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Principal Scientist, Process Chemistry
PfizerUnited States - Washington – BothellSenior$106,000 - $176,6004+ years
Apply OVERVIEW:
Pfizer’s purpose is to deliver breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Process Research and Development is at the heart of fulfilling Pfizer’s purpose as we work to translate advanced science and technologies into the therapies 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.
ROLE SUMMARY:
The Chemical Process and Analytical Development (CPAD) group located in Bothell, WA is responsible for the development of chemical processes and analytical methods for novel drug-linkers (linker-payloads) used in antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). Our process chemists, analytical chemists, and chemical engineers collaborate to discover phase-appropriate synthetic routes and chemical processes to accelerate the delivery of life saving medicines to patients, and to develop robust and innovative synthetic processes to novel commercial drug-linker candidates that drive the next generation of targeted cancer therapy.
As a Principal Scientist in CPAD, you will provide technical leadership to a team of process chemists engaged in route screening/selection, process development, and process characterization for our growing drug-linker portfolio. You will drive the development of safe and scalable chemistry by leveraging state-of-the-art technologies such as high-throughput experimentation, data-rich experimentation, catalysis, continuous processing, and predictive technologies. You will spearhead the advancement of Pfizer’s oncology portfolio through personal laboratory effort as well as oversee external resources through technology transfer and campaign execution at CDMOs. You will serve as a technical and strategic leader for early and late-phase programs while mentoring junior staff members in a supportive and inclusive work environment. You will propose technical and strategic solutions to management and represent process chemistry in cross-functional teams requiring excellent communication skills. Finally, you will be expected to establish an external presence as technical leader in the field by authoring journal articles and presenting at leading external scientific meetings.
ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES:
Design and execute well-planned laboratory experiments that require complex data analysis.
Maintain high standards for all laboratory records, reports, patents, regulatory documents, and external communications.
Employ state-of-the art technologies including high-throughput experimentation, data-rich experimentation, computational tools, and predictive software to accelerate process development.
Be recognized as a technical leader internally and externally by authoring publications and presenting externally.
Drive technical aspects of early and late phase pharmaceutical development.
Lead technology transfer to internal sites or external CDMOs for GMP manufacturing while managing CRO/CMO resources.
Persuasively communicate abstract concepts, ideas, and solutions to project teams, leadership, and cross-functional teams.
Establish and deliver on tight timelines aligned with our portfolio goals.
Promote a supportive and inclusive work environment and mentor junior staff.
Maintain an understanding of the activities and research carried out by the project team members.
Lead authoring for patents and regulatory documents.
Leverage knowledge and experience to guide cross-functional team decisions.
Build strong relationships with stakeholders to advocate for our department.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
PhD in Organic Chemistry with 4+ years of experience in pharmaceutical process development, including route design, scale-up, and GMP manufacturing; or a Master’s degree with 9+ years of relevant experience OR Bachelors degree and 12+ years of experience.
Proven track record of scientific innovation and impact, demonstrated through authorship of peer-reviewed publications, patents, or presentations at recognized scientific conferences.
A sound understanding of modern synthetic organic chemistry principles, process development, engineering, analytical and purification technologies.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to effectively collaborate with stakeholders.
In-depth knowledge of pharmaceutical development from pre-clinical to commercialization.
Experience in a regulated pharmaceutical environment including GMP deliveries and regulatory authoring.
This is an on-site designated role, and you will be expected to work five days per week on-site.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience with drug-linkers for ADCs or other targeted mixed-modality therapeutics.
Experience in mentoring scientific staff, both directly and in a matrix environment.
Experience with technology transfer activities and CRO/CDMO resource management.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:
Lifting, sitting, standing, walking, bending and ability to perform mathematical calculations.
NON-STANDARD WORK SCHEDULE, TRAVEL OR ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS:
This is a laboratory-based position. Adherence to safe work practices, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses, lab coats, and gloves, is required. Occasional travel for business purposes, scientific conferences, or collaboration (typically <10%) is expected.
Additional Job Details:
Work Location Assignment: On Premise
Last date to apply is June 23, 2026
Relocation assistance may be available based on business needs and/or eligibility.

Candidates must be authorized to be employed in the U.S. by any employer.
U.S. work visa sponsorship (such as TN, O-1, H-1B, etc.) is not available for this role now or in the future.

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Research and Development