Senior Associate Scientist, High-throughput Molecular Biologist (United States - New York - Pearl River)

This job is with Pfizer, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community. Please do not contact the recruiter directly.

Use Your Power for Purpose

At Pfizer, our purpose is to deliver breakthroughs that transform patients' lives. Central to this mission is our Research and Development team, which strives to convert advanced science and cutting-edge technologies into impactful therapies and vaccines. You will leverage innovative design and process development capabilities to expedite the delivery of top tier medicines to patients globally. By integrating advanced scientific knowledge with practical applications, we aim to bring the most effective treatments to those in need, fulfilling our commitment to improving health outcomes worldwide.

What You Will Achieve

The High-throughput Screening (HTS) team is looking for a highly motivated molecular biology expert to support development and evaluation of vaccine candidates. In this position, you will apply strong molecular biology expertise to perform cell-based expression assays and automated screening workflows in a BSL-2 laboratory environment. You will help expand high-throughput capabilities by collaborating with automation specialists, generating high-quality experimental data, and supporting the design, cloning, and validation of vaccine constructs. Through close collaboration with your teammates and cross-functional teams, your efforts will help ensure timely, data-driven advancement of vaccine programs in a dynamic and collaborative setting.

How You Will Achieve It

• Perform RNA synthesis, characterization, and analytical assessments to support preclinical evaluation of vaccine candidates

• Design, execute, and troubleshoot cell‑based assays to evaluate in vitro expression of vaccine candidates

• Support the development of Hamilton STAR methods in collaboration with automation expert, translating manual molecular biology workflows into automation‑compatible, high‑throughput screening methods

• Operate Hamilton STAR liquid handling platforms to execute automated workflows that enable efficient screening of vaccine candidates

• Independently collect, analyze, interpret, and summarize experimental data, ensuring accuracy, reproducibility, and scientific rigor

• Communicate experimental results and progress updates to team members and senior leadership in a clear and timely manner

• Maintain accurate and well‑organized inventories of reagents and biological samples to support high‑throughput operations

• Ensure high‑quality documentation and reporting in accordance with SOPs and Pfizer Laboratory Notebook Policy requirements

Qualifications

Must-Have

• Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g., Biology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology)

• 3 to 5 years of experience in an academic or biopharmaceutical research environment OR Masters degree with 0 to 3 years of experience.

• Demonstrated proficiency in molecular biology techniques, including in vitro transcription, RNA analysis, and cell‑based assays

• Hands‑on experience working with mammalian cell culture systems and applying aseptic techniques in a laboratory setting

• Ability to independently design, execute, and analyze experiments, with confidence presenting and explaining data outcomes

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data quality and documentation standards

• Proven ability to work collaboratively in a fast‑paced, team‑oriented environment

• Highly organized, detail‑oriented, with strong written and verbal communication skills

• Proficiency in scientific computing and documentation tools, including Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and GraphPad Prism

Nice-to-Have

• Experience operating and/or supporting Hamilton STAR automation platforms, including method execution or development

• Experience operating or troubleshooting automation instruments such as KingFisher Apex

• Hands‑on experience with molecular cloning and sequencing analysis

• Familiarity with LIMS, GeneData, or similar data management platforms

 

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

• Work is primarily performed at the laboratory bench and at an office desk using a computer.

• The job involves lifting light loads, not more than 10 pounds. This position may require the ability to stand and reach inside the hardware environment of various laboratory robotic equipment.

Relocation support available

Work Location Assignment: On Premise The annual base salary for this position ranges from $68,600.00 to $114,300.00. In addition, this position is eligible for participation in Pfizer's Global Performance Plan with a bonus target of 7.5% of the base salary. 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.

Candidates must be authorized to be employed in the U.S. by any employer.

U.S. work visa sponsorship (such as TN, O-1, H-1B, etc.) is not available for this role now or in the future.

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.

Pfizer endeavors to make    accessible to all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process and/or interviewing, please email   View email address on apply.placed-app.com . This is to be used solely for accommodation requests with respect to the accessibility of our website, online application process and/or interviewing. Requests for any other reason will not be returned.

To learn more about acceptable and prohibited uses of AI during the recruitment process, please review our candidate AI-use guidelines available on  Pfizer Careers .

Research and Development