Senior Principal Scientist

Job description

ROLE SUMMARY: This is a laboratory-based scientific leadership position within the Vaccines Research and Development Early Bioprocess Analytical and Formulation Development group. The Senior Principal Scientist will define and advance analytical strategies for early-phase vaccine candidates and adjuvant products, including proteins, mRNAs, conjugates, or combination modalities. The individual will manage and lead a group of scientists, providing direction, prioritization, coaching, and performance support to ensure strong scientific execution and professional development. The individual will serve as a recognized scientific resource, guide the development, qualification, transfer, and lifecycle management of separation-based, spectroscopic, mass spectrometry, and other physicochemical analytical methods, and provide high-impact technical recommendations across programs. Working with considerable autonomy, the individual will lead complex cross-functional initiatives, influence sub-function priorities, mentor scientists, and build innovative analytical capabilities that enable timely, data-driven vaccine development. ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES: Define and lead analytical control strategies for multiple vaccine programs, aligning method capabilities, product quality attributes, program risks, and development milestones. Manage and lead a group of scientists, providing direction, prioritization, coaching, and performance support to ensure strong scientific execution and professional development. Provide scientific leadership for the development, optimization, qualification, transfer, and lifecycle management of separation-based, spectroscopic, mass spectrometry, and other physicochemical analytical methods. Independently resolve complex and ambiguous analytical challenges by integrating mechanistic understanding, experimental design, literature, platform knowledge, and cross-disciplinary input. Represent Analytical Development on cross-functional project teams; communicate risks, options, and data-driven recommendations to scientific and program leadership. Lead innovation in analytical technologies, AI, automation, digital tools, and data analytics to improve scientific insight, throughput, robustness, and decision quality. Direct the authoring and technical review of analytical methods, protocols, development and qualification reports, specifications, certificates of analysis, stability documents, and relevant regulatory content. Develop analytical talent through formal and informal mentoring, technical coaching, experimental review, and opportunities for colleagues to lead and present scientific work. Forecast priorities and resource needs across programs, coordinate matrixed contributions, and ensure delivery of high-quality data and documentation in accordance with data integrity, safety, and applicable quality expectations. BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: PHD with at least 8+ years of relevant experience in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related discipline. Advanced expertise in analytical method development and characterization of biologics, vaccines, or complex modalities, with demonstrated ability to set analytical strategy and solve complex technical problems. Demonstrated experience managing and leading scientific teams, including setting priorities, providing technical and professional guidance, coaching talent, and enabling strong scientific execution. Extensive hands-on and scientific leadership experience with separation-based techniques such as liquid chromatography or capillary electrophoresis. Demonstrated record of leading method development, qualification, transfer, troubleshooting, and technical documentation across multiple programs or development stages. Proven ability to influence cross-functional teams, make sound decisions in ambiguous situations, and communicate complex scientific conclusions and recommendations to diverse audiences. Strong scientific writing, data interpretation, project prioritization, and stakeholder-management skills. Demonstrated commitment to data integrity, laboratory safety, quality standards, and development of scientific talent. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Deep knowledge of critical quality attributes and analytical control strategies for protein, mRNAs, adjuvants, or combination vaccine products. Experience with liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, orthogonal physicochemical characterization, multivariate data analysis, or advanced particle characterization. Experience authoring or reviewing regulatory submissions and responding to technical questions from partner, quality, or regulatory functions. Track record of scientific innovation demonstrated through new platform methods, patents, publications, external presentations, or enterprise-wide technical impact. Experience implementing laboratory automation, digital workflows, artificial intelligence, or data-management solutions in analytical development. Experience leading matrixed teams, mentoring scientists, and building sustainable analytical capabilities across functions or sites. 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: Work Location Assignment: On Premise Last date to apply is September 28, 2026 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. 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