Senior Research Scientist, High Content Imaging and Cellular Assay 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. Whether you are engaged in discovery sciences, ensuring the safety and efficacy of drugs, or supporting clinical trials, you will leverage cutting-edge design and process development capabilities. Your efforts will accelerate the delivery of best-in-class medicines to patients globally, fulfilling Pfizer's commitment to making a meaningful difference in healthcare.

We are seeking a highly motivated individual to join our high content imaging lab within the Discovery Biology and Pharmacology (DBP) group at the vibrant Groton campus in Connecticut. DBP is responsible for hit-identification, lead optimization, and molecular characterization of our small molecules and has teams focused on high-throughput screening, DNA-encoded libraries, pharmacology, protein homeostasis platforms, cellular models, functional genomics, and high-content imaging. The group is highly integrated with other groups in Medicine Design including Chemists, Structural Biologists, and Computational Scientists, and supports the small molecule portfolio across multiple therapeutic areas. The individual in this role will partner across groups to enable the portfolio through excellence in cell biology, phenotypic assay development, with a focus on high content imaging and high throughput flow cytometry.

What You Will Achieve

In this role, you will:

• Assay development and optimization: Independently develop, optimize, and troubleshoot assays focusing on but not limited to high-content imaging and flow cytometry assays.

• Molecular and cell Biology: Leverage molecular and cell biology knowledge and experience to characterize cell models including primary and iPSC-derived cell systems for the development of imaging methods.

• Screening and mechanistic studies: Execute routine screens and mechanism-of-action studies using high-content imaging and/or flow cytometry as well as molecular approaches to support programs across target validation, small-molecule identification and optimization, and clinical candidate selection.

• Data analysis and reporting: Independently analyze assay data, including applying advanced image-analysis methods to develop and optimize analysis algorithms; perform quality control, process screening data, and communicate results clearly.

• Project engagement: Actively engage in project discussions, contribute to decision-making, monitor project progress, and identify biology and pharmacology needs.

• Collaborative study design: Partner with project team members and DBP colleagues to design and execute studies that address project needs, interpret data to answer key questions, and help guide project direction when needed.

• Leadership:  Mentor other scientists to drive team success.

Qualifications

Must Have

• Education: PhD in Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, Cell Biology, or a related discipline with 1 to 3 years' experience in cellular assay development

• Technical expertise: Hands-on experience with high-content imaging and flow cytometry instrumentation, with familiarity in advanced image-analysis methods and software.

• Cell models and characterization: Hands-on experience with physiologically relevant cell models (primary cells, iPSC-derived models). Familiarity with cell characterization methods and gene delivery systems.

• Scientific foundation: Broad and applied knowledge of cellular and molecular biology, with the ability to connect biological questions to appropriate assay strategies.

• Learning agility: Demonstrated ability to acquire relevant disease area biology knowledge efficiently and apply this to a broad range of target classes.

• Problem solving: Strong willingness and ability to troubleshoot, solve problems, and overcome technical or scientific challenges.

• Collaboration: Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, with the ability to work efficiently and productively in team-based settings.

• Communication: Demonstration of excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Nice to Have

• Experience across therapeutic areas such as Internal Medicine, Immunology & Inflammation, or Oncology.

• Exposure to functional genomics approaches, including RNA-seq and CRISPR-based methods.

• Programming or computational biology experience to support algorithm development and data analysis.

 
 

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

• 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

• May periodically be asked to travel to the Pfizer Cambridge, MA site  to meet project team members and to attend appropriate meetings and conferences.

• Must comply with all laboratory safety practices.

Other Job Details

• 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