SUMMARY:

Manufacturing Sciences and Technology (MSAT) Upstream Group at Pfizer is looking for a highly motivated and versatile candidate to join our multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers in Andover, MA. MSAT supports Pfizer’s portfolio of late-stage development of commercial biopharmaceuticals and vaccines, and is responsible for process troubleshooting, process improvements and second- generation process development. We are looking for someone who is eager to contribute independent thinking and technical excellence to the upstream fermentation team.
The Sr. Associate Scientist will be a part of a diverse and motivated team of scientists, engineers, and technical professionals that are focused on fermentation processes to produce biotherapeutics. The role is well-integrated into the rest of the MSAT Microbial Team. This role will collaborate with other MSAT scientists to setup bioreactors and execute well-designed experiments, including but not limited to basic analytics, data acquisition and documentation of work. The candidate would also be responsible for user-level maintenance of the relevant equipment and associated documentation.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree or Associate Degree in a relevant discipline (Chemical engineering, Bioprocessing, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Biology, etc.) with 3 - 5 years of applicable bioprocess experience
• Proficient in aseptic technique (REQUIRED)
• Experience in bioreactor operation and associated analytical tools
• Candidate should have in-depth scientific knowledge and experience in a wide array of upstream techniques
• Ability to perform complex data analysis and work in a dynamic team environment
• Ability to troubleshoot technical issues, plan and carry out experiments independently, and work with complex instrumentation and software
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong analytical and computer skills

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Biopharmaceutical or pharmaceutical industry experience
• Experience in troubleshooting electrical and mechanical systems
• Experience in executing lab scale microbial fermentation formats and scale-up to pilot/manufacturing scale
• Familiarity with control and data acquisition systems
• Knowledge of cell culture/fermentations
• Experience with industrial scale fermentation scale up, optimization and operations are highly desired
• Curiosity about seeking and applying current relevant scientific literature

• Contribute to achievement of the upstream work group goals and collaborate with other team members
• Maintain laboratory area and equipment in clean, safe, and functional order
• Comply with safety and regulatory requirements is expected and documented through the internal training program
• Perform routine laboratory studies
• Qualified candidates will serve as an upstream resource for the department and project teams
• Follow Standard Operating Procedures and Standard Work instructions