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Senior Scientist

Employer
Pfizer
Location
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Salary
Competitive
Closing date
Oct 5, 2022

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Sector
Science, Pharmaceutical
Hours
Full Time
Organization Type
Corporate
Jobseeker Type
Professional
Senior Scientist, High throughput production and screening

Pfizer's BioMedicine Design (BMD) department is seeking a highly motivated scientist with experience in liquid-handling automation to join the team in Cambridge, MA, responsible for high-throughput production and screening of hundreds to thousands of therapeutic protein and mRNA samples per week. The candidate will play a critical role in production and automation process innovation in a core group focused on high-throughput cloning, expression, and purification of antibodies (microgram-to-milligram scale) and mRNA (microgram-scale). In addition, the candidate will develop and troubleshoot automated liquid-handling routines on standalone automation equipment and integrated screening platforms to create a seamless connection between biomolecule production and high-throughput screening in protein- and cell-based assays. We are looking for a creative individual who seeks out processes to automate and finds solutions, from simple scripts to complex routines on multi-instrument platforms; who will work with teammates across the group to streamline high-throughput drug discovery; who will engage vendors to develop tools that don't yet exist; and who enjoys the chance to explore new methods. The candidate will contribute to group-wide deliverables, work on several projects simultaneously with the production and assay teams, explore new technologies, and present results and updates at group, project, and departmental meetings.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Design, optimization, and implementation of high-throughput methods for biomolecule expression, purification, and characterization. Methods will include molecular cloning; DNA/RNA purification; protein expression/purification/analysis; and functional protein assays.
  • Method development, operation, and maintenance of Tecan, Beckman, and Lynx liquid handlers as well as state-of-the-art integrated Thermo automation platform. Includes including writing scripts for all automation platforms.
  • Training team members in automated system use / troubleshooting and automation best practices.
  • Close interaction with protein engineering project teams to plan and coordinate protein production and screening.
  • Collaboration with bioinformatics colleagues on workflows that integrate sample handling, data sets, and in-house database tools.
  • Presentation of data at group & project team meetings.
  • Regular review of literature to m aintain knowledge of scientific trends and industry processes; advance molecular biology, protein/RNA production, and screening methods


BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor's degree and 5+ years of experience, or master's degree and 3+ years of experience, in biochemistry, biology, chemical engineering or a related discipline, along with a basic understanding of antibodies and molecular biology.
  • At least 3 years of experience with using laboratory automation in a high-throughput setting, including writing and troubleshooting protocols.
  • Familiarity with Tecan and/or Beckman liquid handling automation equipment operation and software
  • At least 2 years of experience and demonstrated technical proficiency in automated protein purification, molecular biology manipulations, or high-throughput screening
  • Track record of strong problem solving and organizational skills, orientation to detail
  • A bility to multi-task, prioritize responsibilities, work under strict deadlines, and remain flexible with changing needs
  • Ability to work effectively to solve process development problems and implement improved procedures
  • Strong written and oral communication skills


PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Ability to follow SOPs to carry out biochemical and cellular binding assays. Experience with methods such as ELISA, fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry a plus.
  • Basic understanding of good practices for molecular biology techniques.
  • Understanding of state-of-the-art gene synthesis
  • Experience with high throughput sample tracking and laboratory logistics software
  • Strong computational skills.
  • Experience in or interest in learning Python scripting


Other Job Details
Work Location Assignment:On Premise

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Relocation assistance may be available based on business needs and/or eligibility.

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Pfizer requires all U.S. new hires to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to the first date of employment. As required by applicable law, Pfizer will consider requests for Reasonable Accommodations.

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.

Research and Development

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