ROLE SUMMARY:
We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Principal Scientist to lead the Polysaccharide Fermentation and Purification Development group within Vaccines, Early BioProcess Development. The successful candidate will lead the group, provide strategic, innovative scientific and technical leadership for upstream and downstream bioprocess development supporting diverse vaccines portfolio.
This role is part of a cross-functional team focused on polysaccharide fermentation and purification process development for carbohydrate- and other modality-based conjugate vaccines. The successful candidate will be responsible for the development of scalable manufacturing processes across microbial fermentation, purification and scale up, shaping process development plans, integrating technical input across disciplines, mentoring scientific staff, managing risks, and influencing key program decisions from early-stage development through technology transfer and clinical manufacturing readiness.
ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES:
Lead and develop a high-performing team of upstream and downstream process development scientists and engineers, drive the vaccines program, while setting scientific direction, establishing priorities, building technical capability, and ensuring high standards for rigor, quality, and accountability.
Drive development of robust, scalable, and transferable manufacturing processes.
Provide strategic leadership, serve as a strategic scientific owner for vaccine programs by defining process development strategy, aligning technical plans with program objectives, and ensuring decisions are informed by scientific evidence, manufacturability, timelines, and regulatory expectations.
Collaborate closely with colleagues across EBPD, Vaccines, BTxPS, and PGS organizations to support integrated process development and product advancement.
Partner with cross-functional projects team, provide project updates, technical strategies, risks, propose mitigation plans, communicate trade-offs, and drive alignment among all stakeholders.
Lead technology transfer strategy for developed processes to internal and external clinical manufacturing sites, including preparation and review of process descriptions, technical packages, risk assessments, process control rationale, and troubleshooting plans.
Foster innovation through adoption of emerging bioprocess technologies, automation, digital tools, and data-driven approaches that enhance process efficiency, product quality, scalability, and robustness.
Continuously evaluate process performance, equipment capabilities, and experimental workflows to identify gaps, mitigate risks, and propose practical improvements.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
PhD in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Microbiology, Biochemistry, or a related discipline, with a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience.
Demonstrated expertise in vaccine process development, preferably for capsular or exopolysaccharides, conjugate vaccines, bacterial antigens, carrier proteins, or other microbial-based vaccine platforms.
Hands-on technical depth in microbial fermentation and developing polysaccharide recovery and purification processes.
Strong knowledge of polysaccharide critical quality attributes, in-process controls, design of experiments, scale-down model development, and process characterization.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams, including process development, analytical, formulation, quality, regulatory, and manufacturing groups, to advance complex vaccine development programs.
Ability to drive projects, translate scientific strategies into executable development plans, manage competing priorities, and guide teams through ambiguity while maintaining accountability for program deliverables.
Experience authoring and reviewing development reports, process descriptions, technology-transfer packages, risk assessments, and CMC content, with practical understanding of quality-by-design principles, data integrity, and phase-appropriate regulatory expectations for clinical manufacturing.
Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills to effectively influence and collaborate in a fast-paced, multi-disciplinary team environment.
Candidate demonstrates a breadth of diverse leadership experiences and capabilities including: the ability to influence and collaborate with peers, develop and coach others, oversee and guide the work of other colleagues to achieve meaningful outcomes and create business impact.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:
Standard laboratory conditions – sitting, standing, primarily lab based
Ability to perform mathematical calculations and ability to perform complex data analysis
ADDITIONAL DETAILS:
The annual base salary for this position ranges from $124,400.00 to $207,400.00. In addition, this position is eligible for participation in Pfizer’s Global Performance Plan with a bonus target of 17.5% 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. 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.
