Position Summary
Pfizer is seeking a motivated Senior Associate Scientist to join the In Vivo Pharmacology group within the Oncology Research Unit, with a focus on antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) programs, but including other large molecule and small molecule programs. This role supports the execution of in vivo oncology studies that enable ADC discovery and preclinical development, including efficacy, tolerability, pharmacodynamic, and sample collection workflows. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong technical aptitude, careful attention to detail, and a commitment to animal welfare, compliance, and high-quality study execution. The Senior Associate Scientist is expected to contribute as a dependable technical team member while building scientific understanding of oncology pharmacology and ADC-specific study requirements.
Position Responsibilities
- Execute in vivo oncology studies supporting discovery programs using a variety of in vivo models including human cell line- derived, patient-derived xenograft, syngeneic models as appropriate with minimum guidance from study leads.
- Perform routine and advanced in vivo procedures, including tumor measurements, body weight monitoring, test article administration (IV, PO, subQ, IP dosing), clinical observations, and sample collection.
- Perform routine in vitro tissue culture procedures
- Support pharmacology studies evaluating efficacy, tolerability, pharmacodynamic biomarkers, dosing schedules, and combination approaches.
- Prepare study materials, confirm dosing and sampling schedules, and ensure study activities are performed according to approved protocols and SOPs.
- Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant study records using approved electronic data capture and documentation systems.
- Communicate study observations, technical issues, animal welfare concerns, and timeline risks promptly to managers and study line leads.
- Collaborate with vivarium operations, project teams, pathology, bioanalytical, pharmacodynamic, and pharmacokinetic colleagues to support efficient study execution.
- Ensure all work is conducted in accordance with IACUC protocols, animal welfare expectations, biosafety requirements, and Pfizer internal policies.
Minimum Qualifications / Key Skills
- Bachelor’s degree in biology, pharmacology, animal science, cancer biology, or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant laboratory experience.
- Hands-on experience with rodent handling and in vivo procedures in a research, academic, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or contract research setting.
- Working proficiency with routine in vivo oncology techniques such as tumor measurement, animal monitoring, dosing support (IV, PO, subQ, IP), sample collection, and study documentation.
- Ability to follow study protocols, dosing schedules, sample collection plans, and SOPs with precision and attention to detail.
- Basic understanding of oncology pharmacology concepts, including tumor growth, treatment response, tolerability monitoring, and pharmacodynamic endpoint collection.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to support multiple concurrent study activities under guidance from supervisors or study leads.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills and ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
- Application of technical skills to routine and moderately complex procedures while developing independence and troubleshooting capability.
- Accountability for assigned tasks and contribution to team goals, study timelines, and quality expectations.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting ADC, targeted therapy, immuno-oncology, or oncology combination studies.
- Familiarity with ADC pharmacology concepts such as target antigen expression, payload activity, linker stability, exposure-response relationships, and tolerability monitoring.
- Experience with necropsy, tissue collection, blood collection, biomarker sample processing, or ex vivo endpoint workflows.
- Experience with ex vivo/ in vitro method execution, eg flow cytometry, cell line assays, molecular biological and biochemical procedures
- Familiarity with electronic in vivo study management systems such as Studylog or similar platforms.
- AALAS certification or equivalent animal care and use training.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
requires physical ability to perform lab and vivarium work
NON-STANDARD WORK SCHEDULE, TRAVEL OR ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS
might require some weekend work
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
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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