Scientist - Cellular Immunology at Pfizer in Pearl River, New York

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.

 

What You Will Achieve

 

As a Scientist, you will be at the center of our operations and you'll find that everything we do, every day, is in line with an unwavering commitment to quality. Your skills and expertise will ensure that all work is to be done in a compliant manner. Your significant experience of applying knowledge of principles, concepts, and practices of the discipline will make you a critical member of the team. It is your hard work and focus that will help in making Pfizer ready to achieve new milestones and help patients across the globe.

 

ROLE SUMMARY

 

This is a laboratory-based position at Viral Vaccines & Immunology within the Vaccine Research and Development. The primary responsibility is to support the preclinical evaluation and early clinical development of candidate vaccines. The incumbent will develop and perform various assays to monitor the cellular (T cell and B cell) immune responses elicited by vaccine candidates by flow cytometry, cytokine detection assays and scRNAseq . The role requires advanced level knowledge of humoral and cellular assays, molecular biology techniques, and experience working in a BSL2 laboratory under aseptic conditions. Candidate must have good analytical skills, be detail-oriented and clearly document and present complex biological data. Candidate will also be responsible for maintenance and upkeep of equipment required for these assays. Work is to be done in a compliant manner according to relevant SOP guidelines and current Good Laboratory Practice (cGLP) guidelines where appropriate. The incumbent will be part of a dynamic team and should possess a strong work ethic and collaborative spirit. Candidate is required to multitask and collaborate with other groups to meet business-critical deadlines.

 

How You Will Achieve It

 

• Work with In Vivo team to process animal tissues for immune assays.
• Perform multi-color flow cytometry staining of cells or tissues, operate flow cytometers, and analyze flow cytometry data.
• Perform ELISpot/FluoroSpot-based assays to measure cellular (B-cell and T-cell) immune response to vaccine candidates in preclinical and clinical studies.
• Maintain suspension and adherent cell lines by regular passaging and design and execute experiments to address research questions, in accordance with BSL2 laboratory requirements.
• Conduct isolation of RNA/DNA from primary cells, cell lines, and tissue samples.
• Perform and execute sample preparation for next-generation sequencing (NGS) for the characterization of immune transcriptional signatures in vaccine research.
• Analyze data, interpret and summarize experimental data. Present results at group meetings.
• Document experiments contemporaneously in an electronic notebook and contribute to drafting experimental protocols and technical reports.
• Manage timelines and deliverables and develop reports for various projects.
• Assist in the sourcing and maintenance of laboratory reagents, interact with external vendors.
• Assist with qualifications/validations of new instruments and custom methods.
• Contribute to achievement of immediate work group goals and collaborate with other team members.
• Satisfactorily completes all cGLP (current Good Laboratory Practices) and safety training in conformance with requirements.

 

Qualifications

 

Must-Have

 

• Bachelor's degree in biology, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Immunology, Life Sciences or related discipline. with 6+ years of experience in immune related assays and molecular biology techniques OR MS in related discipline with 4+ to 6 years of experience
• Demonstrated proficiency in a wide range of immune assays and cellular techniques including mammalian cell culture, multicolor flow cytometry/FACS to immunophenotype murine and human cells from blood and tissues.
• Experience with a broad variety of molecular biology and analytical techniques.
• Mastery of aseptic technique and familiarity with BSL2 safety practices for working in the laboratory.
• Ability to perform experimental design, analysis of data and interpretation of results.
• Proficiency with personal computers, including Excel, PowerPoint, Prism and other relevant scientific software.
• Must be comfortable with multi-tasking, fast-pace work environment.
• Strong motivation to quickly learn new skills, grow as a scientist and adapt to challenges of the job.
• Good interpersonal, organizational and documentation skills.
• Must have strong communication skills and enjoy collaborating with other colleagues inside and outside the team.

 

Nice-to-Have

 

• Knowledge of T cell biology with technical expertise in T cell-based functional assays (e.g. activation, differentiation, proliferation).
• Hands-on experience with NGS assay development, validation, sample processing, library preparation and sequencing experience is preferred.
• Pharmaceutical and biotech experience.
• Experience of working in a cGLP-compliant environment.

 

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

 

The position has physical requirements of basic office and laboratory work including:

 

• Sitting, standing, and walking
• Accessing samples in ultra-cold freezers (LN2, -80C, -20C)
• Bending, lifting, walking from lab to lab and building to building

 

The mental requirements include the ability to analyze data, design experiments, and present complex concepts to colleagues.

 

Other Job Details

 

• Work Location Assignment: On Premise

 

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $74,900.00 to $124,800.00. 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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