Senior Scientist, Molecular Pharmaceutics, Drug Product Design at Pfizer in La Jolla, California

Job Description:

WHY PATIENTS NEED YOU

 

Pfizer's purpose is to deliver breakthroughs that change patients' lives. Research and Development is at the heart of fulfilling Pfizer's purpose as we work to translate advanced science and technologies into the therapies and vaccines that matter most. Whether you are in the discovery sciences, ensuring drug safety and efficacy or supporting clinical trials, you will apply cutting edge design and process development capabilities to accelerate and bring the best in class medicines to patients around the world.

 

POSITION SUMMARY

 

As a Senior Scientist in the Molecular Pharmaceutics group, you will act as a resident pharmaceutical science subject matter expert to influence small molecule early drug candidate selection with respect to drug delivery, bio-performance, and stability. This position will closely collaborate with colleagues across PharmSci as well as with partners in Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacokinetics & Drug Metabolism, and Clinical Pharmacology. You will be responsible for designing, implementing, and interpreting in vitro, in silico , and in vivo experiments, as well as design of stage appropriate traditional and enabled formulations for preclinical studies. This role will also specialize in formulation and characterization of spray dried dispersions (SDDs). An understanding of drug product development, as well as an understanding of the disease state, drug targets and drug-target mechanisms of action, will help to enable and narrow the definition of the required design elements. In additional to formulation, you will be responsible for material science and physicochemical properties assessments of early drug candidates. This includes laboratory measurements and interpretation of the data to inform manufacturing, bio-performance, and stability development risks.

 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

 

• Evaluate the physicochemical properties of potential small molecule drug candidates to inform a drug product formulation strategy and developability risk assessment
• Design and develop fit for purpose and diagnostic traditional and enabled formulations for preclinical studies
• Become a subject matter expert in formulation and process development for SDDs supporting multiple discovery teams across several research units
• Design, execute, and interpret the results of polymorph and salt screens for potential drug candidates related to stability, manufacturability, and bio-performance
• Apply first principles understanding of thermodynamics and kinetic processes to dissolution and precipitation of drugs in biorelevant conditions and physical and chemical stability in the solid state.
• Work in cross-disciplinary teams and partner with subject matter experts in Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacokinetics & Drug Metabolism, and Clinical Pharmacology departments to influence candidate selection and progression. Develop strategic collaborations with academic and industrial researchers for addressing gaps in fundamental or applied science related to the pharmaceutical sciences
• Conduct novel research and present significant findings via internal and external presentations or publications

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

 

• Recent PhD with 1-3 year post-doctoral experience, MS with 7+ years experience, or BS with 8+ years experience in Chemical Engineering, Physical Chemistry, Biophysical Chemistry, Biophysics, Physics, Physical Organic Chemistry, Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Sciences or Biochemistry
• Candidates with experience in allied disciplines may also apply with the following qualifications: Ph.D. with minimum 3 years, MS with 7+ years, or BS with 12+ years of experience in industry
• Experience working independently and collaboratively in a laboratory environment

 

PREFERRED QUALIIFICATIONS

 

• Experience in formulation and manufacturing of SDDs targeted at bioavailability enhancement
• Experience in breaking down and isolating the controlling physics of complex processes for experimental design
• Experience in designing and conducting hypothesis driven laboratory experiments
• Generating, interpreting, and integrating experimental data into mathematical models to progress the understanding of complex materials and processes
• Experience in pharmacokinetic modeling and simulations using Gastroplus or similar modeling software
• Experience with formulation design for preclinical studies as well as awareness of drug product design criteria for phase 1 clinical trials
• Strong organizational skills, interpersonal skills, teamwork skills, strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects and activities while managing tight timelines

 

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

 

• Includes activities in both laboratory and office settings which would require varying degrees of sitting, standing, moving about the workspace, light lifting, working at a computer, and performing routine laboratory tests and procedures. Also requires the ability to perform mathematical calculations and complex data analysis.

 

NON-STANDARD WORK SCHEDULE, TRAVEL OR ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS

 

• Occasional travel may be requested. Laboratory work requires adherence to safe work practices and procedures such as use of Personal Protective Equipment (gowning, gloves, protective eyewear, etc).

 

Work Location: On Premise, with relocation support available as needed

 

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $88,300.00 to $147,100.00. 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.

 

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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