Pfizer

Principal Scientist

United States - New York - Pearl River Full time

Use Your Power for Purpose

At Pfizer, our purpose is to deliver breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Your work will directly impact the development of therapies and vaccines that improve patients' lives globally. By leveraging advanced science and cutting-edge technologies, you will play a crucial role in transforming innovative ideas into life-changing medical solutions. Whether you are involved in discovery sciences, ensuring drug safety and efficacy, or supporting clinical trials, your contributions will be vital in accelerating the delivery of top-tier medicines to patients worldwide.

ROLE SUMMARY:

This is a laboratory-based position in the Viral Vaccine serology group. The ideal applicant must have experience in virology, biology, and immunoassays related to respiratory viruses. Additional knowledge on viral vaccination in human and animal models is highly desirable. To support the fast-moving project, the incumbent should possess a strong scientific curiosity and rigor and be adaptable to take on the project’s scientific challenges as they arise. The incumbent will work closely with the scientific leads, project teams, team members, and external collaborators to drive the design and execution of experiments and take a “hands on” role in laboratory activities. The incumbent will contribute to strategic directions for projects. The appointee will be part of a dynamic team and should possess a strong work ethic and collaborative spirit.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Work effectively in a highly visible research programs with time-constrained milestones to support fast-moving viral vaccine programs.

  • As functional lead, align with study leads, design and conduct immunology assays, including neutralization assays, ELISA, and other functional assays from human and animal models to evaluate immunogenicity of vaccine candidates.

  • To provide virology and immunology expertise to viral vaccine programs to guide the development of the preclinical data package.

  • Document, interpret, and communicate experiments and results in timely manner with scientific leads and provide strategic suggestions for projects and support regulatory submissions.

  • Independently develop and optimize immunology assays and technologies to improve capabilities and ways of working.

  • Collaborate extensively with those from other scientific disciplines from within the group, from other subdivisions of Vaccines, from other divisions of Pfizer, and potentially from external partners.

  • Mentor and manage junior scientists’ activities and provide technical guidance.

  • Remain current in scientific literature and state of the art techniques.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • PhD with 4+ years academic and industry experience in Immunology, Virology, Biology or a related field OR Master's degree and 9+ years of relevant experience OR Bachelor's degree and 12+ years of relevant experience

  • Comprehensive knowledge and hands on experience with immunoassays (neutralization and ELISA) development and data interpretation.

  • Strong background in immunology and virology.

  • Proficiency in software to perform analysis and presentation of data (Excel, GraphPad Prism, PowerPoint, and relevant scientific software).

  • Strong motivation with a dedicated work ethic.

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Advanced experience in generating protocols using Bravo Automated Liquid Handling Platform.

  • Expert in Microsoft Excel (advanced formulas and functions).

  

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Basic laboratory training in aseptic technique is essential. 

  • Ability to work with infectious agents safely.

  • Standard laboratory conditions and computer work– sitting, standing.

  • This position may require the ability to stand and reach inside the hardware environment of various laboratory robotic equipment.

  • Math skills for basic laboratory calculations.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS:

  • Last date to apply is: March 11, 2026

  • Work Location Assignment: On Premise

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $106,000.00 to $171,500.00. In addition, this position is eligible for participation in Pfizer’s Global Performance Plan with a bonus target of 15.0% 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.

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.

Pfizer endeavors to make www.pfizer.com/careers accessible to all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process and/or interviewing, please email disabilityrecruitment@pfizer.com. This is to be used solely for accommodation requests with respect to the accessibility of our website, online application process and/or interviewing. Requests for any other reason will not be returned.

Research and Development