Senior Scientist
- United States - Massachusetts - Cambridge
COMPANY OVERVIEW
At Pfizer, our purpose is to deliver breakthroughs that transform patients’ lives. Central to this mission is our Research and Development organization, which is dedicated to translating advanced science and innovative technologies into impactful therapies and vaccines. In this role, you will be at the forefront of this effort, helping ensure that daily activities align with Pfizer’s unwavering commitment to quality. Your work will accelerate the delivery of best-in-class medicines to patients globally and support Pfizer’s commitment to making a meaningful difference in healthcare.
ROLE SUMMARY
As a member of the Cardiovascular Discovery Biology team, the Senior Scientist will play a pivotal role in the drug discovery process, from ideation and hypothesis generation to the identification and validation of therapeutic targets and disease-relevant biomarkers.
This individual will contribute to experimental strategy and execution while working closely with scientists across disciplines. Expertise in atherosclerosis biology is essential, and familiarity with different aspects of cardiovascular disease is highly desirable. Daily interactions will take place within a dynamic and supportive environment of innovative scientists. Success in this role requires strong self-motivation, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to influence and collaborate effectively in a team setting.
ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES
- Apply scientific expertise and creative thinking to develop strategies for identifying and validating therapeutic targets aligned with IMRU priorities.
- Apply state-of-the-art cellular, molecular, and animal model techniques to investigate mechanisms of atherosclerotic plaque progression, including data analysis and interpretation.
- Stay current with cutting-edge developments in preclinical and translational science and integrate relevant advances into portfolio programs.
- Build and maintain collaborations with academic partners and internal Pfizer scientists.
- Communicate research findings through peer-reviewed publications, scientific presentations, and internal leadership briefings.
- Uphold the highest standards of scientific integrity, quality, and compliance with regulatory and ethical guidelines.
- Support the development of junior scientists through mentorship and collaborative engagement.
QUALIFICATIONS
Basic Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Cardiovascular Biology, or related fields.
- A minimum of 1–2 years of postdoctoral or relevant industry experience in drug discovery or translational research.
- Demonstrated expertise in cardiovascular or atherosclerosis disease biology.
- Proficiency in vitro and in vivo cardiovascular-atherosclerotic systems, including foam-cell and vascular-cell assays, molecular biology, high-content imaging, ex vivo approaches, and rodent models of atherosclerosis.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, supported by a track record of impactful scientific contributions.
- Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively within fast-paced-interdisciplinary research teams.
- Capacity to manage multiple projects simultaneously with scientific rigor and adaptability.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex scientific concepts effectively.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Prior experience in drug discovery is preferred but not required.
- Experience leveraging human data sources, such as genetic and multi-omics to support discovery and development activities is a plus.
- Experience with neurovascular diseases is a plus.
Adhere to safe work practices and procedures such as aseptic gowning
Relocation support may be available
Work Location Assignment: On Premise
#LI-PFE

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $93,600.00 to $156,000.00. 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.

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.
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)