Associate Scientist Position

 ROLE SUMMARY

The successful candidate will join a team of ~45 scientists within the Primary Pharmacology Group (PPG) at our Groton, CT campus providing laboratory and automation support for tip based and acoustic liquid handlers, automated screening systems, plate based and high content plate readers and other types of laboratory equipment. You will be a key contributor to maintaining our infrastructure and ensuring uninterrupted screening in support of Pfizer’s small molecule portfolio across multiple therapeutic areas. You will work collaboratively with PPG assay development and screening colleagues to provide method development in support of assay development, high throughput screening (HTS) and SAR screening for target and phenotypic based screens.   

As the successful candidate, you will have some experience in programming and troubleshooting laboratory equipment. A general understanding of biology is also required. Key to the role is a demonstrated ability to rapidly become proficient with automated high throughput workflow optimization, new technologies, equipment and software. In additional to technical skills, the candidate should possess strong collaborative, time management, customer service and written/verbal communication skills.

At Pfizer, we believe in helping people lead healthier lives from our customers to our colleagues. We offer a wide array of programs and plans that give our colleagues the flexibility and tools they need. The Primary Pharmacology Group offers a collegial and supportive environment for colleagues, with a culture encouraging openness, innovation, and ownership of our science. We aim to provide scientific and growth opportunities for personal and career development commensurate with a colleague’s goals and experience.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Establish methods/protocols on tip based and acoustic liquid handlers to support PPG colleagues in their assay development and screening work
• Maintain and establish robotic protocols in Cellario or other scheduling software to execute HTS campaigns
• Optimize and monitor automated workflows for HTS
• Work with vendors to learn about the latest technologies and understand the impact to our workflows
• Help maintain the equipment monitoring system
• Work collaboratively across PPG and Discovery Sciences to maintain our equipment infrastructure

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

                                               

• BS with 2+ years of experience relevant pharmaceutical industry experience
• Demonstrated experience programming and troubleshooting laboratory equipment and/or robotic systems
• Demonstration of ability to rapidly learn new technologies and instruments

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• BS in Biology, Biochemistry or related life-sciences field
• Experience with Biomek FX, Biomex NX, and Biomek I7 tip-based liquid handlers or LabCyte Echo acoustic liquid handlers
• Experience with HighRes or other automated systems
• Knowledge of Sharepoint, Spotfire and other applications for equipment scheduling, issue tracking and performance visualizations
• Some experience in coding in Python or other language
• Familiarity with in vitro assay technologies (fluorescence, HTRF, TR-FRET, SPA, luminescence) commonly used in pharmacology screening.

  

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

• Lifting, sitting, standing, walking, bending
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations.

NON-STANDARD WORK SCHEDULE, TRAVEL OR ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS

• Majority of work will be performed during the standard workday, but ability to work flexible hours when needed is preferrable.

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.

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