Senior Associate Scientist-Vaccine Immunology

Use Your Power for Purpose

At Pfizer, our purpose is to deliver breakthroughs that change patients’ lives.  As a Senior Associate Scientist Biology, you will be at the forefront of our mission, contributing to the development of innovative therapies and vaccines that have the potential to transform patient care. Reporting to the Research & Development division, you will leverage advanced science and cutting-edge technologies to make a tangible impact on global health. Your work will be instrumental in ensuring drug safety and efficacy, supporting clinical trials, and accelerating the delivery of top-tier medicines to patients worldwide.

What You Will Achieve

Senior Associate Scientist will support preclinical evaluation and early clinical development of vaccine candidates through comprehensive immunogenicity assessment. This role will develop, optimize, and execute cellular and humoral immune assays to characterize vaccine-induced responses and support study decision-making. The Senior Associate Scientist will partner closely with cross-functional colleagues (e.g., discovery, translational, clinical, bioanalytical, and operations) to ensure samples and data are generated, documented, and reported in accordance with applicable SOPs and quality standards (e.g., cGLP and/or cGMP where appropriate). The successful candidate is a collaborative, detail-oriented experimentalist who can manage multiple priorities, troubleshoot independently, and communicate results clearly. 

How You Will Achieve It:

• Execute and troubleshoot assays to quantify antigen-specific B- and T-cell responses, including flow cytometry phenotyping, intracellular cytokine staining (ICS), ELISpot/FluoroSpot, etc. in support of preclinical and clinical vaccine studies. 

• Process mouse tissue samples, including spleens and lymph nodes, as well as human or non-human primate (NHP) PBMC samples, to prepare them for downstream functional assays. 

• Conduct multiparameter flow cytometry for cellular phenotype and functional characterization; design and optimize flow panels, operate advanced instruments such as the Spectral-based Cytek Aurora for sample acquisition, perform data analysis with software including FlowJo, FACS Suite, Diva, or OMIQ, and present results to study teams in a clear and systematic manner. 

• Manage sample and reagent lifecycle activities (receipt, accessioning, inventory, storage, chain-of-custody, and preparation for testing) to support multiple studies and timelines. 

• Ensure high-quality documentation and reporting in accordance with SOPs and applicable regulatory expectations (e.g., cGLP/cGMP where required); maintain laboratory notebooks and records per policy. 

• Prepare written summaries and presentations; communicate results, trends, and assay issues at team meetings and contribute to data review discussions with stakeholders. 

• Support continuous improvement by proposing and implementing assay optimizations, qualification activities, and workflow efficiencies; help train/mentor junior staff as needed

• Complete all required safety and compliance training and perform responsibilities in alignment with EHS requirements and all applicable regulations. 

Here Is What You Need (Minimum Requirements)

• B.S. in Immunology, Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, or a related field with 3+ years of relevant laboratory experience, or M.S. with 2+ years of relevant laboratory or industry experience.

• Hands-on experience with cellular immunology methods and/or vaccine immunogenicity readouts (e.g., ELISpot/FluoroSpot, flow cytometry, ELISA, neutralization assays).

• Demonstrated ability to execute experiments, troubleshoot, and deliver high-quality data in a deadline-driven environment.

• Proficiency with common scientific software (e.g., Microsoft Office; GraphPad Prism, FlowJo, OMIQ or equivalent) and with maintaining clear experimental records.

• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively in a team-based, cross-functional setting.

Bonus Points If You Have (Preferred Requirements)

• Industry experience in vaccines, immunology, bioanalytical, or translational sciences. 

• Experience with multiplex cytokine assays (e.g., Luminex), complex and/or spectral flow cytometry panels, and/or assay qualification/validation activities. 

• Experience working in a regulated environment (e.g., cGLP and/or cGMP) and familiarity with relevant documentation practices. 

• Experience handling mouse tissue samples such spleens and lymph nodes; human samples and/or non-human primate (NHP) PBMC samples, including biosafety best practices. 

• Excellent organizational and time management skills 

 

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

• Routine work in a laboratory environment; ability to perform aseptic technique and follow biosafety procedures. 

• Ability to safely handle biological specimens (including human and/or non-human primate samples) and, where applicable, work with infectious agents in accordance with biosafety requirements and training.  

• Ability to stand for extended periods, perform repetitive pipetting, and lift/move typical laboratory materials (e.g., boxes of consumables) consistent with site guidelines. 

• Ability to work effectively on time-constrained milestones in a highly collaborative and visible research program

Work Location Assignment: On Premise
The annual base salary for this position ranges from $68,600.00 to $114,300.00. In addition, this position is eligible for participation in Pfizer’s Global Performance Plan with a bonus target of 7.5% of the base salary. 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.

Research and Development

Global pharmaceutical company developing vaccines, oncology, and immunology treatments. Headquartered in New York, NY.

pfizer.com