Principal Scientist, Primary Pharmacology

Use Your Power for Purpose

At Pfizer, our purpose is to deliver breakthroughs that transform patients' lives. Central to this mission is our Research and Development team, dedicated to translating advanced science and innovative technologies into impactful therapies and vaccines. In this role, you will be at the forefront of this effort, ensuring that our daily activities align with our unwavering commitment to quality. Your work will accelerate the delivery of best-in-class medicines to patients globally, fulfilling Pfizer's commitment to making a meaningful difference in healthcare.

What You Will Achieve

The successful candidate will join our Discovery Biology and Pharmacology (DBP) group in Groton, CT and combine expertise in pharmacology and target biology to support and accelerate hit identification and lead optimization for small molecule drug discovery. Bringing strong technical and problem-solving skills, the individual will work collaboratively with project teams to develop hit identification strategies, design and execute in vitro plate-based screen assays, and investigate mechanistic pharmacology. As part of this early discovery group, the individual should be excited to collaborate closely with discovery biology, structural biology, and chemistry teams to support a broad portfolio encompassing disease indications in Internal Medicine.

In this role, the successful candidate will: ​

• Shape and support novel hit identification and optimization for small molecule drug discovery projects through application of in vitro pharmacology strategies for target-based and phenotypic projects.
• Independently design, develop, and perform in vitro assays to drive lead identification, SAR, and mechanistic pharmacology using a combination of biochemical and cellular systems.
• Design creative experiments and leverage diverse approaches to investigate target engagement, structure-function relationships, and molecular mechanism of action.
• Maintain a strong knowledge base in state-of-the-art technical developments and scientific advancements in the field and apply these innovatively to advance internal capabilities.
• Analyze and interpret data and as representative on project teams, communicate back clearly to collaborators and project teams.
• Be excited by working with cross-disciplinary groups (Disease Biology, Chemistry, Computational Biology, Structural Biology), be adept at building partnerships, and be team-oriented.

Here Is What You Need (Minimum Requirements)

• PhD with 4+ years of relevant experience in biochemistry, cell biology and/or pharmacology and 2+ years in plate-based pharmacology for drug discovery.
• Demonstrated expertise with multiple in vitro assay formats (e.g. HTRF, ELISA, FP, BRET, etc) including assay troubleshooting and development. An ability to quickly learn new skills and knowledge on the job is critical.
• Practical experience with immortalized and primary cells and with molecular and cell biology techniques such as RT-qPCR, transfection, western blotting, and imaging.
• Experience in laboratory automation and data analysis systems.
• Highly motivated, highly organized and possess excellent computer, verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to forge strong collaborative relationships inside and outside immediate team as well as cross disciplines.
• Experience mentoring junior colleagues.

Bonus Points If You Have (Preferred Requirements)

• Experience in hit identification and plate-based pharmacology in an industry setting.
• Experience with mechanistic studies across multiple target classes (e.g. receptors, enzymes, transcription factors).
• Strong bases in protein chemistry with knowledge of associated disciplines such as molecular biology, biophysics, structural biology, and chemistry.

  

  

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Sitting, standing, lifting, bending, and walking. Ability to perform practical laboratory bench work and work on a computer (while standing or sitting). Ability to perform mathematical calculations and interpret data.

NON-STANDARD WORK SCHEDULE, TRAVEL OR ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS

Candidate may periodically be asked to travel to the Pfizer Cambridge, MA site to meet project team members and to attend appropriate meetings and conferences. Candidate must comply with all laboratory safety practices.

Relocation support available
Work Location Assignment: On Premise

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $106,000.00 to $176,600.00. In addition, this position is eligible for participation in Pfizer’s Global Performance Plan with a bonus target of 15.0% 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.




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.






To learn more about acceptable and prohibited uses of AI during the recruitment process, please review our candidate AI-use guidelines available on Pfizer Careers.


Research and Development