Postdoctoral Research Fellow, BioMedicine Design (United States - California - San Diego)

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Postdoctoral Research Fellow, BioMedicine Design
Last day to apply: July 6, 2026

 

BioMedicine Design (BMD) group at La Jolla, CA is seeking a highly driven and innovative Ph.D.-level scientist to join our Biotherapeutics Discovery group as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in driving therapeutic innovation through the development of a next-generation T cell engager (TCE) designed to improve tumor selectivity and minimize on-target, off-tumor toxicity. This is a unique opportunity to be trained at the interface of protein engineering, cell biology, and immunology, to work collaboratively with diverse research teams within Pfizer, and to publish in high-impact journals. By the end of the program, the Postdoc will be proficient in antibody discovery and engineering, cellular assays, and preclinical evaluation, and will be fully prepared to contribute to early-stage therapeutic discovery and modality selection. The ideal candidate should have solid training in molecular biology, cell biology, immunology or structural biology, with a good understanding of biology/oncology.

 

Key Responsibilities:

• Demonstrate strong technical and scientific rigor in project planning and gap identification

• Proactively conduct literature searches to gather relevant information and form hypotheses for testing experimentally

• Design and produce constructs to further our understanding of underlying biology and mechanism of action; develop and utilize cell-based assays to test hypothesis and screen and rank molecules

• Generate and effectively communicate results regularly at internal meetings, make data-driven decisions in shaping direction of research project

• Participate in developing creative approaches to discover and optimize therapeutics
  
   

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS (must-have):

• PhD in cancel biology, immunology, molecular or cellular biology, biochemistry, chemical and biomolecular engineering or a related discipline is required

• Provide two letters of recommendation with your application (e.g. professors/PI)

• Willingness to commit to the fixed‑term full-time postdoctoral fellowship (duration: 2-4 years)

• Less than 2 years post-doctoral experience

• At least 1 first-author scientific research article in high-quality specialty or general readership journals

• Technically proficient in (at least) some molecular and cell biology tools, including construct design, molecular cloning, recombinant protein expression/purification, mammalian cell culture and cell line engineering, cell line transfection and characterization, development of cell-based assays (e.g. cytotoxicity proliferation, cytokine production), and flow cytometry

• Proficient with data reporting and analysis software, strong planning and organizational skills

• Strong motivation, passion and commitment to science and engineering of novel entities

• Ability and desire to multitask and work in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary scientific team both independently and as part of a team, strong problem-solving and analytical skills

• Excellent written and oral communication skills
  
   

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS (nice-to-have):

• Prior experience with antibody discovery, protein engineering, and/or display technology (e.g., yeast and/or phage display) is highly desirable

• Experience with bispecific antibodies or T cell engagers

ADDITIONAL INFORAMATION
Work Location Assignment: On Premise

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $64,600.00 to $107,600.00. 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

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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.

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Research and Development