Job Opportunity: Sr. Scientist, Molecular Virology, Pfizer, Morrisville, NC
The Senior Scientist in molecular virology will help drive advancements of Pfizer’s Gene Therapy platform in the Bioprocess Research and Development group. The successful applicant with be a main contributor for a collaborative interdisciplinary research program focused on the development of recombinant adenoassociated virus (rAAV) vector manufacturing platforms to support the growing Pfizer gene therapy portfolio. The selected candidate will design and execute team-based research to understand the viral and cellular determinants of efficient rAAV production, to illuminate cellular and process targets for improving rAAV yield and product quality, and to oversee efforts to engineer these targets in order to deliver commercially viable, highly productive rAAV manufacturing platforms.
ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES:
The successful Senior Scientist will have extensive expertise in the fields of molecular genetics and biochemistry of mammalian virus infection. The research will require application of techniques in diverse aspects of virus vector expression platform development. This includes vector construction, cell line engineering and characterization, and upstream processing supporting virus production. These efforts will be part of a larger team working to advance rAAV vector based genetic cures for rare diseases. The Senior Scientist is expected to quickly become proficient in the literature surrounding rAAV manufacture and characterization, and design innovative initiatives to develop Pfizer’s gene therapy platform and portfolio.
- Demonstrated experience leading interdisciplinary teams with the ability to work effectively in a matrix management team environment
- Contribute to progression of rAAV gene therapy projects as a subject matter expert and project lead
- Effectively communicate research objective and milestone broadly throughout the organization and to bioprocess leadership teams and develop strategic initiatives.
- Design and execute development projects as a member of the Gene Therapy Process Development team
- Demonstrates leadership qualities and has successful experience mentoring junior scientists
- Contribute to a dynamic community of colleagues within Pfizer’s rare disease community
- Establishes timelines for project progression and navigating technical obstacles independently or in consultation with other colleagues as appropriate.
- Author technical reports, regulatory briefing documents and filings, and contribute to internal/external posters/ publications as appropriate.
- Periodic travel to other domestic sites is required.
- Contributes to a safe, efficient and effective lab environment with personal accountability
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Requires a PhD in virology, microbiology, cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry or a closely related field.
- Extensive expertise in the cellular and viral determinants of viral replication
- Strong publication record demonstrating independent contributions to applicant’s field.
- Comprehensive understanding of mammalian gene expression mechanisms
- Excellent communication and organizational skills, willingness to learn new skills, and demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team
- Expertise in virus-cell interactions and molecular processes of virus replication and innate cell response to virus infection.
- Experience with molecular biology and core biochemical techniques as applied to understanding virus-cell interactions.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 0- 4 years’ experience direct experience in cutting-edge research in virus-cell interactions.
- Strong track record of high-impact publications in peer-reviewed journals
- Experience with DNA virus culture and characterization
- Experience with genetic manipulation of mammalian cells, including CRISPR gene knockout, gene knockdown, and overexpression.
- Bioinformatics analysis of transcriptomic, proteomic, or metabolomic data sets.
- Design and execution of high throughput cell-based screens.
Last Date to Apply for Job: October 25, 2019