Pfizer

Vivarium Operations & Technical Manager

United States - California - La Jolla Full time

Job Title: Vivarium Operations & Technical Manager (M02)

Role Summary

The Vivarium Operations & Technical Manager will lead a team of technical staff direct reports supporting in vivo oncology research within the Pfizer Oncology Research Unit (ORU), Tumor Biology In Vivo Pharmacology (TB-IVP), ensuring quality execution. This role is accountable for managing vivarium operations and forecasting and building future needs, as well as ensuring the delivery of high-quality technical and operational services aligned with study timelines and scientific objectives from the ORU. The successful candidate will serve as a key liaison between internal stakeholders and external partners, driving operational excellence and fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. Additionally, this position will have responsibility for AUP ownership, designing and executing studies to support partner line objectives.

Key Responsibilities

  • Manage ongoing operational activities involving cross-functional representatives on behalf of the TB-IVP team to support short & long-term objectives.

  • Oversee the relationship between technical support team, TB-IVP researchers, and contract research organization (CRL) operational team to ensure that the provision of basic to complex specialty husbandry and technical services are in alignment with RU study conduct requirements and project timelines.  Monitor results against key performance indicators and communicate results and knowledge internally.

  • Will be accountable for multiple AUPs, have oversight of animal ordering, be responsible for animal holding room census, and managing vivarium infrastructure with CRL ensuring compliance with regulatory standards (IACUC/AAALAC) and Pfizer policies.

  • Drive effective resource allocation and manage the technical support team in conducting experiments and protocols, including collection, recording, and exporting of data in the delivery of studies. Own interactions with ORU project team scientists to fully understand their goals. Develop innovative ideas and advance new concepts that improve ORU’s work processes.

  • Represent the operations team/TB-IVP on cross-line meetings and initiatives.

  • Regularly communicate with key partner stakeholders as needed, including ad hoc communications/events that require cross-functional communication.Navigate cultural and functional similarities and differences between external (CRL) and Pfizer organizations to improve working mechanisms between teams and resolve areas of discordant expectations.Maintain forecasting data in partnership with ORU leadership and scientific leads to ensure accurate study forecasts. Manage animal inventory, internal workload, prioritize study support resources, and develop strategies and efficiencies to support work.

  • Support operational excellence by identifying gaps in processes, proposing resolutions, and lead process development, communication, and implementation.

  • Serve as a subject matter expert for activities related to execution and management in vivo studies,facility operations, study conduct, scheduling, resourcing and solving moderately complex problems within area of expertise

  • Will provide technical/operational guidance to members of the department, and external partners and vendors.

  • Mentor and guide direct reports, fostering a collaborative and growth-oriented environment. and provide oversight for matrix-managed resources.

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelors level degree with 9+ years’ experience -OR- Master’s degree with at least 7 years of relevant experience.

  • Advanced level of in vivo technical skills and deep understanding of IACUC / AAALAC requirements and workflows

  • Thrives in a collaborative work environment, where interacting effectively with peers, functional managers, and senior leadership will drive success.

  • Strong communication, partnership, decision making, and negotiation skills. Will be able to solicit input, explain complex concepts and have an ability to persuade others to adopt a point of view.

  • Ability to manage complexities, think strategically, and exercise good judgement.

  • Expertise to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-based matrix environment as well as the ability to function independently as appropriate.

  • Effective people management skills with experience in a matrixed setting.

  • Knowledge and experience in oncology and immunology including technical expertise in study conduct for oncology models, regulatory, safety, and operational support.

  • Broad knowledge of drug development process relating to required task duration, project prioritization, budget management & resource allocation.

  • Knowledge of tasks performed by relevant lines in drug development and the relative priorities and dependencies between them.

Preferred Qualifications

  • LATG certification.

  • Experience with CRO collaboration and vendor management.

  • Familiarity with Pfizer systems, processes, and values is a plus.


Work Location Assignment: On Premise


The annual base salary for this position ranges from $102,900.00 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