clinical development.
The Pharmacometrics and Systems Pharmacology group at Pfizer, together with the Clinical & Translation Biomarkers team, is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow to develop, advance, and analyze an end-to-end mechanistic QSP model to better understand therapeutic benefits of incretin therapies beyond weight loss and to generate testable hypotheses for novel mechanisms and indications.
The successful candidate will hold a Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics, Engineering, Physics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacology, or a closely related discipline, with a strong quantitative mechanistic modeling background and a demonstrated record of scientific publication.
Postdoctoral Fellowship Overview
The postdoctoral fellow will develop and analyze an end-to-end QSP model that connects incretin pharmacology across tissues to measurable clinical biomarkers and patient-relevant outcomes (e.g., degree of weight loss and nausea tolerability), supporting stronger causal interpretation of trial results and accelerating evaluation of new indications.
The postdoctoral fellow will be jointly mentored by scientists with complementary expertise in QSP and clinical/translational biomarkers and will collaborate closely with colleagues across multiple functions within Pfizer including lab scientists, statisticians, computational scientists and subject-matter experts within evidence generation and integrative biology.
Role Responsibilities
- Identify and integrate relevant data sources for model development, calibration, and validation, including published literature; internal preclinical and clinical study data; clinical biomarker data; and external real-world and multi-omics resources.
- Apply modeling and simulation approaches to predict clinical outcomes, identify novel indications, and provide novel mechanistic insight into incretin therapies.
- Communicate modeling results and strategic insights effectively to scientists from both quantitative and non-quantitative disciplines.
- Serve as primary author on scientific publications and present research findings at internal and external scientific meetings.
Basic Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics, Mathematical Biology, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Physics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacology, or related discipline with strong numerical components focusing on mathematical modeling and simulation.
- No more than 2 years of post-degree experience.
- Training or previous experience in building QSP or differential-equation-based models of biological or physiological pathways/systems.
- Understanding of theory, principles, and statistical aspects of mathematical modeling and simulation, including parameter estimation techniques.
- Knowledge of modeling, simulation software (MATLAB or Julia preferred), and AI agents.
- Willingness to make a minimum 2-year commitment.
- Provide two letters of recommendation prior to interview
- Successful record of scientific accomplishments evidenced by scientific publications and/or presentations, including at least one first-author publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
Preferred Qualifications
- Enthusiasm for learning new areas of biology and building on a solid foundation of quantitative and computational skills.
- In-depth understanding of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) and how these can be applied in the development of complex models of biological pathways and systems.
- Self-directed with ability to work independently.
- Ability to perform as a team player and collaborate cross-functionally in multiple disciplines.
- Excellent communication and writing skills.
Work Location Assignment: Hybrid

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
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
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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.
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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.
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- 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)