Scientist Process Development

Use Your Power for Purpose

Pfizer’s mission to deliver breakthroughs that transform patients’ lives relies on advancing upstream process development. In the Upstream Fermentation, your work is pivotal in translating innovative science into high-quality therapies and vaccines. By developing and optimizing microbial fermentation processes, you help ensure the robust production of critical product modalities, accelerating the journey from the laboratory to patients in need. Your expertise supports the creation of best-in-class medicines through scalable process solutions that uphold safety, efficacy, and quality at every stage of development.

What You Will Achieve

Manufacturing Sciences and Technology (MSAT) at Pfizer is seeking a Scientist to join the Upstream Fermentation team in Andover, MA. The group supports late‑stage development, commercialization, and lifecycle management of Pfizer’s microbial‑derived products through process understanding, process improvement, and technology development.

This is a hands**‑on, laboratory‑**based role focused on the development and execution of aerobic and anaerobic microbial fermentation processes across multiple product modalities, including plasmid DNA, polysaccharides, therapeutic proteins, and enzymes. The Scientist will be a key technical contributor to fermentation process development activities, including Process Analytical Technology (PAT) implementation (Raman, FTNIR), data analysis and instrument connectivity, and process characterization and LPQ studies.

The successful candidate is expected to independently plan and execute routine fermentation experiments, analyze and interpret data, and effectively communicate results within a collaborative MSAT environment.

How You Will Achieve It

• The MSAT Upstream Microbial group is responsible for supporting upstream microbial process development, optimization, and technology transfer activities, while collaborating with downstream teams to ensure seamless integration of fermentation and purification processes.

• Candidates should possess strong scientific knowledge and hands-on experience in upstream fermentation processes for diverse product modalities, including plasmid DNA, polysaccharides, therapeutic proteins, and enzymes, as well as familiarity with standard bioreactor operations and process monitoring tools.

• Develop, optimize, and qualify robust and scalable fermentation techniques to enable efficient transition from laboratory to manufacturing scale.

• Ensure accurate and timely execution of all aspects of fermentation experiments to support process development, troubleshooting, and improvement initiatives.

• Perform scale-down and scale-up fermentation studies, applying core fermentation principles such as oxygen transfer, agitation, and feeding strategies, with minimal supervision.

• Serve as a technical resource for upstream fermentation and microbial bioprocessing, maintaining and sharing historical process knowledge to advance departmental and project goals.

• Maintain high standards of documentation in electronic laboratory notebooks and technical reports; effectively present data and strategies to scientific and management teams through internal and external meetings.

• Foster a safe, efficient, and collaborative laboratory environment, ensuring proper maintenance and operability of shared equipment, and demonstrating initiative, teamwork, and strong laboratory citizenship.

• Participate in multidisciplinary teams to address and resolve complex process challenges, contribute to manufacturing investigations, lead process improvement projects, and support organizational initiatives aligned with Six Sigma methodologies.

Key Responsibilities

Upstream Fermentation Process Development

• Plan and execute routine microbial fermentation experiments in support of process development, process improvement, and troubleshooting activities.

• Develop and optimize aerobic and anaerobic fermentation processes across microbial systems and product modalities including plasmids, polysaccharides, therapeutic proteins, and enzymes.

• Perform hands**‑on operation of glass and stainless‑**steel bioreactors, including bioreactor setup, SIP, CIP, and execution of fermentation runs.

• Apply fermentation fundamentals (e.g., oxygen transfer, agitation, feeding strategies, off‑gas interpretation) to support robust and scalable process development.

• Perform scale**‑up and scale‑**down calculations with guidance from more senior colleagues, ensuring relevance of lab‑scale studies to manufacturing processes.

Process Analytical Technology (PAT)

• Support development, deployment, and application of PAT tools, , for upstream fermentation processes.

• Generate, analyze, and interpret PAT**‑**enabled datasets (e.g., glucose, biomass, metabolites, titer) to enhance process understanding.

• Collaborate with MSAT, analytical, and automation colleagues on PAT data generation, evaluation, and documentation.

Data Analysis & Experimental Design

• Perform data analysis using statistical and multivariate techniques, including multifactorial studies and design of experiments (DoE).

• Support data capture, organization, and visualization for lab‑scale fermentation and PAT instruments.

• Document experimental results clearly and contribute to technical reports, presentations, and knowledge sharing.

Process Characterization & LPQ Studies

• Support execution of LPQ and other process characterization studies under the direction of project leads.

• Execute experimental plans, analyze results, and communicate findings to cross‑functional technical teams.

• Participate in multidisciplinary teams to address and resolve complex process challenges, contribute to manufacturing investigations, lead process improvement projects, and support organizational initiatives aligned with Six Sigma methodologies.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• This is a primarily in**‑**lab role requiring frequent hands‑on experimental work.

• Ability to stand for extended periods of time while performing laboratory operations is required.

• Must be able to work occasional off**‑**hours, including early mornings, evenings, or weekends, to support fermentation run schedules.

• All work is performed in accordance with site safety procedures and laboratory risk assessments.

What Success Looks Like in This Role

• Independently executes routine fermentation experiments with high technical rigor.

• Produces high‑quality, well‑documented data that supports process understanding and improvement.

• Effectively collaborates with MSAT colleagues and cross‑functional partners.

• Progressively builds depth in fermentation, PAT, and data analysis, positioning for increased technical responsibility.

Here Is What You Need (Minimum Requirements)

• Applicant must have a bachelor's degree with at least 6 years of experience; OR a master's degree with 4+ years of experience.

•  Experience on interdisciplinary drug development teams and industrial experience developing upstream strategies and methods in support of product and process development and to assess the quality and characteristics of biotherapeutics.

• Demonstrated technical writing skills and effective communication are strongly desired.

• Experience operating bench**‑**scale bioreactors, including exposure to SIP and CIP activities.

• Demonstrated ability to independently execute experiments, analyze data, and communicate results.

• Familiarity with statistical data analysis and experimental design principles.

• Participate in multidisciplinary teams to address and resolve complex process challenges, contribute to manufacturing investigations, lead process improvement projects, and support organizational initiatives aligned with Six Sigma methodologies.

• Change agile, functional in a fast-paced team environment where multi-tasking is required.

• Enthusiastic about communicating to a broad range of stakeholders (from novices to experts) and seeking agreement in complex situations.

Bonus Points If You Have (Preferred Requirements)

• Experience with aerobic and/or anaerobic fermentation processes.

• Exposure to Process Analytical Technology (PAT), including Raman and/or FTNIR spectroscopy, off gas analysis, Auto sampling.

• Experience supporting process characterization or LPQ studies.

• Familiarity with scale**‑up/scale‑**down concepts and multivariate data analysis tools.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work primarily in a laboratory and pilot plant environment, including areas with active processing equipment, utilities, and instrumentation.

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time while performing laboratory and pilot plant operations, including monitoring active fermentations and PAT systems.

• Ability to perform hands‑on tasks such as bioreactor setup, SIP/CIP activities, equipment connections, probe installation, sampling, and troubleshooting.

• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull materials and equipment (e.g., hoses, vessels, filters, gas cylinders, tools, or consumables) in accordance with site safety guidelines.

• Ability to work in PPE, including but not limited to lab coats, gloves, safety glasses, face shields, respirators (as required), and hearing protection.

• Ability to climb stairs, ladders, or platforms to access pilot‑scale equipment, utilities, and instrumentation as required.

• Ability to operate equipment using fine motor skills, including computers, touch screens, valves, connectors, and hand tools.

• Ability to work around pressurized systems, heated systems, and rotating equipment while following all safety procedures.

• Visual acuity sufficient to read instrumentation displays, labels, batch records, and electronic systems, including extended computer use.

  NON-STANDARD WORK SCHEDULE, TRAVEL OR ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work off‑hours, including early mornings, evenings, nights, or weekends, to support fermentation run schedules, process interventions, and critical operations.

• Ability to respond to time‑sensitive process events, alarms, or deviations during active runs.

• Ability to work in environments with variable noise levels, temperatures, and humidity, consistent with pilot plant operations.

  Work Location Assignment: On Premise

This job is a US/PR Exempt Grade: 007

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $82,700.00 to $137,900.00. In addition, this position is eligible for participation in Pfizer’s Global Performance Plan with a bonus target of 10.0% 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.

Sunshine Act

Pfizer reports payments and other transfers of value to health care providers as required by federal and state transparency laws and implementing regulations.  These laws and regulations require Pfizer to provide government agencies with information such as a health care provider’s name, address and the type of payments or other value received, generally for public disclosure.  Subject to further legal review and statutory or regulatory clarification, which Pfizer intends to pursue, reimbursement of recruiting expenses for licensed physicians may constitute a reportable transfer of value under the federal transparency law commonly known as the Sunshine Act.  Therefore, if you are a licensed physician who incurs recruiting expenses as a result of interviewing with Pfizer that we pay or reimburse, your name, address and the amount of payments made currently will be reported to the government.  If you have questions regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact your Talent Acquisition representative.

EEO & Employment Eligibility

Pfizer is committed to equal opportunity in the terms and conditions of employment for all employees and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, disability or veteran status.  Pfizer also complies with all applicable national, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act and IRCA.  Pfizer is an E-Verify employer.  This position requires permanent work authorization in the United States.

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Research and Development