Role Summary

We are seeking an automation scientist to join the CRD Automation & Robotics group within Chemical Research and Development (CRD). This group will develop an automated, robotic laboratory infrastructure that delivers a 10-fold productivity gain including a 50% cycle time reduction for key CRD workflows as well as driving enhanced sustainability. They will create a synergistic data infrastructure to promote rich, systemic, automated data generation and curation.  They will harness machine learning to drive unattended decisions (self-optimization and self-correction) and harness artificial intelligence to aid in experiment design. These goals will be achieved through partnership with other disciplines including data scientists, analytical chemists, engineers, and process chemists to develop digital and robotic automation platforms.

The successful candidate will develop and deploy automation and technology processes for pharmaceutical drug candidates in a laboratory setting.

Primary Responsibilities

• The successful candidate will help design, prototype and develop laboratory automation solutions for process development applications as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Facilitate data-rich experimentation through enhanced analytics, computer vision and other emerging technologies.
• Develop and implement synergistic digital tools for machine learning and self-optimization to enhance automation goals.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to implement automation tools and develop novel solutions for execution of laboratory experimentation.
• Innovate with academic and industrial collaborators to identify unmet needs and develop novel solutions.
• Partner with process chemists and engineers on suitable experimentation to deliver CRD workflows for small molecule drug development.
• Implement robotic control and data management systems.
• Participation with departmental initiatives, continuous improvement teams, scientific presentations, and external collaborations to influence scientific and business impact of the group.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Organic Chemistry or Mechatronic Engineering related discipline (or within 6 months of completing a program) or an Msc with 3+ years’ experience in a related field. No industrial experience necessary.
• Demonstrated ability to design and develop creative solutions, ideally targeted towards application for laboratory automation.
• Creative thinking and problem-solving skills at the interface of chemistry, engineering and data-science.
• Experience with CAD designs and prototyping new equipment.
• Experience in integrating automated hardware and analytical devices, e.g. XYZ cartesian and/or 6/7-axes robotic arms with process analytical technologies.
• Knowledge of coding languages such as Python or C++ for automation controls, data management and/or AI/ML applications.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, the ability to effectively work with a multi-disciplinary team comprised of chemists, chemical engineers, computer scientist and data scientists

Nice-to-Have

• Synthetic organic chemistry laboratory experience in a research laboratory setting and expertise in process research and process development
• Experience with the tools to develop, optimize, characterize and scale up process steps

  
 

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

• Laboratory work requiring standing.
• Working at a computer.
• Ability to use sound scientific judgment and analyze data to advance programs

NON-STANDARD WORK SCHEDULE, TRAVEL OR ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS

• Travel is required on occasion to support external collaborations, cross-site technology development or to participate in scientific conferences. 

Work Location Assignment: On Premise with relocation support available

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $88,300.00 to $147,100.00. 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.

Research and Development