Pfizer R&D Rotational Program
At Pfizer, we are changing lives by discovering, developing, and delivering breakthrough medicines and vaccines to the world. Our scientists, clinicians, and R&D professionals are among the best in the industry, with the resources and scale to solve some of the world’s most complex health challenges. So, it’s no wonder that they choose to pursue their life’s passion at Pfizer and deliver on our promise to society.
To build on our R&D expertise and talent pipeline and support our commitment to career development of recent STEM graduates, Pfizer offers a R&D Rotational Program for promising science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) college graduates.
The Pfizer R&D Rotational Program is a 2-year commitment, designed to immerse early career colleagues into pharmaceutical research and clinical development operations through four unique 6-month job rotations in diverse disciplines. Each rotation will involve meaningful assignments and projects, mentorship and coaching, and collaborative interactions to develop business acumen and technical expertise and set participants on the path to success.
Criteria for successful candidates can be found in the job posting.
Our application period for the 2025 Cohort is now closed.
- Requirements
- Must be immediately authorized to work in the U.S. on a permanent basis. This job or any derived full-time opportunity is not eligible for nonimmigrant visa (e.g. H-1B) or permanent residence (green card) sponsorship under our guidelines. Pfizer is an Equal Opportunity and E-Verify Employer.
- Be a recent college graduate from an accredited college/university program with a bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences (Chemistry, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Biology), Computer Science, or Data Science
- Have a 3.3 GPA or above
- No more than 2 years full-time continuous work experience after graduation
- Demonstrate exceptional leadership potential
- Willingness to work at a Pfizer R&D site
- Willingness to make a 2-year commitment to the program
- Commitment to participate in program activities
- FAQs
- What are the components of the Pfizer R&D Rotational program?
- Successful candidates will be immersed into the pharmaceutical business through four 6-month job rotations in diverse R&D disciplines. This in-depth skills development and experiential program offers graduates the opportunity to gain experience and insight into drug discovery and development from leading scientists, clinicians, statisticians, epidemiologists and professionals, and to bridge from student to industry professional, or into an advanced-degree program. Each rotation will involve meaningful assignments and projects, mentorship and coaching, and collaborative interactions to develop business acumen and technical expertise and set them on the path to a pharmaceutical career.
- What are the types of experiences could I expect in the Pfizer R&D Rotational program?
- Successful candidates will have the opportunity for laboratory and nonlaboratory experiences that are dependent on their background and interest. Numerous opportunities are available for each 6-month rotation. Examples include:
- Assay development and analysis to discover new targets and pathways in disease areas
- Gene therapy and DNA and RNA vaccine development
- Mid- to late-stage clinical trial design and execution
- Artificial intelligence and digital medicine
- Project planning and regulatory operations
- Partnership with project teams working on early drug discovery to late-stage clinical trial work
- Successful candidates will have the opportunity for laboratory and nonlaboratory experiences that are dependent on their background and interest. Numerous opportunities are available for each 6-month rotation. Examples include:
- When can I apply for the Pfizer R&D Rotational program?
- Students can apply to the Pfizer R&D Rotational program as early as their senior year in college as they approach graduation, but no later than up to two years post college graduation.
- Will students be able to choose their rotations?
- Yes, we encourage students to review roles & responsibilities of the opportunities and apply for those that best fit their interest across several disciplines offered.
- Is there an employment requirement?
- Yes, the Pfizer R&D Rotational program is a two-year commitment and there is an expectation that these colleagues will want to remain with Pfizer and potentially become future talent for leadership roles.
- If I have additional questions who may I reach out to?
- Please send an email to RnDRotationalProgram@pfizer.com.
- Is this program only in the US, is it available in another country?
- Currently, the program is for roles based at our major R&D sites (La Jolla, California; Groton, Connecticut; Cambridge, Massachusetts; and Pearl River, New York). In the future, we may identify opportunities to extend the program to other locations.
- Can I be considered if I am already working for Pfizer?
- At this time, the Pfizer R&D Rotational program is designed for recent college graduates from a four-year undergraduate program, and with no more than 2 years full-time continuous work experience after graduation. Pfizer recognizes the value of career development and growth. Pfizer Colleagues have access to Education Assistance Programs through their local benefits.
- What are the components of the Pfizer R&D Rotational program?