Job Opportunity: Principal Scientist, Gene Therapy Upstream Process Development, Pfizer, Morrisville, NC
Job ID 4812572: Principal Scientist, Gene Therapy Upstream Process Development; Morrisville, NC
Location: Morrisville, NC
Hiring Manager: Jeff Pavlicek
TA Recruiter: Anthony Palermo
Last Date to Apply: May 28, 2021
ROLE SUMMARY
The Gene Therapy Process Development group of Pfizer’s Bioprocess R&D organization in Morrisville, NC is seeking a highly motivated and energetic Principal Scientist to lead cell culture process development efforts to support Pfizer’s growing pipeline. The successful applicant will be responsible for the development of early and late stage cell culture processes, tech transfer, process characterization, and authoring of associated regulatory submissions. She/he will be expected to provide strong technical and strategic leadership and make significant contributions to cross-functional project teams to ensure efficient and timely execution of the team’s deliverables.
ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES
- Responsible for successful development, characterization and tech transfer of state-of-the-art upstream manufacturing processes for AAV cell culture production. Technical leader who applies scientific and technical expertise and business acumen to establish strategies, drive safe and efficient lab work, and deliver robust, high-quality, and high-yield manufacturing processes. Develops creative and pragmatic solutions to technical and operational challenges.
- Performance of all duties associated with the operation of effective research laboratories is expected, including mentorship of laboratory scientists. Demonstrates positive leadership qualities and fosters a collaborative team environment; models and engenders desired values and behaviors, including quality, integrity, respect, and personal accountability.
- Contributes to regulatory submissions and query responses; presents data/ strategy to peers and management in appropriate internal and external venues (technical meetings, project team meetings, conferences); authors technical reports, patent applications, and publications in peer-reviewed journals, as appropriate.
- Establishes and drives relevant and impactful innovation programs that are aligned with business drivers and regulatory paradigms to enhance upstream manufacturing technologies and work processes.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- PhD degree with 4+ years of experience, Master’s degree with 9+ years of experience, or Bachelor’s degree with 12+ years of experience in Chemical/Biochemical Engineering or Life Sciences related field, with relevant industry experience in upstream process development.
- Experience with successful process development, tech transfer and process scale-up to GMP manufacturing is required.
- lExperience with cell culture process development is required
- lStrong oral and written communication skills as well as analytical proficiencies.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Skilled in effective communication and management of cross-line and cross-functional efforts related to upstream bioprocess development.
- Demonstrated ability to drive for results and lead innovation and change.
- Experience mentoring laboratory scientists is preferred.
- Applicants should be organized, self-motivated, and capable of working both independently and collaboratively; adept at working in a fast-paced team environment with shifting priorities.
- Expertise in at least one of the following areas is preferred: mammalian cell metabolism, media development, advanced bioreactor controls, and PAT technologies.
- Proficient in statistical experimental design and analysis of complex multi-variate processes.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Ability to perform mathematical calculations and ability to perform complex data analysis
NON-STANDARD WORK SCHEDULE, TRAVEL OR ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS
Occasional travel required for company meetings and technology transfer activities to manufacturing facilities (<10%)