Senior Scientist, Strain Change Response - Viral Vaccines

ROLE SUMMARY

The Viral Vaccines group is seeking an experienced lab-based molecular virologist to support RNA-based viral vaccines for Flu and COVID-19. The successful applicant will play a fundamental role in implementing an innovative molecular strategy for rapid and accurate generation of DNA templates to support viral strain change activities. The use of synthetic technologies and molecular biology with automated instruments to support RNA vaccine and virus rescue constructs production for seasonal and pandemic vaccine development. The incumbent should possess a strong scientific curiosity and rigor and a strong background in virology and molecular biology, experience with Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System and strain selection will be a plus. The incumbent will work closely with the group leader, project teams, supporting lines and team members to drive the design and execution of in vitro studies, and take a “hands on” role to support laboratory activities. 

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Take leading role to establish robust and rapid response to deliver mRNA vaccine candidate constructs for seasonal/pandemic influenza and new emerging COVID-19 variants.
• Combine expertise in automation, synthetic biology, molecular biology, nucleic acid chemistry, and virology techniques to help build an efficient pathway to convert virus sequence data into RNA vaccine constructs, and synthetic related viruses.
• Mentor junior scientists’ activities and provide technical guidance when necessary. Maintain high technical quality and initiate problem solving for all technical issues related to the area of expertise. Incumbent will analyze experimental data, draw conclusions, and propose future research plans.  
• Coordinate and communicate experimental results in a timely manner.  Present experimental results at appropriate meetings with group members and senior management.  Write progress reports and provide concise summaries of project status to team members and group leader. 
• Keep current on scientific and technical literature and attend relevant scientific meetings in order to apply new technologies and/or scientific principles.
• The incumbent must be able to accommodate multiple projects or tasks and work efficiently on assigned research projects.
• Satisfactorily complete all safety training in conformance with Departmental requirements. Where applicable, performs job responsibilities in compliance with cGMP/GLP and all other regulatory agency requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Candidate should have a PhD in virology (Influenza Virus and Coronavirus are preferred), molecular biology, genetics and related disciplines, with at least 2+ years of relevant experience preferably in a pharmaceutical or biotechnology environment, or relevant academic experiences in virology R&D.
• Has practical knowledge of global flu vaccine surveillance and be familiar with annual Flu vaccine recommendation.
• Has extensive bench molecular biology experience and knowledge, including Gibson Assembly and Golden Gate Assembly.
• Self-motivated and able to work effectively as part of a cross-functional team.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented is essential.  
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required.
• Proficiency with Geneious Prime, DNA Sequencer, GraphPad Prism/Excel, and relevant scientific software is desirable. 

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS 

Training in molecular biology, synthetic biology, and virology is essential.  Relevant work experience in a laboratory setting is essential, including ability to work with infectious agents safely.  The capacity to work effectively in a highly visible research program with time-constrained milestones.

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.

Pfizer is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable equal employment opportunity legislation in each jurisdiction in which it operates.

OTHER INFORMATION  
Work Location Assignment: On Premise

Other Job Details:

Eligible for relocation package

Eligible for employee referral bonus

#LI-PFE

Relocation assistance may be available based on business needs and/or eligibility.

Pfizer requires all U.S. new hires to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to the first date of employment.  As required by applicable law, Pfizer will consider requests for Reasonable Accommodations.

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.

Research and Development