Sr Associate Scientist, Vaccines Upstream Bioprocess Development

Use Your Power for Purpose

Pfizer’s purpose is to deliver breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. At the core of fulfilling this purpose is Research and Development, where we strive to translate advanced science and technologies into the therapies and vaccines that matter most. Your role will focus on developing robust, scalable, and high-productivity cell culture processes for manufacturing biological therapeutics for both early- and late-phase clinical programs. Your extensive experience and deep understanding of the principles, concepts, and practices of the discipline will make you an invaluable team member. Your expertise will guide critical decision-making processes, often requiring you to choose among limited options. You will actively contribute to all team discussions, bringing your innovative scientific mindset to the table. This proactive approach will help Pfizer achieve new milestones and make a significant impact on patients worldwide.

Role Summary

The Senior Associate Scientist will contribute to the design, development, and optimization of microbial fermentation processes that support vaccine development within the Upstream Development group in Early Bioprocess Development, Vaccine Research and Development, located in Pearl River, NY. The role will primarily support programs focused on subunit protein vaccines derived from bacterial expression systems, with opportunities to contribute to mammalian cell culture programs as needed. Key responsibilities include screening microbial strains, developing and optimizing fermentation processes, supporting process scale-up, analyzing experimental data, and collaborating with cross-functional partners. The successful candidate will bring a foundation in biochemical engineering, biochemistry, biotechnology, microbiology, or a related discipline and will join a collaborative team dedicated to advancing microbial and mammalian process development for vaccine production.

Role Responsibilities

In this role, you will:

• Support the design, development, and optimization of microbial fermentation processes for vaccine antigen production
• Assist with screening and evaluation of microbial strain candidates using high-throughput fermentation systems
• Operate fermentation systems up to 75 L scale, including media preparation, fermenter setup, process monitoring and control, and product harvest
• Perform fermentation sample analysis using high-performance liquid chromatography, bioanalyzers, and other analytical instruments
• Evaluate and implement new technologies that enhance fermentation process development capabilities within the group
• Analyze fermentation data and prepare clear summaries for supervisors and cross-functional project teams
• Document experiments in electronic laboratory notebooks in a timely, accurate, and compliant manner
• Provide occasional support for mammalian cell culture activities, including bioreactor setup, process monitoring, sampling, and data analysis, as program needs require
• Flexible work schedule required to support time-sensitive fermentation and cell culture experiments, including occasional work outside of core business hours and on weekends

Here Is What You Need (Minimum Requirements)

• Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Chemical/Biochemical Engineering, Biotechnology, or a related discipline with 3+ years of relevant experience or MS with any years of experience
• Familiarity with the design and execution of microbial fermentation and/or mammalian cell culture experiments
• Solid understanding of microbiology, cell physiology, and biochemical engineering principles
• Experience operating high-throughput bioreactor systems and benchtop or sterilize-in-place fermenters
• Ability to complete familiar tasks with limited instruction and supervision
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment
• Ability to compile, organize, and analyze large data sets using commercial data analytics tools (e.g. Spotfire, Power BI, etc.)
• Experience preparing and delivering clear scientific summary presentations

Bonus Points If You Have (Preferred Requirements)

• Experience with analytical techniques such as quantitative PCR, Western blot, HPLC, Octet
• General knowledge of Good Laboratory Practices (part of GxP)/Good Manufacturing Practices (also cGMP) practices
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Experience using common AI tools, including generative technologies such as Microsoft Copilot or Gemini, to support problem solving and enhance productivity.
• Demonstrated curiosity for exploring how AI tools can improve outcomes and understanding of responsible practices, including risk management and ethical use

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

This role has no special physical requirements beyond those typically associated with laboratory work, including the ability to occasionally lift 20–30 lb items, perform aseptic transfers, and carry out relevant laboratory functions. Mental requirements include a detailed understanding of the scientific subject matter, the ability to apply sound scientific judgment, and the ability to perform complex data analysis.

NON-STANDARD WORK SCHEDULE, TRAVEL OR ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS

This role requires flexibility in work schedule to support time-sensitive fermentation and cell culture experiments. Occasional work outside of core business hours, including weekends, may be required based on experimental timelines and program needs.

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.

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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.