Principal Scientist

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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

• 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

• 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 subcutaneous drug delivery fundamentals: injection…