Senior Principal Scientist, Process Chemistry

OVERVIEW

Pfizer’s purpose is to deliver breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. The Research and Development function translates advanced science and technologies into impactful therapies and vaccines. This role will support the entire development cycle, from early synthesis through large‑scale manufacturing.

Lead technical teams to design, execute, and interpret complex laboratory experiments focused on route development, process optimization, and scale‑up. Develop fit‑for‑purpose processes for early‑ and late‑stage programs, ensuring safety, robustness, and scalability. Drive technology transfer, partner interactions, and external development campaigns while maintaining a strong regulatory focus.

• Design and conduct laboratory experiments for route development, process optimization, and scale‑up.
• Develop and validate processes for early‑ and late‑stage programs with emphasis on safety, robustness, and scalability.
• Author patents, publications, and regulatory documents.
• Apply modern synthetic organic chemistry principles, mechanistic insight, and data‑rich methods to accelerate development.
• Communicate scientific strategy, risks, and solutions to project teams, leadership, and partner functions.
• Align projects to timelines and portfolio strategy, ensuring on‑time delivery.
• 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.

• 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.

• Proficient in current Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
• Skilled in reaction modeling, material property prediction, and simulation using advanced computational tools such as Dyno Chem, 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.

Pfizer offers a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, 401(k) with matching contributions, paid vacation, holiday and personal days, paid caregiver/parental and medical leave, and competitive short‑ and long‑term incentive programs. Benefits vary by location and are aligned with the base salary range.

Pfizer is committed to equal opportunity in 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 complies with all applicable nondiscrimination laws and work authorization requirements.