Principal Scientist – Protein Formulation & Biophysical Characterization (High-Concentration Biologics)

About the role

A hands-on, laboratory-focused, scientific leadership role within a biologics and vaccines formulation group (DPDD- PhRD) for a deeply technical scientist driving innovation in protein formulation and high-concentration biologics.

Responsibilities

• Formulation Science & Characterization
  • Design and execute experimental studies to develop and optimize protein formulations across biologic modalities (e.g., mAbs, fusion proteins, bispecifics, antibody-drug conjugates, peptides, etc.) in liquid and lyophilized dosage forms.
    • Apply biophysical and physicochemical characterization to assess and mitigate key risks (e.g., aggregation, viscosity, stability).
  • Analyze data, generate clear insights, and communicate findings to scientific teams.
• Innovation & Technology Development
  • Develop and advance novel formulation strategies and enabling technologies for high-concentration biologics.
    • Build scalable approaches such as experimental workflows, screening methods, and predictive tools that can be applied across programs.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement and integrate new technologies.
• External Scientific Engagement
  • Build collaborations with academic and industry partners to advance formulation science.
    • Contribute to external scientific visibility through publications, conference presentations, and participation in industry consortia.
• Cross-Functional Contribution
  • Collaborate with the internal Device Center of Excellence to facilitate optimal device selection, serving as a liaison and technical subject matter expert on formulation matters.
    • Provide formulation expertise to project teams and support key development decisions.
  • Contribute scientific input to regulatory documentation as needed.
• Technical Leadership
  • Lead a cross-functional group focused on subcutaneous delivery of biologics.
    • Align with key stakeholders and devise and implement strategies to advance the biologics portfolio.
  • Lead focused technical initiatives or platform problems; prior experience with formal project leadership is preferred but not required.

Requirements

• PhD in Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biophysical Sciences, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Biomedical or Chemical Engineering, or related disciplines with 3–5 years relevant experience in biologics formulation, biophysics, or drug product development (industry experience preferred)
• Demonstrated scientific output (e.g., publications and/or conference presentations) preferred
• Must Have
  • Strong background in protein formulation for parenteral biologics
  • Direct hands-on experience with biophysical/analytical characterization techniques and data interpretation including proficiency with a broad suite of techniques (DLS, DSC, DSF, SEC-MALS, NTA, CD, FTIR, fluorescence spectroscopy, rheology); ability to design and interpret multi-technique characterization studies
  • Familiarity with parenteral dosage forms and delivery considerations
  • Ability to analyze complex data and communicate clear, actionable insights
• Nice to Have
  • Demonstrated expertise in protein design/engineering principles, structure-function relationship, identification of developability hot spots, and how molecular attributes influence formulation behavior.
  • Deep understanding of challenges at elevated protein concentrations: viscosity, self-association, aggregation, LLPS, colloidal instability, opalescence; familiarity with interaction parameters (kD, B22)
  • Knowledge of subcutaneous drug delivery fundamentals: injection volume/concentration constraints, tissue interactions, injectability, bioavailability considerations, container closure compatibility

Qualifications

• Education & Experience
  • PhD in Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biophysical Sciences, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Biomedical or Chemical Engineering, or related disciplines with 3–5 years relevant experience in biologics formulation, biophysics, or drug product development (industry experience preferred)
  • Demonstrated scientific output (e.g., publications and/or conference presentations) preferred

Skills

• Strong background in protein formulation for parenteral biologics
• Direct hands-on experience with biophysical/analytical characterization techniques and data interpretation including proficiency with a broad suite of techniques (DLS, DSC, DSF, SEC-MALS, NTA, CD, FTIR, fluorescence spectroscopy, rheology); ability to design and interpret multi-technique characterization studies
• Familiarity with parenteral dosage forms and delivery considerations
• Ability to analyze complex data and communicate clear, actionable insights

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, and health benefits to include medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage. Learn more at Pfizer Candidate Site – U.S. Benefits | (uscandidates.mypfizerbenefits.com).

Pay

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $106,000.00 to $176,600.00. 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.

Schedule

Some travel required as part of project support, conference attendance, consortia participation, etc. Relocation support available

Location

Work Location Assignment: On Premise