Associate Scientist, Microbiology

Pfizer’s purpose is to deliver breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Research and Development is at the heart of fulfilling Pfizer’s purpose as we work to translate advanced science and technologies into the therapies and vaccines that matter most. Whether you are in the discovery sciences, ensuring drug safety and efficacy, or supporting clinical trials, you will apply cutting edge design and process development capabilities to accelerate and bring the best-in-class medicines to patients around the world.

About the role

As an Associate Scientist in the Analytical R&D Microbiology Strategy & Testing organization, you will help enable development of biological therapeutics at Pfizer. Your responsibilities include applying GMP microbiological methods (bioburden, endotoxin, PCR, etc.) in the assessment of product quality and detection of impurities. You will perform microbiology identification, testing, and method qualifications to support multiple sites in the Pfizer network, including Environmental Monitoring (EM) of manufacturing facilities, waters, and compressed gases. This role involves utilizing established microbiological methodologies to support GMP in-process and research & development testing of clinical supplies, with a focus on aseptic lab technique and facility gowning.

Responsibilities

• Exercise and build basic team effectiveness skills (e.g., commitment, feedback, consensus management) within the work group.
• Review and contribute to technical documents, including validation protocols and reports, analytical test procedures, investigation reports, monitoring trend reports, and change controls.
• Directly interact with multiple department team members, including presentation of data.
• Complete all Good Manufacturing Practice (part of GxP) and safety training in compliance with departmental requirements and follow appropriate safety practices in the workplace.
• Perform various experiments for microbial analysis, qualification/validation, and characterization of biological therapeutics.
• Perform and document environmental monitoring of manufacturing areas and related microbiological activities.
• Conduct all work according to appropriate Standard Operating Procedures following Good Manufacturing Practices/Good Laboratory Practices (GMP/GLP) requirements and ensure integrity of all data generated and documented.
• Independently analyze and provide conclusions regarding data generated.
• Plan and prioritize assigned testing activities.
• Present problems and propose solutions in discussions with group members.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in microbiology, biochemistry, biology, or related field + 0 - 2 years of experience.
• Excellent documentation skills with high attention to detail.
• Strong organizational skills and effective interpersonal and written communication skills.
• Self-motivated and highly effective in a team-based environment.
• Ability to follow established procedures under minimal supervision.

Qualifications

• 1+ years’ experience with Quality Systems in a Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) environment (nice-to-have).
• Experience with laboratory data systems such as Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) (nice-to-have).
• Hands-on experience or working knowledge in the pharmaceutical industry and handling of analytical instruments (nice-to-have).
• Knowledge of the drug development process for progression of biological candidates (nice-to-have).
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and guidelines (nice-to-have).
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously (nice-to-have).
• Experience using common AI tools, including generative technologies such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, or Microsoft Copilot, to support problem solving and enhance productivity (nice-to-have).
• Demonstrated curiosity for exploring how AI tools can improve outcomes and understanding of responsible AI practices, including risk management and ethical use (nice-to-have).

Physical/Mental Requirements

• Occasional light lifting and periods of standing, sitting, or walking.
• Laboratory testing involves repetitive operations using hand-held instruments (micropipettes).
• Must qualify on cleanroom gowning to conduct weekly monitoring of manufacturing areas.

Schedule

This is typically a Monday-Friday schedule, first shift. Occasional weekend work or off-shift hours may be required per business need.

Pay

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $60,200.00 to $100,400.00. This position is also eligible for participation in Pfizer’s Global Performance Plan with a bonus target of 7.5% of the base salary.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage.
• 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.
• Relocation assistance may be available based on business needs and/or eligibility.

Work Location Assignment: On Premise