Senior Scientist, Downstream Process Development R&D
- United States - Washington – Bothell
Job Description
ROLE SUMMARY
A Senior Scientist (R4) position is available in the Downstream Process Development group within Bioprocess R&D. The successful candidate will have strong laboratory research experience and a desire to remain in a hands‑on, laboratory‑focused role.
This position will be part of a multidisciplinary team of scientists across multiple sites focused on the development and optimization of recovery and purification processes for recombinant proteins expressed in mammalian cell culture, supporting early‑ and late‑phase clinical programs. The Senior Scientist will work collaboratively to develop robust, efficient, and scalable downstream strategies to improve process performance and enable successful technology transfer.
ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES
- Design and execute small‑scale downstream process development studies, with support for pilot‑scale and manufacturing purification activities.
- Analyze experimental data to develop, test, and refine hypotheses that improve the fundamental understanding of recovery and purification processes.
- Contribute to process characterization, validation strategies, Quality by Design (QbD) approaches, and regulatory filings.
- Author internally reviewed technical reports, present scientific results to cross‑functional teams and management, and publish externally as appropriate.
- Identify and implement opportunities for operational efficiency and continuous improvement across Bioprocess R&D workflows.
- Support change initiatives related to business infrastructure, platforms, and technologies to enable pipeline, legacy, and innovation programs.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- Bachelor’s degree with 8+ years of relevant experience, or
- Master’s degree with 6+ years of relevant experience, or
- PhD with 0–3 years of experience
Degrees should be in a biological or engineering discipline (e.g., Biotechnology, Chemistry/Biochemistry, Chemical or Biochemical Engineering, or equivalent).
Experience/Skills
- Hands‑on experience in recombinant protein downstream process development, technology transfer, and/or bioprocess manufacturing.
- Strong understanding of protein chemistry and protein analytics, with demonstrated ability to apply current scientific literature.
- Proven ability to independently drive experimental work, deliver results, and contribute innovative solutions within project teams.
- Highly organized, self‑motivated, and capable of working both independently and collaboratively in a matrix environment.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including technical documentation and presentations.
- Strong analytical, data interpretation, and computer skills.
- Ability to manage personal workload effectively and contribute to planning of people and technology resources within project teams.
- 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.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with recovery and purification of recombinant proteins from mammalian and microbial or yeast expression systems.
- Experience transferring biologics processes to pilot‑scale or commercial manufacturing, including familiarity with data acquisition and process control systems.
- Experience supporting late‑stage development, process validation, and commercialization activities.
- Working knowledge of statistical experimental design and data analysis.
- Broad understanding of the biologics drug development process and requirements for advancing candidates through clinical development.
Work Location Assignment: On Premise
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
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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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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)