Senior Associate Scientist - Cellular Genomics

Role Summary: We are seeking a highly motivated senior associate scientist to join the Pfizer Cellular Genomics team within Systems Immunology. The successful candidate will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across research and therapeutic areas to support the application of next-generation sequencing (NGS) and emerging genomic technologies to drug discovery, translational research, and preclinical development programs. As a member of Cellular Genomics, this individual will contribute to the development, optimization, and execution of a broad portfolio of genomics assays, including single-cell sequencing applications. Responsibilities span experimental design, sample processing, library preparation, sequencing, data quality assessment, method development, troubleshooting, and documentation of laboratory activities. This role requires strong technical expertise in molecular biology and genomics workflows, including tissue and cell processing, nucleic acid extraction, library preparation, sequencing and quality control. The successful candidate will also perform initial data quality assessment and upstream bioinformatics processing to ensure the delivery of high-quality datasets for downstream computational analysis. The ideal candidate is scientifically curious, highly organized, and passionate about adopting innovative genomic technologies. Success in this role requires meticulous attention to detail, strong analytical thinking, effective problem-solving skills, and a commitment to scientific excellence and reproducibility. Role Responsibilities Perform and maintain competency in complex Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) workflows according to established operational procedures, quality standards, and laboratory best practices. Execute laboratory activities including sample preparation, tissue dissociation, cell and nuclei isolation, nucleic acid extraction, library preparation, quality control, sequencing, and data generation to ensure high-quality and reproducible results. Perform upstream data processing and quality assessment of samples, libraries, sequencing runs, and associated datasets prior to downstream computational analyses. Optimize, troubleshoot, validate, and continuously improve NGS library preparation, sequencing workflows, and emerging genomics technologies. Apply TapeStation and other nucleic acid analysis techniques to support sample and library quality control. Serve as a technical resource for genomics technologies, providing guidance on experimental design, platform selection, sample requirements, and data management strategies. Contribute to the evaluation, implementation, benchmarking, and validation of new genomics assays, platforms, instrumentation, and workflow improvements. Educate and train scientists on genomics technologies, laboratory instrumentation, and best practices; deliver presentations and technical updates as appropriate. Stay current with advancements in single-cell genomics, spatial transcriptomics, sequencing technologies, and related molecular biology innovations. Draft and maintain experimental plans, validation reports, work instructions, SOPs, and other technical documentation. Maintain accurate and compliant ELN records and adhere to Pfizer quality, safety, and data integrity standards. QUALIFICATIONS Education and Experience Bachelor's degree in Molecular Biology, Genomics, Biotechnology, Biological Sciences, or a related discipline with 3+ years of relevant experience. Master's degree in Molecular Biology, Genomics, Biotechnology, Biological Sciences, or a related discipline with 0+ years of relevant experience. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Hands-on experience supporting NGS workflows, including assay development, optimization, troubleshooting, validation, and quality review. Experience working with bulk RNA sequencing, single-cell and single-nucleus RNA sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, targeted sequencing, immune repertoire sequencing, epigenomics assays, or related genomic technologies. Experience with tissue dissociation, cell isolation, nuclei isolation, and preparation of samples for single-cell genomics workflows. Proficiency in DNA and RNA extraction, nucleic acid quantification, quality control assessment, and library preparation methodologies. Familiarity with sequencing platforms and associated quality metrics. Experience with genomics data management and basic bioinformatics workflows is desirable. Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative environment. Demonstrated ability to prioritize multiple projects, manage timelines, and deliver high-quality work. Strong problem-solving skills and commitment to scientific rigor and reproducibility. Self-motivated, adaptable, and eager to learn new technologies and approaches. PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS Typical bench work, including sitting, pipetting, lifting <10lbs NON-STANDARD WORK SCHEDULE, TRAVEL OR ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS None Work Location Assignment: Hybrid 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 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.