Principal Scientist - Protein Formulation & Biophysical Characterization; -Concentration Biologics

Principal Scientist - Protein Formulation & Biophysical Characterization (High-Concentration Biologics)

is a hands-on, laboratory-focused, scientific leadership role within a biologics and vaccines formulation group (DPDD
- PhRD) for a deeply technical scientist driving innovation in protein formulation and high-concentration biologics.

The role focuses on developing and implementing novel formulation strategies and platform approaches to enable high-dose, patient-centric biologic delivery, including subcutaneous administration.

The successful candidate will generate mechanistic insights and translate them into scalable solutions that enhance Pfizer's drug product capabilities.

The individual will serve as a technical subject matter expert, contributing across cross-functional teams and building external scientific presence through publications, presentations, and participation in industry collaborations and consortia.

Key Responsibilities

1) Formulation Science & Characterization

* Design and execute experimental studies to develop and optimize protein formulations across biologic modalities (e.g., mAbs, fusion proteins, bispecifics, antibody-drug conjugates, peptides, etc.) in liquid and lyophilized dosage forms.

* Apply biophysical and physicochemical characterization to assess and mitigate key risks (e.g., aggregation, viscosity, stability).

* Analyze data, generate clear insights, and communicate findings to scientific teams.

2) Innovation & Technology Development

* Develop and advance novel formulation strategies and enabling technologies for high-concentration biologics.

* Build scalable approaches such as experimental workflows, screening methods, and predictive tools that can be applied across programs.

* Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement and integrate new technologies.

3) External Scientific Engagement

* Build collaborations with academic and industry partners to advance formulation science.

* Contribute to external scientific visibility through publications, conference presentations, and participation in industry consortia.

4) Cross-Functional Contribution

* Collaborate with the internal Device Center of Excellence to facilitate optimal device selection, serving as a liaison and technical subject matter expert on formulation matters.

* Provide formulation expertise to project teams and support key development decisions.

* Contribute scientific input to regulatory documentation as needed.

5) Technical Leadership

* Lead a cross-functional group focused on subcutaneous delivery of biologics. Align with key stakeholders and devise and implement strategies to advance the biologics portfolio.

* Lead focused technical initiatives or platform problems; prior experience with formal project leadership is preferred but not required.

Education & Experience

* PhD in Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biophysical Sciences, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Biomedical or Chemical Engineering, or related disciplines with 3-5 years relevant experience in biologics formulation, biophysics, or drug product development (industry experience preferred)

* Demonstrated scientific output (e.g., publications and/or conference presentations) preferred

Must Have

* Strong background in protein formulation for parenteral biologics

* Direct hands-on experience with biophysical/analytical characterization techniques and data interpretation including proficiency with a broad suite of techniques (DLS, DSC, DSF, SEC-MALS, NTA, CD, FTIR, fluorescence spectroscopy, rheology); ability to design and interpret multi-technique characterization studies

* Familiarity with parenteral dosage forms and delivery considerations

* Ability to analyze complex data and communicate clear, actionable insights

Nice to Have

* Demonstrated expertise in protein design/engineering principles, structure-function relationship, identification of develop ability hot spots, and how molecular attributes influence formulation behavior.

* Deep understanding of challenges at elevated protein concentrations: viscosity, self-association, aggregation, LLPS, colloidal instability, opalescence; familiarity with interaction parameters (kD, B22)

* Knowledge of…