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Pfizer

Principal Scientist, Computational Biotherapeutics Engineering

Pfizer, San Diego, CA, United States

Role Summary

We are seeking a protein structure modeling expert to design industry-leading biotherapeutics as part of Pfizer's BioMedicine Design team. The successful candidate will join project teams to optimize protein-based therapeutic leads (such as antibodies, multi-specifics, and fusion proteins) in early through late discovery, primarily using protein structure, AI/ML property prediction models, and molecular simulation. The candidate will evaluate and create improved computational workflows and collaborate across departments to inform design of improved AI/ML prediction models. Other areas of opportunity in our group include therapeutic RNA optimization and engineering improved protein scaffolds.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

Works with project teams as a primary source of knowledge for structure and AI-based computational analysis of protein biotherapeutic leads and provides optimized designs. Effectively communicates results and recommendations to colleagues with diverse scientific backgrounds. Evaluates/implements new or improved methods to increase throughput or accuracy of molecular modeling workflows. Analyzes data sets to discover relationships between protein structure and key pharmaceutical properties. Engineers improved general platforms for protein therapeutics and RNA vaccines.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

  1. PhD in biochemistry, chemistry, or a related field and experience in the biopharmaceutical industry.
  2. Strong track record of protein design and/or property optimization using computational methods (preferably both structure and AI/ML based), including publication.
  3. Experience using, and probing the limits of, AI tools for protein design and/or property prediction.
  4. Conducting research projects in a team setting and effective presentation of computational results to scientists with experimental backgrounds.
  5. Expertise in one or more commonly used protein structure modeling software packages.
  6. Programming in a Linux environment using Perl, Python, Matlab, Jupyter Notebook, or equivalent tools.
  7. Working knowledge of bioinformatics tools and databases.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  1. Working knowledge of antibody structure and function.
  2. Experience with computational RNA structure prediction and/or property optimization.
  3. Linux systems administration skills and knowledge of HPC environments.
  4. Experience with one or more of the following software suites: Schrodinger, Rosetta, Discovery Studio, FoldX, MOE.
  5. Experience integrating multiple scientific software toolkits to develop new analysis workflows usable by colleagues.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to perform complex data analysis.

NON-STANDARD WORK SCHEDULE, TRAVEL OR ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS

May involve infrequent early morning meetings with department colleagues on Dublin or US eastern time.

Relocation support available.

Work Location Assignment: Hybrid

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $99,900.00 to $166,500.00. In addition, this position is eligible for participation in Pfizer's Global Performance Plan with a bonus target of 15.0% 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.

Relocation assistance may be available based on business needs and/or eligibility.

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.

Research and Development

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