Senior Scientist, Early Formulation Science and Drug Delivery, Drug Product Design

Use Your Power for Purpose

At Pfizer, our purpose is to deliver breakthroughs that change patients' lives. Central to this mission is our Research and Development team, which strives to translate advanced science and cutting-edge technologies into the therapies and vaccines that matter most. Whether you are involved in discovery sciences, ensuring drug safety and efficacy, or supporting clinical trials, your role is crucial. You will leverage innovative design and process development capabilities to accelerate the delivery of best-in-class medicines to patients around the globe.

ROLE SUMMARY

This position will be reporting into the Early Formulation Science and Drug Delivery group at the La Jolla, California location. In this position you will act as a resident pharmaceutical science subject matter expert to influence small molecule early drug candidate selection with respect to drug delivery, bio-performance, and stability. You will closely collaborate with colleagues in Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacokinetics & Drug Metabolism, and Clinical Pharmacology. You will be responsible for designing, implementing, and interpreting in vitro, in silico, and in vivo experiments, as well as design of stage-appropriate traditional and enabled formulations for preclinical studies. In addition to formulation, you will be responsible for material science and physicochemical properties assessments of early drug candidates. This includes laboratory measurements and interpretation of the data to inform manufacturing, bio-performance, and stability risks for development of the drug candidates. 

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Evaluate the physicochemical properties of potential small molecule drug candidates to inform a drug product formulation strategy and developability risk assessment
• Design and develop fit for purpose and diagnostic traditional and enabled formulations for preclinical studies
• Design, execute, and interpret the results of polymorph and salt screens for potential drug candidates related to stability, manufacturability, and bio-performance
• Apply first principles understanding of thermodynamics and kinetic processes to dissolution and precipitation of drugs in biorelevant conditions and physical and chemical stability in the solid state. 
• Work in cross-disciplinary teams and partner with subject matter experts in Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacokinetics & Drug Metabolism, and Clinical Pharmacology departments to influence candidate selection and progression.
• Develop strategic collaborations with academic and industrial researchers for addressing gaps in fundamental or applied science related to the pharmaceutical sciences
• Conduct novel research and present significant findings via internal and external presentations or publications

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Recent PhD  with 0-3 year post-doctoral experience, MS with 7+ years experience, or BS with 8+ years experience in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physical Chemistry, Physics, Physical Organic Chemistry, Pharmaceutics, or Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Experience working independently and collaboratively in a laboratory environment

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in designing and conducting hypothesis driven laboratory experiments
• Experience with application of fundamental principles to solve complex problems
• Generating, interpreting, and integrating experimental data into mathematical models to progress the understanding of complex materials and processes
• Experience in pharmacokinetic modeling and simulations using Gastroplus or similar modeling software
• Experience with data structuring and capture
• Experience with formulation design for preclinical studies as well as awareness of drug product design criteria for phase 1 clinical trials
• Strong organizational skills, interpersonal skills, teamwork skills, strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects and activities while managing tight timelines

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Includes activities in both laboratory and office settings;  Candidate must be able to perform routine laboratory tests and procedures. Ability to perform mathematical calculations and ability to perform complex data analysis.

NON-STANDARD WORK SCHEDULE, TRAVEL OR ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS

Occasional travel may be required

Relocation support available

Work Location Assignment: On Premise


The annual base salary for this position ranges from $93,600.00 to $156,000.00. 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.




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