Senior Associate Scientist (Upstream Process Development)
Pfizer
- Location
- United States - Massachusetts - Andover
- Work model
- On-Site
- Level
- Mid
- H-1B history
- 9 approvals (FY2023)
- Posted
- Aug 26, 2026
Skills
About this role
Use Your Power for Purpose 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 Achieve In this role, you will: Develop and optimize cell culture processes for producing biological therapeutics Design, plan, and execute experiments using shake flasks, bench-top bioreactors, and other scale-down equipment Conduct cell culture experiments to enhance protein production with mammalian expression platforms Assist in transferring manufacturing processes to pilot, clinical, and commercial facilities Present data and strategies to scientists and management at internal and external meetings, including technical meetings, project team meetings, and conferences Analyze and document experimental data in electronic laboratory notebooks and internal technical reports, ensuring timely and accurate documentation Evaluate data and provide clear, detailed reports for cross-functional teams Complete all required Good Laboratory Practices and safety training, adhering to departmental safety practices. Collaborate with team members to achieve work group goals and contribute to project assignments Prioritize tasks to meet project deadlines, apply technical skills to solve moderately complex problems, and work under moderate supervision with regular review Here Is What You Need (Minimum Requirements) Bachelor’s degree with 2-4 years’ industrial experience or Master’s degree with 0-2 years experience in Chemical / Biochemical Engineering, Cell Biology, Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering or a relevant field Relevant research experience in a laboratory setting is required. Ability to grasp scientific concepts, interpret complex data, and formulate new hypothesis. Competency in aseptic laboratory technique and the ability to design and carry out complex experiments and interpret data. Demonstrated effectiveness in collaborative projects, and ability to communicate effectively with scientists and management in a highly matrixed organization. Bonus Points If You Have (Preferred Requirements) Hands-on experience with high-throughput bioreactor platforms, including ambr15 and ambr250 systems Expertise in fed-batch / perfusion bioreactor operations, including process setup, control, troubleshooting, and scale-up of mammalian cell culture processes Proficiency in process modeling and multivariate data analysis for process characterization, and predictive process understanding Experience with Python programming, workflow automation, or app development to create tools that improve experimental planning, data analysis, visualization, and knowledge-sharing for process development scientists Enthusiasm for technology development and innovation, with hands-on perfusion experience highly desired PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS Lifting, sitting, standing, walking, bending, ability to perform mathematical calculations and ability to perform complex data analysis NON-STANDARD WORK SCHEDULE, TRAVEL OR ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS May require occasional work on the weekend for essential tasks May need to travel occasionally to attend internal meetings or external conferences