Head of Immunodiagnostics and Next Generation Technology

About the role

As a Senior Leader within our Vaccines R&D Clinical Immunology and Diagnostics organization, you will envision and implement next-generation immunodiagnostics strategies. Reporting to the Head of Clinical Diagnostics, you will drive novel, high-throughput ligand binding assay (LBA) strategies outside of conventional plate-based assays—focusing heavily on automation, speed, and high precision. You will lead a high-performing team developing and maintaining immunodiagnostic assays to support vaccine clinical trials and epidemiological studies. You will serve as the primary immunology and assay development Subject Matter Expert (SME) for vaccine program teams. You will leverage your deep end-to-end expertise in assay lifecycles, robotic sample handling, clinical batching, and analytical/clinical validations under GCLP/cGMP guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Strategy and Innovation: Envision and execute next-generation ligand binding assay (LBA) strategies, driving high-throughput, automated, and rapid-completion alternatives to traditional plate-based assays. Keep abreast of scientific and technological breakthroughs; identify and in-license/in-house promising new diagnostic platforms.
• Project and Clinical Leadership: Set objectives for and manage multiple assay development projects (serological, immunodiagnostic, and toxicological). Drive the prioritization of clinical epidemiological studies by optimizing logistical testing resources. Author and review high-level technical documents, validations, regulatory responses, and scientific publications.
• Collaboration and Influence: Collaborate across internal Vaccines R&D teams and external partners to integrate cutting-edge testing technologies into clinical strategies. Lead technology transfers and represent the department in key scientific and strategic discussions.
• People Management and Compliance: Direct and mentor a diverse team of scientists, including direct management of multiple subordinate managers. Ensure all laboratory work and clinical testing strictly adhere to Pfizer values, SOPs, and GCLP/cGMP standards.

Requirements

• Education and Experience:
  • PhD in Immunology or a closely related biological field.
  • 5+ years of industry experience leading the development of advanced tools and assays and the implementation of cutting-edge technologies.
  • Experience managing other managers and mentoring junior scientists.
• Technical Expertise:
  • Deep expertise in assay development and lifecycle management (from concept/design to long-term sustainability).
  • Strong background in robotic sample handling systems, clinical batching, Design of Experiments (DoE), and general biostatistical analysis.
  • Expert knowledge of analytical/clinical validations under GCLP and/or cGMP guidelines.
• Tools and Technology: Proficiency with LIMS, DoE software, and standard enterprise suites.
• Communication and Influence: Strong publication record (primary author) and experience presenting concise, high-level data to senior leadership.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leveraging AI, machine learning, or advanced algorithmic scheduling software to optimize high-throughput laboratory automation and automated assay data analysis pipelines.
• Experience interacting with/responding to regulatory agencies.
• Demonstrated breadth of diverse leadership experiences and capabilities including: the ability to influence and collaborate with peers, develop and coach others, oversee and guide the work of other colleagues to achieve meaningful outcomes and create business impact.

Schedule

This is a hybrid role requiring you to live within commuting distance and work on-site an average of 2.5 days per week or more as needed.

Pay

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $176,600.00 to $294,300.00. In addition, this position is eligible for participation in Pfizer’s Global Performance Plan with a bonus target of 20.0% of the base salary and eligibility to participate in our share-based long-term incentive program.

Benefits

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.
• Health benefits to include medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage.
• Relocation assistance may be available based on business needs and/or eligibility.

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.