Pfizer’s purpose is to deliver breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. At the core of fulfilling this purpose is Research and Development, where we strive to translate advanced science and technologies into the therapies and vaccines that matter most. Your role will focus on developing robust, scalable, and high-productivity cell culture processes for manufacturing biological therapeutics for both early- and late-phase clinical programs. Your extensive experience and deep understanding of the principles, concepts, and practices of the discipline will make you an invaluable team member. Your expertise will guide critical decision-making processes, often requiring you to choose among limited options. You will actively contribute to all team discussions, bringing your innovative scientific mindset to the table. This proactive approach will help Pfizer achieve new milestones and make a significant impact on patients worldwide.
What You Will AchieveThe role of a Senior Associate Scientist in the upstreamgroup of the Manufacturing Sciences and Technologies department (MSAT) at Sanford is to support vaccine DSI/DS manufacturing. This includes supporting launch, commercial (robustness, investigation, continued process validation, tech transfer), and 2G process development activities. Senior Associate Scientists are also expected to support MSAT and/or network initiatives related to internal operations improvements and scientific development. Work is primarily non-GMP and must adhere to business, quality, and compliance objectives and be executed in a manner that is compliant with government regulations as well as internal company standards and values. The role is primarily lab-based and team-oriented.
In this role, you will:
Comply with all safety, training, and data integrity expectations.
Maintain a clean laboratory environment and support team 5S activities.
Order supplies and maintain inventories as directed.
Safely operate and maintain laboratory equipment and instruments according to Job Aids, SOPs, and Batch Records. Assist in the development of Job Aids, SOPs, and Batch Records.
Perform shiftwork and weekend work as needed to meet business objectives.
Perform pre-work for, attend, and actively participate in all required meetings. Facilitate Tier 1 meetings, as needed.
Perform data entry and verification.
Manage individual projects, scientific or otherwise, without direct oversight (i.e. develop objectives, timelines, and report on progress).
Perform and/or lead OpEx activities. Provide feedback/improvements to PCT in IMEX workshops. Support department OpEx
Train others on equipment as appropriate. Provide feedback/suggestions for OJTs.
Share study results, conclusions, or project information within the PCT via power point presentations.
Execute lab studies and document results as a member of a team. Understand the prupose and design of individual studies.
Lead or participate in M1 investigations. Identify issues with lab equipment and lab studies. Troubleshoot lab equipment issues with assistance.
Author technical documents with assistance (e.g. memos)
Participate in model/ process dev studies. Accommodate last-minute changes to study design/ execution.
Understand current project milestones and timelines.
Here Is What You Need (Minimum Requirements)
Degree in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Biochemical Engineering or closely related field. Bachelor’s degree with 3+ year relevant experience, M.S. or Ph.D. with 0+ years of relevant experience may consist of skill development in an academic or industry setting.
Hands-on expertise in microbial or mammalian cell culture
Proficiency in small-scale cell culture, fermentation bioreactor, and WAVE process development
Strong foundation in genetics, molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, and cell culture techniques
Excellent oral and written communication skills, particularly in report writing
Proficiency with personal computers, including word processing, spreadsheets, PowerPoint, and relevant scientific software
Ability to analyze and interpret data accurately
Bonus Points If You Have (Preferred Requirements)
General knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (also cGMP) practices
Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
Experience using common AI tools, including generative technologies such as ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot, to support problem solving and enhance productivity. Demonstrated curiosity for exploring how these tools can improve outcomes and understanding of responsible AI practices, including risk management and ethical use
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Lab based role requires:
1) Ability to lift up to 25lbs unassisted and up to 50lbs assisted.
2) Periods of standing, sitting, walking, bending for long periods of time.
3) Ability to perform mathematical calculation, both basic and complex data analysis.
NON-STANDARD WORK SCHEDULE, TRAVEL OR ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS
This is a 1st shift position. Flexible schedule 8 AM to 5 PM depending on the process.
Occasional weekend and off shift work required. Business travel may be required on rare
Work Location Assignment: On Premise
OTHER JOB DETAILS
Last Date to Apply for Job (Internal Candidates): July 23rd, 2026
Last Date to Apply for Job (External Candidates): July 30th, 2026
The annual base salary for this position ranges from $68,600.00 to $114,300.00. In addition, this position is eligible for participation in Pfizer’s Global Performance Plan with a bonus target of 7.5% of the base salary. 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.
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 DevelopmentSkills Required
- Degree in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Biochemical Engineering or closely related field (B.S. with 3+ years relevant experience; M.S./Ph.D. acceptable with commensurate experience)
- Hands-on expertise in microbial or mammalian cell culture
- Proficiency in small-scale cell culture, fermentation bioreactor, and WAVE process development
- Strong foundation in genetics, molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, and cell culture techniques
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, particularly report writing
- Proficiency with personal computers including word processing, spreadsheets, PowerPoint, and relevant scientific software
- Ability to analyze and interpret data accurately
- Ability to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted and up to 50 lbs assisted; tolerate standing, walking, bending for extended periods
- Authorized to be employed in the U.S. (permanent work authorization required)
- General knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP)
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
- Experience using common AI tools, including generative technologies such as ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot, and understanding of responsible AI use
What the Team is Saying
Pfizer Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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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.
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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.
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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.
Pfizer Insights
What We Do
Our purpose ensures that patients remain at the center of all we do. We live our purpose by sourcing the best science in the world; partnering with others in the healthcare system to improve access to our medicines; using digital technologies to enhance our drug discovery and development, as well as patient outcomes; and leading the conversation to advocate for pro-innovation/pro-patient policies.
Why Work With Us
We are the inventors, the problem solvers, the big thinkers — those who surmount any hurdle to deliver breakthrough medicines to the people who are counting on them the most.
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