Principal Scientist

About the role

Accountable for supporting activities involved in the design, development, transfer, and lifecycle management of manufacturing processes for sterile pharmaceutical products. The candidate selected will be a subject matter expert for PC1 Lifecycle & Lyophilization.

Responsibilities

• Support the design, development, evaluation, and implementation of new or revised manufacturing processes in collaboration with Co-Dev teams and manufacturing operations.
• Design and execute experimental protocols, studies, and measurements to evaluate process performance, variability, scalability, and control of critical process variables.
• Conduct laboratory and engineering studies and analyze data to support product understanding, process performance, technical decision-making, and process improvements.
• Author and review technical reports and provide input on product characterization and analytical methodologies, ensuring scientific rigor and inspection readiness.
• Lead or support investigations related to deviations, discrepancies, and process performance issues, including root cause analysis and development of effective CAPA.
• Troubleshoot and resolve process and equipment-related challenges in commercial manufacturing while serving as a scientific and technical representative for facility process issues.
• Serve as a Technical Services SME for lyophilization, providing technical support for cycle understanding and optimization, equipment capability, process performance evaluation, and troubleshooting of lyo-related product or process issues.
• Support process and product improvements, including application of process analytical technologies (PAT) and evaluation and implementation of process, equipment, and system changes.
• Aid in developing and updating technical documentation and procedures, and provide technical support and training to operations and technical staff.
• Work independently or as part of project teams to achieve technical objectives and contribute to moderately complex projects impacting the department.
• Provide technical recommendations and solutions for moderately complex problems in collaboration with Operations, Quality, Validation, and Engineering.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree with at least 4 years of experience; OR Master's degree with at least 2 years of experience; OR PhD with 0+ years of experience; OR Associate's degree with 8 years of experience; OR High school diploma (or equivalent) and 10 years of relevant experience.
• Experience in Technical Services, Manufacturing Science & Technology (MS&T), or pharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Demonstrated experience in: Process development, validation, or technology transfer; Investigations and troubleshooting of manufacturing processes; Working knowledge of cGMP and regulatory requirements; Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with at least 4 years of experience; OR Master's degree with at least 2 years of experience; OR PhD with 0+ years of experience; OR Associate's degree with 8 years of experience; OR High school diploma (or equivalent) and 10 years of relevant experience.
• Experience in Technical Services, Manufacturing Science & Technology (MS&T), or pharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Demonstrated experience in: Process development, validation, or technology transfer; Investigations and troubleshooting of manufacturing processes; Working knowledge of cGMP and regulatory requirements; Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Skills

• Scientific and engineering principles applied to support the transfer of technology from development into manufacturing.
• Ability to evaluate process variability, scale-up considerations, and operational constraints.
• Knowledge of cGMP and regulatory requirements.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Technical expertise in lyophilization process development and troubleshooting.
• Experience with process analytical technologies (PAT).
• Ability to develop robust, compliant, and scalable manufacturing processes.
• Effective troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Collaborative and cross-functional project management experience.

Benefits

• Pfizer offers comprehensive and generous benefits and programs to help our colleagues lead healthy lives and to support each of life’s moments.
• Comprehensive benefits package includes 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.

Pay

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $99,200.00 to $165,400.00. In addition, this position is eligible for participation in Pfizer’s Global Performance Plan with a bonus target of 12.5% of the base salary and eligibility to participate in our share based long term incentive program.

Schedule

Operates as a strong individual contributor, applying comprehensive knowledge of the discipline, working independently on routine activities, and exercising judgment to resolve moderately complex problems while receiving guidance on more complex challenges.

Referral Bonus Eligibility

YES

Relocation Package Eligibility

Yes