Senior Scientist - Process Modeler at Pfizer in Groton, Connecticut

Job Description:

ROLE SUMMARY

 

The drug-product process-modeling team in Drug Product Design (DPD) has a mandate to develop digital tools and computational models to support the development of high-quality drug-dosage forms (tablets, capsules, multiparticulate beads, ointments/creams, etc.) using batch and continuous processes. This team is seeking a (postgraduate level) expert process modeler to develop new computational tools and system level models to support continuous manufacturing. You will use modeling and simulation techniques to solve pharmaceutical industrial research problems related to continuous manufacturing with special emphasis on modeling and control of unit operations involving powder flows, mixing, processing and compaction.

 

Experience with computational techniques is required, such as: process models and flowsheets, statistical techniques, population-balance models (PBM), discrete element method (DEM), computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and engineering models. You must have a post-graduate qualification (MS or PhD) degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Process Control Engineering, Pharmaceutical Engineering, Physical Sciences, or related discipline with a focus on computational modeling. Close collaboration with Pfizer project scientists is essential - you must have excellent communication skills and be able to identify opportunities to apply modeling to develop drug products.

 

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

 

• Work with Pfizer project scientist to understand the challenges and needs when developing drug-dosage forms (tablets, capsules, ointments/creams, multiparticulate beads, etc.).
• Identify opportunities to use engineering knowledge and computational tools to help solve project challenges. Be able to work independently, with minimal supervision, to define the problem statement, then develop and execute a modeling work plan to solve the issue.
• Using a variety of computational techniques, develop predictive tools and models to support drug development/manufacturing efforts for the Pfizer portfolio. Modeling techniques include (but not necessarily limited to): process models and flowsheets (e.g., gPROMS, ASPEN), statistical techniques, discrete element method (DEM), computational fluid dynamics (CFD), population-balance models (PBM), and first-principles engineering models.
• Plan and execute experimental studies in collaboration with experimental experts to support/validate modeling efforts.
• Work with Pfizer scientists to apply and implement modeling tools into project workflows.
• Communicate and present results internally at meetings and, on occasion, at external forums.
• Present scientific results to a diverse audience through data analysis and visualizations.
• Support Pfizer's key technology platforms: continuous tablet manufacturing and multiparticulates, via computational modeling.
• Work with external partners (e.g., universities, research organizations) and vendors (e.g., software companies) to execute and deliver well-defined modeling projects.

 

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

 

Education/Experience

 

• Post-graduate qualification (MS or PhD) with 0 - 2 years of experience in relevant field e.g. chemical, mechanical, pharmaceutical engineering with focus on process modelling.
• Strong background in numerical methods, programming and mathematics. Graduate research must be focused on computational modeling of chemical/physical processes with emphasis on system level modeling. Proficiency in flowsheet modeling using simulation software like gPROMS, ASPEN or related process simulators, and simulation software like Matlab & Simulink will be very desirable. Must demonstrate good problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational skills: ability to manage several projects simultaneously and deliver
• results in a timely manner. Excellent interpersonal skills: work effectively as part of cross functional teams and embrace teamwork. Excellent written and verbal communication skills: must be able to communicate ideas and results with colleagues with diverse backgrounds.
• Demonstrated track record of publications, presentations, and/or patents.

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

 

• You must be proficient in fundamental engineering/physical concepts such as mass,
• momentum, and energy transport phenomenon; and a mathematical ability to setup and solve
• linear, non-linear, and differential equations. Strong programming/coding skills and experience
• with numerical techniques is required. Proficient in programming using some standard
• language: C/C++, Python, R, Matlab, etc. Must be familiar working in a high-performance-computing environment (Linux based). Experience with any of the following software is preferred: PSE gPROMS Formulated Products, ASPEN, EDEM, LIGGGHTS, XPS, CFDEM,
• ANSYS Fluent, OpenFOAM, STAR-CCM+, other closely related packages. Knowledge of data analysis and visualization packages (e.g., Spotfire or Tableau) is desirable. Strong statistical skills are also preferred.

 

Relocation support available

 

Work Location Assignment: On Premise

 

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.

 

Research and Development

 

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