Senior Scientist - Cancer Cell Biology

Sorry, this job was removed at 06:09 p.m. (UTC) on Tuesday, Apr 07, 2026
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La Jolla, CA, USA
Hybrid
94K-156K Annually
Artificial Intelligence • Healthtech • Machine Learning • Natural Language Processing • Biotech • Pharmaceutical
We’re in relentless pursuit of breakthroughs that change patients’ lives.
The Role
WHY PATIENTS NEED YOU
Pfizer's purpose is to deliver breakthroughs that change patients' lives. Research and Development is at the heart of fulfilling that purpose-translating science and technology into therapies and vaccines that matter most. Whether in discovery, development, or clinical research, you will be a key contributor to our mission of bringing best‑in‑class medicines to patients worldwide.
WHAT YOU WILL ACHIEVE
The Pfizer Oncology Research Unit (ORU) is working to change the trajectory of cancer by translating breakthrough discoveries into transformative medicines for patients.
The Oncogene & Cancer Vulnerabilities (O&CV) group, within the Tumor Biology division, applies cutting‑edge science and innovative technology-first approaches to discover and advance novel cancer therapies. O&CV supports both small‑ and large‑molecule discovery programs, spanning target discovery and validation through clinical entry, serving as biology leaders across oncology portfolio programs.
In this role, you will be an integral contributor to efforts aimed at targeting oncogenic drivers and tumor‑intrinsic vulnerabilities using next‑generation small and large molecule modalities. You will design, execute, and interpret molecular and cellular experiments-including functional genomics-and integrate data across platforms to inform mechanism of action and resistance mitigation strategies. You will collaborate broadly across Pfizer, communicate findings effectively, and contribute to a culture of scientific excellence and continuous development.
HOW YOU WILL ACHIEVE IT
  • Lead from the bench by designing, executing, and analyzing experiments that interrogate tumor‑intrinsic vulnerabilities and translate target biology into patient‑relevant hypotheses
  • Design, execute and analyze experiments to investigate mechanism‑of‑action signaling networks for small‑ and large‑molecule therapeutics targeting oncogenic pathways
  • Apply strong attention to detail in experimental design, execution, data integration, and interpretation
  • Maintain deep awareness of scientific literature, disseminate relevant literature summaries to key stakeholders and actively contribute to scientific discussions
  • Communicate research findings clearly through presentations and discussions with O&CV and cross‑functional project teams.
  • Proactively collaborate across departments to drive project progress and scientific impact.
  • Contribute to a culture that values teamwork, accountability, scientific rigor, and continuous learning

QUALIFICATIONS
Must-Have
  • Ph.D. in Tumor Biology or a related field with 1+ years of relevant postdoctoral experience in industry or academia OR B.S. or M.S. in Tumor Biology or a related field with >8 years of relevant research experience in industry
  • Track record of independently leading research evidenced by first-author publication in reputable peer-reviewed journal
  • Track record of independently leading research evidenced by oral and poster presentations at internationally recognized conference series
  • Proven collaborative research experience, evidenced by co‑authored publications in reputable peer-reviewed journals
  • Research experience in areas of Tumor Biology, such as Oncogenic Cell Signaling, Tumor Plasticity and Heterogeneity, Adaptive networks and Acquired resistance, or Proximity-first Biology mechanisms eg. molecular glues
  • Strong proficiency in core cell and molecular biology techniques (eg: Cell Culture, Construct Design, Lentiviral Generation, Stable Cell line Generation, 2D-adhered and 3D-Spheroid Proliferation assays, Western blots, Immunoprecipitation, QPCR etc)
  • Experience with functional genomics and protein interrogation approaches (eg: CRISPR, DTAG, NanoBRET/BIT etc.)
  • Ability to query oncology databases like cBioportal, TCGA, DepMap, Project Score etc.
  • Excellent organizational, verbal, and written communication skills, with strong intrinsic motivation to deliver impactful therapies for patients

Nice-to-Have
  • Broad knowledge of major oncogenic drivers and signaling pathways
  • Experience working with large multi‑omic datasets (e.g., phosphoproteomics, RNA‑seq, whole‑exome sequencing, single‑cell datasets)
  • Computational experience using R for data analysis and figure generation

Additional Information:
  • Relocation support available
  • Eligible for Employee Referral
  • Work Location Assignment: On Premise
  • Last Day to Apply: April 6, 2026

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.
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. This position requires permanent work authorization in the United States.
Pfizer endeavors to make www.pfizer.com/careers accessible to all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process and/or interviewing, please email [email protected] . This is to be used solely for accommodation requests with respect to the accessibility of our website, online application process and/or interviewing. Requests for any other reason will not be returned.
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Pfizer Compensation & Benefits Highlights

  • Healthcare Strength Multiple U.S. medical plan options include telehealth, comprehensive mental‑health support, fertility/family‑building benefits, transgender‑inclusive coverage, and certain Pfizer medications at no cost. A Wellbeing Wallet and wellness resources broaden the health and wellbeing offering.
  • Retirement Support A 401(k) with company matching is paired with an additional Pfizer Retirement Savings Contribution, alongside company‑paid life and disability insurance. One‑on‑one financial planning support is provided through Fidelity.
  • Leave & Time Off Breadth Paid time off spans vacation, holidays, and personal days, with additional caregiver and medical leave. U.S. parental leave commonly includes 12 weeks paid with options for additional unpaid bonding time and a return‑to‑work transition.

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