Pfizer R&D Rotational Program
At Pfizer, we are changing lives by discovering, developing, and delivering breakthrough medicines and vaccines to the world. Our scientists, clinicians, and R&D professionals are among the best in the industry, with the resources and scale to solve some of the world’s most complex health challenges. So, it’s no wonder that they choose to pursue their life’s passion at Pfizer and deliver on our promise to society.
To build on our R&D expertise and talent pipeline and support our commitment to equity and a more inclusive workforce, Pfizer has launched a R&D Rotational Program for promising science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) college graduates, with a focus on students with demonstrated commitment and ability to advance diversity, equity and inclusion for Black/African American, Latino/Hispanic and Native Americans.
The Pfizer R&D Rotational Program is a 2-year commitment to increase minority representation at Pfizer, designed to immerse early career colleagues into the pharmaceutical R&D business through three to four unique 6- to 8-month job rotations in diverse disciplines. Each rotation will involve meaningful assignments and projects, mentorship and coaching, and collaborative interactions to develop business acumen and technical expertise and set participants on the path to success.
Students will be eligible to apply during their senior college year for the 2-year program following their graduation.
- Requirements
- Be a U.S. citizen, a U.S. Permanent Resident or authorized to work in the US without the employer’s sponsorship
- Be a recent college graduate from an accredited college/university program with a bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences (Chemistry, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Biology), Computer Science, or Data Science preferred
- Have a 3.3 GPA or above
- No more than 2 years full-time continuous work experience after graduation
- Demonstrated commitment and ability to advance diversity, equity and inclusion for Black/African American, Latino/Hispanic and Native Americans at Pfizer
- Demonstrate exceptional leadership potential
- Willingness to work at an R&D site
- FAQs
- Why did Pfizer create the Pfizer R&D Rotational program?
- This program is designed to enhance our talent pipeline of diverse R&D leaders. One of Pfizer’s Bold Moves is to make Pfizer an amazing workplace for all and we are committed to increasing diversity by fostering a more inclusive workplace. We are committed to creating equal opportunities for promising science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) recent college graduates, with a focus on underrepresented minorities, to shape the future of science and health care.
- I’m not from a minority group identified for the Pfizer R&D Rotational program; am I eligible to apply? What other opportunities are available to me?
- Pfizer is an equal opportunity employer. While our focus is on historically underrepresented minorities, with a particular focus on students with demonstrated commitment and ability to advance diversity, equity and inclusion for Black/African American, Latino/Hispanic and Native Americans, all recent graduates are encouraged to apply. We have multiple programs and opportunities for graduate students and for Pfizer colleagues generally. Recent graduates who are not eligible or interested in the Pfizer R&D Rotational program but would like to pursue a career at Pfizer can apply to our Pfizer.com/Careers page to receive email or text notifications when positions are opened.
- What are the requirements of the Pfizer R&D Rotational program applicants?
- Be a U.S. citizen, a U.S. Permanent Resident or authorized to work in the US without the employer’s sponsorship
- Be a recent college graduate from an accredited college/university program with a bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences (Chemistry, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Biology), Computer Science, or Data Science preferred
- Apply to a R&D Rotational Program opportunity via Pfizer.com/Careers search or [email protected]
- Have a 3.3 GPA or above
- No more than 2 years full-time continuous work experience after graduation
- Demonstrate exceptional leadership potential
- Willingness to work at an R&D site
- What are the components of the Pfizer R&D Rotational program?
- Successful candidates will be immersed into the pharmaceutical R&D business and have the opportunity for three to four unique 6- to 8-month job rotations in diverse disciplines. This in-depth training and skills development program offers participants the opportunity to gain experience and insight into drug discovery and development from leading scientists, clinicians, statisticians, epidemiologists, and professionals, and to bridge from student to industry professional, or into an advanced-degree program. Each rotation will involve meaningful assignments and projects, mentorship and coaching, and collaborative interactions to develop business acumen and technical expertise and set participants on the path to a pharmaceutical career.
- What are the types of experiences could I expect in the Pfizer R&D Rotational program?
- Successful candidates will have the opportunity for laboratory and nonlaboratory experiences that are dependent on their background and interest. Numerous opportunities are available for each 6- to 8-month rotation. Examples include:
- Assay development and analysis to discover new targets and pathways in disease areas
- Gene therapy and DNA and RNA vaccine development
- Mid- to late-stage clinical trial design and execution
- Artificial intelligence and digital medicine
- Project planning and regulatory operations
- Partnership with project teams working on early drug discovery to late-stage clinical trial work
- Successful candidates will have the opportunity for laboratory and nonlaboratory experiences that are dependent on their background and interest. Numerous opportunities are available for each 6- to 8-month rotation. Examples include:
- When can I apply for the Pfizer R&D Rotational program?
- Students can apply to the Pfizer R&D Rotational program as early as their senior year in college as they approach graduation, but no later than up to two years post college graduation.
- Will students be able to choose their rotations?
- Yes, we encourage students to review roles & responsibilities of the opportunities and apply for those that best fit their interest across several disciplines offered.
- Is there an employment requirement?
- Yes, the Pfizer R&D Rotational program is a two-year commitment and there is an expectation that these colleagues will want to remain with Pfizer and potentially become future talent for leadership roles.
- If I have additional questions who may I reach out to?
- Please send an email to [email protected] with your name and college information included.
- Is this program only in the US, is it available in another country?
- Currently, the program is for roles based at our major R&D sites (La Jolla, California; Groton, Connecticut; and Cambridge, Massachusetts.) In the future, we may identify opportunities to extend the program to other locations; best practices may be introduced globally.
- How does this program different from the Pfizer Breakthrough Fellowship Program?
- Pfizer’s Breakthrough Fellowship Program is a nine-year commitment to increase minority representation at Pfizer, designed to enhance our pipeline of diverse leaders. The Breakthrough Fellowship Program, first-of-its-kind, works to advance students with a demonstrated commitment and ability to advance diversity, equity and inclusion for Black/African American, Latino/Hispanic and Native Americans at Pfizer, with a goal of developing 100 fellows by 2025. Students will be eligible to apply during their Junior year of college. Successful Fellows will participate in all five components of the program:
- An initial 10-week summer internship for rising undergraduate college seniors
- 2 years of full-time employment after Undergraduate graduation
- After 2 years, a fully paid scholarship to complete a full-time, 2-year MBA or MPH program
- Summer internship between the first and second years of the MBA / MPH program
- Return to Pfizer for employment post program graduation
- Pfizer’s Breakthrough Fellowship Program is a nine-year commitment to increase minority representation at Pfizer, designed to enhance our pipeline of diverse leaders. The Breakthrough Fellowship Program, first-of-its-kind, works to advance students with a demonstrated commitment and ability to advance diversity, equity and inclusion for Black/African American, Latino/Hispanic and Native Americans at Pfizer, with a goal of developing 100 fellows by 2025. Students will be eligible to apply during their Junior year of college. Successful Fellows will participate in all five components of the program:
- Can I be considered if I am already working for Pfizer?
- At this time, the Pfizer R&D Rotational program is designed for recent college graduates from a four-year undergraduate program, and with no more than 2 years full-time continuous work experience after graduation. Pfizer recognizes the value of career development and growth. Pfizer Colleagues have access through their local benefits Education Assistance Program.
- Why did Pfizer create the Pfizer R&D Rotational program?