Sr. Scientist, Primary Pharmacology

Use Your Power for Purpose Pfizer’s purpose is to deliver breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. At the core of this mission is Research and Development, where we strive to transform advanced science and innovative technologies into the most impactful therapies and vaccines. In this role you will be at the heart of our operations, ensuring that every action we take aligns with our unwavering commitment to quality. What You Will Achieve The successful candidate will join our Discovery Biology and Pharmacology (DBP) group in Groton, CT and combine expertise in pharmacology and target biology to support and accelerate small molecule hit identification and lead discovery and optimization. Bringing strong technical, creative, and problem-solving skills, the individual will work collaboratively with project teams to develop hit identification strategies, design and execute in vitro plate-based screen assays, and investigate mechanistic pharmacology. As part of this early discovery group, the individual should be excited to collaborate closely with discovery biology, structural biology, and chemistry teams to support a broad portfolio encompassing disease indications in Internal Medicine. In this role, you will: Shape and support novel hit identification and optimization for small molecule drug discovery projects through application of in vitro pharmacology strategies for target-based and phenotypic screening. Independently design, develop, and perform in vitro assays for diverse protein targets to drive lead identification, SAR, and mechanistic pharmacology using a combination of biochemical and cellular systems. Design creative experiments and leverage diverse approaches to investigate target binding and engagement, structure-function relationships, and molecular mechanism of action. Maintain a strong knowledge base in state-of-the-art technical developments and scientific advancements in the field and apply these innovatively to advance internal capabilities. Design and execute experiments, analyze data, write reports, and communicate results in a clear and timely fashion to collaborators and project teams Be excited by working with cross-disciplinary groups (Disease Biology, Chemistry, Computational Biology, Structural Biology), be adept at building partnerships and collaborations, and be team oriented. Here Is What You Need (Minimum Requirements) Ph.D. or equivalent with experience relevant to drug discovery in chemistry, biochemistry, and/or pharmacology OR MS with 7+ years of relevant industry experience Solid understanding in protein biochemistry and pharmacology. Hands on expertise with multiple in vitro assay formats (e.g. HTRF, ELISA FP, BRET, radioligand binding, etc) including assay troubleshooting, development, and application. Demonstrated ability to forge strong collaborative relationships inside and outside immediate team as well as across disciplines. An ability to thrive in a collaborative, fast paced, and dynamic environment and quickly learn new skills and knowledge on the job. Be highly motivated, highly organized and possess excellent computer, oral and written communication skills. Bonus Points If You Have (Preferred Requirements) Experience with multiple target classes in a drug discovery setting (e.g. membrane receptors, enzymes, transcription factors). Experience with immortalized cells and with molecular biology techniques such as RT-qPCR, transfection, and western blotting is a plus. Strong bases in protein chemistry with knowledge of associated disciplines such as molecular and cellular biology, structural biology, biophysics and chemistry. Experience with cardiovascular and metabolic signaling pathways PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS Sitting, standing, lifting, bending, and walking. Ability to perform practical laboratory bench work and work on a computer (while standing or sitting). Ability to perform mathematical calculations and analyze and interpret data. NON-STANDARD WORK SCHEDULE, TRAVEL OR ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS Candidate may periodically be asked to travel to the Pfizer Cambridge, MA site to meet project team members and to attend appropriate meetings and conferences. Candidate must comply with all laboratory safety practices ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Relocation support available Work Location Assignment: On Premise Last day to apply: July 12, 2026 The annual base salary for this position ranges from $93,600.00 to $156,000.00. 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. 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 click.appcast.io. 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 Pfizer careers are like no other. In our culture of individual ownership, we believe in our ability to improve future healthcare, and potential to transform millions of lives. We’re looking for new talent to join our global community, to unearth new innovative therapies that make the world a healthier place.