Associate Scientist - Powder Characterization, Drug Product Design

Posted:
10/2/2024, 5:33:03 AM

Location(s):
Connecticut, United States ⋅ Groton, Connecticut, United States

Experience Level(s):
Junior ⋅ Mid Level

Field(s):
Product

Why Patients Need You  

Pfizer’s purpose is to deliver breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Research and Development is at the heart of fulfilling Pfizer’s purpose as we work to translate advanced science and technologies into the therapies and vaccines that matter most. Whether you are in the discovery sciences, ensuring drug safety and efficacy or supporting clinical trials, you will apply cutting edge design and process development capabilities to accelerate and bring the best-in-class medicines to patients around the world.  

 

What You Will Achieve  

When you join Pfizer, you'll be joining a company and team with a desire to bring new, cutting edge medicines to patients around the world. As a member of our team, you'll use science and technology to design, characterize and develop the solid form of active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and drug product formulations from discovery to commercial launch. You will be able to leverage your existing scientific knowledge, as well as develop in new areas, to evaluate the chemical & physical stability, bio-performance and manufacturability of the drug product across a diverse range of therapeutic areas. 
 
As an Associate scientist, you will be at the center of our operations and you’ll find that everything we do, every day, is in line with an unwavering commitment to quality. Your strong foundation in general scientific practice, its principles and concepts will help in meeting critical deadlines. You will be relied on as a technical contributor to assess the assigned tasks and make decisions that involve direct application of your knowledge.   

 
It is your hard work and dedication that will make Pfizer ready to achieve new milestones and help patients across the globe.  

 

How You Will Achieve It  

  • Analysis of powder samples for key physical properties (such as particle size distribution, bulk density, true density, powder flow, particle shape, and other mechanical properties)

  • Using techniques such as optical microscopy, laser diffraction particle size analysis, electron microscopy, shear cell testing, compaction simulation, etc.

  • Proficient in learning new techniques, developing and carrying out experimental plans, and performing multiple tasks simultaneously

  • Experience in data handling and scientific/engineering computations

  • Excellent communication (oral and written) and attention to detail

  • Ability to keep accurate records, follow instructions, and comply with company policies

  • At least one year experience in particle and powder characterization

  • Apply technical skills and functional knowledge to projects/assignments within own work group/ project team independently and proactively

  • Develop and/or employ novel characterization techniques to connect under physical property understanding to drug product development

  • Use written and verbal communication to effectively convey experimental designs, justifications, and results to inline and crossline audiences

  • Practice effective multitasking through prioritization. Judiciously resolve urgent, important needs while demonstrating advanced planning for important, non-urgent needs

  • Thoroughly and contemporaneously record experimental details and data into an electronic laboratory notebook.

  • Review the laboratory experiments and other written records of fellow scientists.

  • Read, understand, and follow standard operating procedures, best-practice guidance, corporate policies, and applicable government regulations.

  • Ensure safe working practices are followed and maintained both in own and others’ work.   

This position resides within the Formulation and Process Design (FPD) line of Drug Product Design (DPD). Common interactions for this role include:

  • Partner Pharmaceutical Science lines (such as Analytical R&D, Chemical R&D, Global CMC, Drug Product Supply, Packaging etc.) as member of the Pharmaceutical Science Project Team

  • Excipient and equipment vendors

  • Drug product clinical and commercial (PGS) manufacturing site colleagues  

 

Qualifications  

Must-Have  

  • BS in Materials Science, Pharmaceutics, Chemistry, Chemical or Pharmaceutical Engineering with 0-2years relevant experience

  • Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work with others in a dynamic and highly collaborative environment.

  • Excellent oral and written communication skills with experience in report writing.

  • PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

This is a lab-based role that may require significant periods of time away from a desk. While performing the duties for this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and use hands to reach, handle, and feel. 

  • Occasionally required to walk or sit, balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch. Must regularly move up to 10 pounds and frequently lift or move up to 25 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made. 

  • Required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment for specific job duties to be performed. Such equipment may include lab coats, safety eyewear, various types of gloves, and/or respirators. 

NON-STANDARD WORK SCHEDULE, TRAVEL OR ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS

  • The position may require travel to project meetings and support clinical, registration and validation campaigns at manufacturing sites globally. Up to 10%.

  • Work Location Assignment: On Premise


The annual base salary for this position ranges from $54,700.00 to $91,100.00. 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.

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.

Research and Development