Senior Scientist, Vaccines-Virology

ROLE SUMMARY

The candidate will be an experienced lab-based research scientist with knowledge of virology, molecular biology, mammalian cell culture. The incumbent will conduct various antiviral assays, plaque assays, qPCR assays, and cytotoxicity assays in BSL2 and BSL3 labs. In addition to high technical competence, the incumbent understands and will articulate program objectives, experimental results to address a problem or evaluate a process/procedure. An ability to collaborate within department and across multidisciplinary teams is essential. The candidate will be expected to share and present research results in program meetings and contribute to the appropriate documents (reports, standard operation procedures, and publications for peer review).

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work independently in a team to plan, execute, analyze results, trouble-shoot, document, summarize experiments, and ensure high data quality.
• Conduct virus infection studies and culturing of cell lines.
• Work in BSL2 and BSL3 labs on antiviral assays required.
• Design and carry out assays to test antiviral activity, cytotoxicity, mechanism of action.
• Carry out virus drug resistance tests.
• Work as a team member in developing working hypothesis, develop and validate assays, and actively involved in data interpretation.
• Present results in internal meetings, scientific conferences, and author study reports and publications.

QUALIFICATIONS

Must-Have

• Candidate should have a PhD in virology or molecular biology with at least 3+ years of relevant experience preferably in a pharmaceutical or biotechnology environment, or relevant academic experiences in virology or small molecule drug discovery and R&D using state-of-the art technologies.
• Self-motivated and able to work effectively as part of a cross-functional team.
• Proven delivery of objectives in a complex matrix environment.
• Skills in cell and virus culture, recombinant molecular biology technology and qPCR are must haves.
• Generate and deliver robust data packages under tight timelines.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required.
• Ability to write protocols and reports are required.​
• Proficiency with Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and statistical software including GraphPad Prism is essential.

Nice-to-Have

• Prior experience in BSL3 environment
• Understanding of viral pathogenesis, including in vivo studies

  
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to perform large number of assays in 96- and 384-well plates and compile the data appropriately
• Ability to perform statistics on experimental studies
• Ability to troubleshoot virological conditions for assay optimization
• Ability to search and interpret the scientific literature and translate it to the own required experiments
• Ability to sit for a longer time at a Biosafety cabinet.

NON-STANDARD WORK SCHEDULE, TRAVEL OR ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS

The current location for the candidate will be in Pearl River NY. Dependent on milestones, experiments, availability of equipment, such as robots, work on bank holidays and weekends might be necessary on occasion.

OTHER JOB DETAILS

Eligible for Relocation Package

Eligible for Employee Referral Bonus

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

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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