Pfizer

Associate Scientist, Microbiology

Pfizer$60K — $100K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in microbiology, biochemistry, biology, or related field + 0-2 years of experience.
  • Excellent documentation skills with high attention to detail.
  • Strong organizational skills and effective interpersonal and written communication skills.
  • Self-motivated and effective in a team-based environment.
  • Ability to follow established procedures under minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

  • Apply GMP microbiological methods to assess product quality.
  • Conduct Environmental Monitoring of manufacturing facilities and related microbiological activities.
  • Perform experiments for microbial analysis and qualification of biological therapeutics.
  • Review and contribute to technical documents and validation protocols.
  • Independently analyze data and provide conclusions on microbial testing results.
  • Exercise basic team effectiveness skills within the work group.
  • Plan and prioritize assigned testing activities.

Benefits

  • 401(k) plan with Pfizer Matching Contributions
  • Paid vacation, holiday, and personal days
  • Paid caregiver/parental and medical leave
  • Comprehensive health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage
  • Relocation assistance may be available based on business needs.
Full Job Description
What You Will Achieve

As an Associate Scientist, you will be at the center of our operations and you’ll find that everything we do, every day, is in line with an unwavering commitment to quality. Your work in the Analytical R&D Microbiology Strategy & Testing organization helps enable development of biological therapeutics at Pfizer.  Your responsibilities will be applying GMP microbiological methods (bioburden, endotoxin, PCR, etc.) in the assessment of product quality and detection of impurities. Your contributions are part of a group performing microbiology identification, testing, and method qualifications to support multiple sites in the Pfizer network. You will be responsible for Environmental Monitoring (EM) of manufacturing facilities, waters, and compressed gases at the site. The Associate Scientist is responsible for utilizing established microbiological methodologies to support GMP in-process and research & development testing of clinical supplies.  You will become proficient in aseptic lab technique and facility gowning to thrive in this fast-paced environment. Your strong foundation in general scientific practice, its principles and concepts will help in meeting critical deadlines. You will be relied on as a technical contributor to assess the assigned tasks and make decisions that involve direct application of your knowledge. It is your focus and commitment that will help in making Pfizer ready to achieve new milestones and help patients across the globe.

How You Will Achieve It
  • Exercise and build basic team effectiveness skills {e.g., commitment, feedback, consensus management) within the work group.
  • Review and contribute to technical documents, including validation protocols and reports, analytical test procedures, investigation reports, monitoring trend reports, and change controls.
  • Directly interact with multiple department team members, including presentation of data.
  • Complete all Good Manufacturing Practice {part of GxP} and safety training in compliance with departmental requirements and follow appropriate safety practices in the workplace.
  • Perform various experiments for microbial analysis, qualification/validation, and characterization of biological therapeutics.
  • Perform and document environmental monitoring of manufacturing areas and related Microbiological activities.
  • Conduct all work according to appropriate Standard Operating Procedures following Good Manufacturing Practices/Good Laboratory Practices (GMP/GLP) requirements and ensure integrity of all data generated and documented.
  • Independently analyze and provide conclusions regarding data generated.
  • Plan and prioritize assigned testing activities.
  • Present problems and propose solutions in discussions with group members.

 

Education & ExperienceMust-Have
  • Bachelor's degree in microbiology, biochemistry, biology, or related field + 0 - 2 years of experience.
  • Excellent documentation skills with high attention to detail
  • Strong organizational skills and effective interpersonal and written communication skills
  • Self-motivated and highly effective in a team-based environment
  • Ability to follow established procedures under minimal supervision
Nice-to-Have
  • 1+ years’ experience with Quality Systems in a Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) environment
  • Experience with laboratory data systems such as Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)
  • Hands-on experience or working knowledge in pharmaceutical industry and handling of analytical instruments
  • Some knowledge of drug development process for progression of biological candidates
  • Knowledge of regulatory requirements and guidelines
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously
  • Experience using common AI tools, including generative technologies such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, or Microsoft Copilot, to support problem solving and enhance productivity.
  • Demonstrated curiosity for exploring how these tools can improve outcomes and understanding of responsible AI practices, includingrisk management and ethical use

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Position requires occasional light lifting and periods of standing, sitting or walking. Laboratory testing involves repetitive operations using hand-held instruments (micropipettes).

NON-STANDARD WORK SCHEDULE, TRAVEL OR ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS

This is typically a Monday-Friday schedule, first shift. Occasional weekend work or off-shift hours work is required per business need.

Candidate must be able to qualify on cleanroom gowning to conduct weekly monitoring of the manufacturing areas


Work Location Assignment:On Premise

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $60,200.00 to $100,400.00. 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 6 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.

To learn more about acceptable and prohibited uses of AI during the recruitment process, please review our candidate AI-use guidelines available onPfizer Careers.

Research and Development

About Pfizer

Hospira, Inc. is the provider of injectable drugs and infusion technologies. Through its broad, integrated portfolio, Hospira is uniquely positioned to Advance Wellness™ by improving patient and caregiver safety while reducing healthcare costs. The company is headquartered in Lake Forest, Ill., and has approximately 16,000 employees.

Pfizer Careers

Joining Pfizer’s global team offers more than just job opportunities; it’s a chance to be a part of a company that leads with science and innovates for better health. As a leading biopharmaceutical company, Pfizer is at the forefront of transforming lives through innovation, leadership, and diversity. Work You’ll Do At Pfizer, you will collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry, engaging in work that enhances global health and saves lives. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, professional growth, and inclusivity, making every day a learning opportunity. Here, your skills will be honed, your professional acumen will be expanded, and you will be part of a team that values the power of diverse insights to drive success. Pfizer’s Leadership and Growth Lead and innovate with Pfizer, where we value the growth of each employee. Our leadership is committed to providing employees with the training and resources needed to excel in their careers. Pfizer offers a variety of career paths, including roles in research, marketing, finance, technology, and more, each offering a unique blend of challenges and rewards. Internship and Employment Opportunities Start your career with Pfizer through our internship programs or dive straight into a full-time position. We are hiring individuals who are passionate about healthcare and who seek to make a difference in the world. Our internships provide invaluable industry experience, networking opportunities, and a potential pathway to full-time employment. Benefits and Culture Pfizer is dedicated to fostering a workplace where all employees feel valued and can achieve their full potential. We offer competitive benefits packages that support the health, well-being, and financial security of our employees and their families. At Pfizer, you’ll find a culture that encourages collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning. Join Our Team Explore the numerous job opportunities at Pfizer by searching open positions that match your skills and interests. We look for driven, curious, and innovative team players who are ready to advance their careers in a transformative company. Stay Connected Keep up to date with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities that await at Pfizer. Interview and Resume Tips Prepare for your future with Pfizer by utilizing our resources for resume building and interview preparation. We provide guidance on how to effectively showcase your skills and experiences to align with the needs of a position at Pfizer. Our goal is to help you succeed in securing a role that suits your professional goals and personal growth aspirations. Pfizer: A Place Where You Can Make a Difference Every position at Pfizer contributes to our mission of making the world a healthier place. Whether through direct patient care, research innovation, or corporate roles that support our operations, your work will have global impact. Join us in our journey to change lives—explore Pfizer careers today.
Learn more about Pfizer
Size
79,000 employees
Market Cap
$285.9 billion
Industry
Net Income
$9.6 billion
Founded
1849
5 Year Trend
+9%
Revenue
$41.9 billion
NASDAQ

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