Postdoctoral Fellow, Quantitative Systems Pharmacology at Pfizer in La Jolla, California

Job Description:

Why Patients Need You

 

At Pfizer we 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.

 

What You Will Achieve

 

Quantitative Systems Pharmacology (QSP) is a discipline that uses mechanistic mathematical models and disease platforms to enhance the robustness and quality of decision-making from exploratory research through clinical development. The oncology QSP team at Pfizer is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral candidate to expand our existing capabilities in QSP virtual trial simulations through connection of multi-omics datasets with mechanistic models via innovative machine learning algorithms. This Postdoctoral Fellowship is an opportunity to work within a dynamic group who are at the forefront of the application of mechanistic systems models to address critical uncertainties in drug discovery and development.

 

The successful candidate will have earned a Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics, Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Engineering, Physics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or other related discipline and has a demonstrated good track record in scientific publication. The postdoctoral fellow will analyze mathematical models that integrate biological knowledge and available data from Pfizer's preclinical and clinical programs, with the goal of providing tools for pre-clinical to clinical translation, dose selection, and clinical trial design. They will work collaboratively with biologists, computational biologists, clinicians, clinical pharmacologists, pharmacometricians, QSP and nonclinical modelers to improve designs for effective and durable oncology therapies.

 

How You Will Achieve It

 

Successful candidates will be expected to:

 

• Utilize mathematical models and virtual trial algorithms that support enhanced quantitative understanding of the mechanisms for tumor resistance based on internal and public database datasets.
• Employing modeling and simulation techniques for predicting clinical oncology treatment outcomes
• Identifying relevant data (in vitro and in vivo preclinical and clinical study data) for model development, optimization, and validation
• Designing nonclinical experiments aimed towards generating data for model validation and testing of relevant hypotheses
• Effectively communicating model results and outcomes to scientists in both quantitative and non-quantitative disciplines
• Primary authorship on scientific publications and presenting at internal and external scientific meetings.

 

Qualifications

 

Must-Have

 

• Ph.D.in Applied Mathematics, Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Engineering, Physics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or other related discipline with strong numerical components focusing on mathematical modeling and simulation.
• No more than 2 years of post-degree experience.
• Training or previous experience in building differential equation-based mechanism-based models of biological or physiological pathways/systems is required
• Well organized, self-motivated, team oriented, ability to multitask with attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and writing skills.
• Successful record of scientific accomplishments as indicated by scientific publications and/or presentations. At least one first-author publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Willingness to make a minimum 2-year commitment.

 

Nice to Have

 

• Understanding of theory, principles, and statistical aspects of mathematical modeling and simulation, including parameter estimation techniques
• In-depth understanding of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) and how these can be applied in the development of complex models of biological pathways and systems
• In-depth, hands-on knowledge of modeling and simulation software (R, MATLAB, C/C++ preferred)

 

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

 

Ability to perform complex mathematical calculations and ability to perform complex data analysis

 

OTHER JOB DETAILS

 

• Must have work authorization in the US.
• Work Location Assignment: Flexible. Flexible colleagues are assigned a Pfizer site within a commutable distance where they work about 2-3 days weekly to connect and innovate with their team face-to-face. However, they also benefit from being able to work offsite regularly when it makes business sense to do so.

 

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $60,900.00 to $101,500.00. In addition, this position is eligible for participation in Pfizer's Global Performance Plan with a bonus target of 7.5% of the base salary. 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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