Senior Principal Scientist, Process Chemistry
Job Description
OVERVIEW:
Pfizer’s purpose is to deliver breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. At the core of fulfilling this purpose is Research and Development, where we translate advanced science and technologies into impactful therapies and vaccines. Your work will encompass all facets of development, from small-scale synthesis supporting Discovery programs to developing the commercial synthetic route. Through your expertise and extensive knowledge, you will foster a culture that promotes innovation and thrives on improving outcomes for patients and healthcare.
ROLE SUMMARY:
Lead technical teams to design, execute, and interpret complex laboratory experiments aimed at route development, process optimization, and scale‑up.
Develop fit‑for‑purpose processes for early‑ and late‑stage programs, ensuring safety, robustness, and scalability.
Lead authorship of patents, publications, and regulatory documents.
Apply modern synthetic organic chemistry principles, high‑throughput experimentation, mechanistic insight, and data‑rich methods to accelerate development.
Effectively communicate scientific strategy, risks, and solutions to project teams, leadership, and partner functions.
Drive alignment to project timelines and portfolio strategy.
Mentor junior staff and foster an inclusive, scientifically rigorous, and collaborative environment.
Lead technology transfer and partner interactions to enable external development campaigns.
Build strong stakeholder relationships across process chemistry, partner functions, and project teams.
Maintain an external technical presence through publications and presentations.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
PhD in Organic Chemistry with 8+ years of industry experience in pharmaceutical process development, including route design, scale‑up, and GMP manufacturing
Deep foundational understanding of synthetic organic chemistry, reaction mechanisms, process development, and modern purification and analytical technologies.
Demonstrated scientific impact via peer‑reviewed publications, patents, or conference presentations.
Strong communication skills with demonstrated collaborative leadership in cross functional process development teams.
Experience supporting development from preclinical through commercial stages.
Experience in regulated pharmaceutical environments including GMP operations and authoring regulatory submissions.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Proficient in current Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
Skilled in reaction modeling, material property prediction, and simulation using advanced computational tools such as DynoChem, gPROMS, Visimix, Aspen, Fluent, and Cosmotherm
Experience in regulatory filing and compliance
Experience developing drug‑linkers for ADCs, PROTACS, DACs or other targeted mixed‑modality therapeutics.
Experience mentoring and developing scientific staff.
Experience with technology transfer and oversight of external development work.
Experience at innovator pharmaceutical companies is strongly preferred.
Additional Job Details:
Work Location Assignment: On Premise
Last date to apply is June 25, 2026
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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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