Principal Scientist
- United States - Kansas - McPherson
ROLE SUMMARY
Accountable for supporting activities involved in the design, development, transfer, and lifecycle management of manufacturing processes for sterile pharmaceutical products. The candidate selected will be a subject matter expert for PC1 Lifecycle & Lyophilization.
Applies scientific and engineering principles to support the transfer of technology from development into manufacturing, including evaluation of process variability, scale-up considerations, and operational constraints. Contributes to the development of robust, compliant, and scalable manufacturing processes, including new or revised process designs. Designs and executes experimental studies, analyzes process performance, and supports process control strategies to ensure consistent product quality. Serves as a technical resource for process-related issues, supporting troubleshooting efforts and resolving moderately complex manufacturing and equipment-related problems.
Operates as a strong individual contributor, applying comprehensive knowledge of the discipline, working independently on routine activities, and exercising judgment to resolve moderately complex problems while receiving guidance on more complex challenges.
ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES
Process Design, Development & Technical Execution
- Support the design, development, evaluation, and implementation of new or revised manufacturing processes in collaboration with Co-Dev teams and manufacturing operations.
- Design and execute experimental protocols, studies, and measurements to evaluate process performance, variability, scalability, and control of critical process variables.
Scientific Studies & Data Analysis
- Conduct laboratory and engineering studies and analyze data to support product understanding, process performance, technical decision-making, and process improvements.
- Author and review technical reports and provide input on product characterization and analytical methodologies, ensuring scientific rigor and inspection readiness.
Investigations, Troubleshooting & Problem Solving
- Lead or support investigations related to deviations, discrepancies, and process performance issues, including root cause analysis and development of effective CAPA.
- Troubleshoot and resolve process and equipment-related challenges in commercial manufacturing while serving as a scientific and technical representative for facility process issues.
PC1 Product Lifecycle Management
- Support end-to-end lifecycle activities for PC1 products, including technology transfer, scale-up, process validation, CPV monitoring, change control, and post-approval change implementation.
- Develop technical impact assessments, support change execution plans, and collaborate cross-functionally to ensure process robustness, compliance, supply continuity, and continuous improvement.
Lyophilization SME (Lyo) Support
- Serve as a Technical Services SME for lyophilization, providing technical support for cycle understanding and optimization, equipment capability, process performance evaluation, and troubleshooting of lyo-related product or process issues.
- Support development of process understanding and control strategies for lyophilization operations.
Process Improvement & Change Management
- Support process and product improvements, including application of process analytical technologies (PAT) and evaluation and implementation of process, equipment, and system changes.
- Assist in developing and updating technical documentation and procedures, and provide technical support and training to operations and technical staff.
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Project Contribution
- Work independently or as part of project teams to achieve technical objectives and contribute to moderately complex projects impacting the department.
- Provide technical recommendations and solutions for moderately complex problems in collaboration with Operations, Quality, Validation, and Engineering.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Applicant must have a bachelor's degree with at least 4 years of experience; OR a master's degree with at least 2 years of experience; OR a PhD with 0+ years of experience; OR an associate's degree with 8 years of experience; OR a high school diploma (or equivalent) and 10 years of relevant experience.
- Experience in Technical Services, Manufacturing Science & Technology (MS&T), or pharmaceutical manufacturing
- Demonstrated experience in:
- Process development, validation, or technology transfer
- Investigations and troubleshooting of manufacturing processes
- Working knowledge of cGMP and regulatory requirements
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience supporting product lifecycle management activities (CPV, change control, Post Approval Changes)
- Experience with sterile injectable manufacturing processes
- Experience with lyophilization process development or troubleshooting
- Experience working in cross-functional and project team environments
- Familiarity with digital or AI tools to support data analysis and productivity
Work Location Assignment: Hybrid
Limited travel required. Some non-standard work hours support of global conference calls, 24/7 manufacturing, etc. required when needed, though not typical of weekly requirements.
OTHER JOB DETAILS
Last Date to Apply for Job: Sep 3rd, 2026.
Referral Bonus Eligibility: YES
Eligible for Relocation Package: Yes

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $99,200.00 to $165,400.00. In addition, this position is eligible for participation in Pfizer’s Global Performance Plan with a bonus target of 12.5% of the base salary and eligibility to participate in our share based long term incentive program. 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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Engineering
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)