Use Your Power for Purpose

Pfizer’s purpose is to deliver breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. At the core of this mission is Research and Development, where we strive to transform advanced science and innovative technologies into the most impactful therapies and vaccines. In this role you will be at the heart of our operations, ensuring that every action we take aligns with our unwavering commitment to quality.

What You Will Achieve

The successful candidate will join our Discovery Biology and Pharmacology (DBP) group in Groton, CT and combine expertise in pharmacology and target biology to support and accelerate small molecule hit identification and lead discovery and optimization. Bringing strong technical, creative, and problem-solving skills, the individual will work collaboratively with project teams to develop hit identification strategies, design and execute in vitro plate-based screen assays, and investigate mechanistic pharmacology. As part of this early discovery group, the individual should be excited to collaborate closely with discovery biology, structural biology, and chemistry teams to support a broad portfolio encompassing disease indications in Internal Medicine.

In this role, you will:

• Shape and support novel hit identification and optimization for small molecule drug discovery projects through application of in vitro pharmacology strategies for target-based and phenotypic screening.

• Independently design, develop, and perform in vitro assays for diverse protein targets to drive lead identification, SAR, and mechanistic pharmacology using a combination of biochemical and cellular systems.

• Design creative experiments and leverage diverse approaches to investigate target binding and engagement, structure-function relationships, and molecular mechanism of action.

• Maintain a strong knowledge base in state-of-the-art technical developments and scientific advancements in the field and apply these innovatively to advance internal capabilities.

• Design and execute experiments, analyze data, write reports, and communicate results in a clear and timely fashion to collaborators and project teams

• Be excited by working with cross-disciplinary groups (Disease Biology, Chemistry, Computational Biology, Structural Biology), be adept at building partnerships and collaborations, and be team oriented.

Here Is What You Need (Minimum Requirements)

• Ph.D. or equivalent with experience relevant to drug discovery in chemistry, biochemistry, and/or pharmacology OR MS with 7+ years of relevant industry experience

• Solid understanding in protein biochemistry and pharmacology.

• Hands on expertise with multiple in vitro assay formats (e.g. HTRF, ELISA FP, BRET, radioligand binding, etc) including assay troubleshooting, development, and application.

• Demonstrated ability to forge strong collaborative relationships inside and outside immediate team as well as across disciplines.

• An ability to thrive in a collaborative, fast paced, and dynamic environment and quickly learn new skills and knowledge on the job.

• Be highly motivated, highly organized and possess excellent computer, oral and written communication skills.

Bonus Points If You Have (Preferred Requirements)

• Experience with multiple target classes in a drug discovery setting (e.g. membrane receptors, enzymes, transcription factors).

• Experience with immortalized cells and with molecular biology techniques such as RT-qPCR, transfection, and western blotting is a plus.

• Strong bases in protein chemistry with knowledge of associated disciplines such as molecular and cellular biology, structural biology, biophysics and chemistry.

• Experience with cardiovascular and metabolic signaling pathways

  

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Sitting, standing, lifting, bending, and walking. Ability to perform practical laboratory bench work and work on a computer (while standing or sitting). Ability to perform mathematical calculations and analyze and interpret data.

NON-STANDARD WORK SCHEDULE, TRAVEL OR ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS

• Candidate may periodically be asked to travel to the Pfizer Cambridge, MA site to meet project team members and to attend appropriate meetings and conferences.

• Candidate must comply with all laboratory safety practices

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Relocation support available
Work Location Assignment: On Premise
Last day to apply: July 12, 2026

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $93,600.00 to $156,000.00. In addition, this position is eligible for participation in Pfizer’s Global Performance Plan with a bonus target of 12.5% 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.

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

Research and Development