Scientist, Mrna Vaccines & Technology

What You Will Achieve
The primary role of the position is to contribute to the RNA Platform improvements for the viral vaccine programs. The candidate will work closely with the viral vaccine director to develop and apply interdisciplinary approaches to understand the mechanisms of action of different types of RNA-based viral vaccine drug substance and lipid nanoparticle drug products and participate in the development of next-generation RNA vaccine prototypes.
How You Will Achieve It

• Build and optimize an optical platform to characterize the RNAs and their formulations for in vitro studies
• Develop, establish, and execute single molecule approaches to investigate patterns of intra-cellular trafficking and localization of RNA including organelle retention of RNA and spatial RNA polarization, and their impact on translation in mammalian primary cells and established cell lines
• Develop novel tools to visualize and quantify exogenous mRNA and protein interactions in subcellular compartments and in RNA granules with high spatiotemporal resolution, at the single molecule level

QUALIFICATIONS
Must Have's

• Strong foundation in RNA Cell biology
• MS in biology, biochemistry, immunology, molecular cell biology or a related field with 4+ years of relevant industry experience in pre-clinical research and in vaccine technical development OR
• Bachelor's degree in biology, biochemistry, immunology, molecular cell biology or a related field with 6+ years of relevant industry experience in pre-clinical research and vaccine technical development
• Comprehensive knowledge and hands on experience with confocal microscopy-based single molecule Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (smFISH) and Immunofluorescence assays including Cell Painting and Fluorescent Recovery After Photobleaching (FRAP) assay.
• Proficiency in High-Content Imaging using differential interphase contrast, epifluorescent, confocal laser scanning, spinning disc confocal, total internal reflection fluorescence, multi-photon microscopies and associated imaging software.
• Hands on experience with cell culture (primary immune cells and established cell lines) and the utilization of cell-based assays to characterize RNA-based products (e.g., Multicolor flow cytometry, ELISA/MSD/ELLA, Taqman RT-qPCR, Luminescence, Single cell RNAseq)
• Experience with standard molecular biology techniques: RT-qPCR, molecular cloning, aseptic technique, cell culture, DNA/RNA isolation, DNA/RNA transfection
• Excellent computer proficiency (MS-Word, Excel, PowerPoint; GraphPad & FlowJo; molecular biology tools and software applications, including Genewiz, Geneious, Twist, etc.)
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and collaborative skills, attentive to detail, and the ability to work independently and effectively in a highly dynamic cross-functional matrix and fast-paced environment.

Nice to Have

• Technical proficiency with imaging analysis software (ImageJ, Metamorph, Imaris)
• PhD Degree in biology, biochemistry, immunology, molecular cell biology or a related field
• Proficiency in process development & automation solutions
• Experience in Ribosome/polysome profiling, RNA-RNA and RNA-Protein interactions and target identification using NGS.
• Practice designing and running experiments independently.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

• Strong abilities in scientific analysis, cross-functional collaboration, scientific writing, and public speaking required.
• Standard laboratory conditions - sitting, standing, primarily lab-based.
• Ability to interpret, analyze, and present complex data to colleagues.
• Math skills for basic laboratory calculations: dilutions, molar ratios, etc

NON-STANDARD WORK SCHEDULE, TRAVEL OR ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS

• On-site (laboratory-based).
• Must be able to access or utilize reliable transportation to the Pearl River site.
• Experimental designs may occasionally necessitate being on-site early/late or on weekends as needed.
• Potential to work with/come in contact with infectious materials.

Other Job Details

• Relocation support available.
• Work Location Assignment: On Premise

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $72,700.00 to $121,200.00. 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.
Research and Development