Principal Scientist (PhD), Biophysics

United States - California - La Jolla

Full time

Posted 10 Days Ago

4921864

ROLE SUMMARY

The Pfizer Oncology Research Unit in La Jolla is seeking an accomplished Principal Scientist to join the Biophysics & HTS group within Discovery Technologies. The successful candidate will evaluate drug interactions and protein behavior primarily using biophysical methods. In addition, the characterization of drug interactions may involve other biochemical or cellular methods. The successful candidate will work with a high degree of independence, providing biophysical insight on targets and ligands to impact project teams at a strategic level.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

The successful candidate for this position will:

Work independently as a discipline expert to characterize small molecule-protein interactions using biophysical methods (SPR, HTRF, ITC, thermal stability-based assays, MST, native MS).
Regularly represent the biophysics group on multi-disciplinary teams to provide scientific insights into the kinetics and thermodynamics of protein-ligand interactions.
Display a growing knowledge and understanding of other disciplines relevant to early-stage drug discovery.
Mentor and train colleagues in biophysical methods.
Identify and integrate emerging biophysical technologies to strengthen current capabilities within the group.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

PhD degree in Biophysics, Biochemistry, Structural Biology or a closely related field with 3-5 years of drug discovery experience in a pharmaceutical industrial or academic laboratory setting.
Demonstrated expertise in the use of biophysical methods (SPR, HTRF, ITC, MST, Native MS and thermal stability assays such as DSF) for characterization of protein-ligand interactions.
Hands-on experience in high-throughput screening and plate-based pharmacology.
Experience in handing a diverse range of recombinant proteins as tools in biochemical or biophysical assays.
Knowledge and understanding in the areas of enzymology, mechanisms of drugaction, and structural biology.
Outstanding publication record reflecting scientific drive and creativity across multiple disciplines.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, along with excellent interpersonal skills to facilitate knowledge sharing and scientific discussions. A team player.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience in small-molecule screening using biophysical methods.
Relevant experience in difficult-to-drug targets, targeted protein degradation, ADC would be valued.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Candidate will be required to lift and transport large stacks and boxes of plates, plate stackers/hotels, and 5L bottles of liquids for use with the automated equipment regularly. Candidate may need to use step stools to climb and reach items above eye level. Candidate will also diagnose and repair equipment with various tools occasionally. Must be able to work safely in a laboratory environment with lab coat, protective eye wear and gloves. The job can require standing and walking for most of the day regularly.

Relocation support available
Work Location Assignment: On Premise

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $99,900.00 to $166,500.00. 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.

Research and Development

Breakthroughs that change patients’ lives

Research confirms what intuition tells us: that purpose-driven companies perform better, are more innovative, attract and retain the best people, and know how to unleash the power of those people. Pfizer’s purpose—Breakthroughs that change patients' lives—fuels everything we do and reflects our passion for building on our legacy as one of the greatest contributors of good to the world.

Each word in our purpose has meaning and reflects the value we strive to bring to patients and society:

“Breakthroughs” - These are the innovations, scientific and commercial, that we seek to deliver every day. All colleagues, regardless of role, level or location, strive for breakthroughs every day.

“Change” - We want to do more than simply improve patients’ medical conditions; we want to dramatically change their lives for the better.

“Patients’ lives” - We consider not only patients, but everyone they touch—including their families, caregivers, and friends—and everything they love to do. It’s an intentionally holistic view.

Our purpose ensures that patients remain at the center of all we do. We live our purpose by sourcing the best science in the world; partnering with others in the healthcare system to improve access to our medicines; using digital technologies to enhance our drug discovery and development, as well as patient outcomes; and leading the conversation to advocate for pro-innovation/pro-patient policies.

Every decision we make and every action we take is done with the patient in mind—and to nurture an environment where breakthroughs can thrive.

Our Values

To fully realize Pfizer’s purpose, we have established a clear set of expectations regarding “what” we need to achieve for patients and “how” we will go about achieving those goals.

The “how” is represented by four simple, powerful values—courage, excellence, equity, and joy—that define our company and our culture.

Courage: Breakthroughs start by challenging convention, especially in the face of uncertainty or adversity. This happens when we think big, speak up, and are decisive.

Excellence: We can only change patients’ lives when we perform at our best together. This happens when we focus on what matters, agree who does what, and measure our outcomes.

Equity: We believe that every person deserves to be seen, heard, and cared for. This happens when we are inclusive, act with integrity, and reduce healthcare disparities.

Joy: We give ourselves to our work, but it also gives to us. We find joy when we take pride, recognize one another, and have fun.

Benefits at Pfizer

Pfizer offers competitive compensation and benefits programs designed to meet the diverse needs of our colleagues. Our Pay for Performance Philosophy and Practices reward colleagues based on the contributions they make to our business.

Our Competitive Benefits Programs help our colleagues by:

Promoting Health and Wellness to help colleagues maintain and improve their physical and mental wellbeing. Pfizer offerings include health and disability insurance, preventative health programs, medical screenings, free or reduced-cost vaccinations, discounts on Pfizer products, mental health support, nutrition and fitness counseling and more.
Strengthening Colleagues’ Financial Security by providing company contributions to retirement plans, life insurance and financial planning education to help colleagues achieve their financial goals.
Providing Benefits and Time off for the Moments that Matter to ensure Pfizer colleagues have the time away from the office to recharge, recover and return to work as the best version of themselves. Vacation, Holiday time and Sick time are just the beginning, with a 12 week parental leave policy for both parents of a new born, 10 day of caregiver leave for those times when your family needs you whether it’s a child, spouse or parent, bereavement leave, and additional country-specific programs.
And so much more, depending on your country and site, Pfizer offers childcare facilities or discount programs, on-site health and/or fitness centers, movement and mindfulness solutions, “Log in for your Day” work flexibility and so much more.

For U.S. based jobs, view an overview of Pfizer’s U.S. benefits program (opens in a new window)

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Principal Scientist (PhD), Biophysics

Our Purpose

Our Values

Benefits

Pfizer, We are one

Breakthroughs that change patients’ lives

Our Values

Benefits at Pfizer