Associate Scientist, Microbiology

• United States - Missouri - St. Louis - Chesterfield

We’re in relentless pursuit of breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. We innovate everyday to make the world a healthier place. Pfizer Research & Development serves as the beating heart of Pfizer’s trailblazing product pipeline, the essence of our mission to bring life‑changing medicines to the world. We offer competitive compensation and benefits programs designed to meet the diverse needs of our colleagues.

As an Associate Scientist in the Analytical R&D Microbiology Strategy & Testing organization, you will support the development of biological therapeutics by applying GMP microbiological methods (bioburden, endotoxin, PCR, etc.) to assess product quality and detect impurities. You will be responsible for Environmental Monitoring (EM) of manufacturing facilities, waters, and compressed gases, and for using established microbiological methodologies to support GMP in‑process and R&D testing of clinical supplies.

You will become proficient in aseptic lab technique, facility gowning, and fast‑paced environmental monitoring while contributing to method identification, testing, and qualification for multiple Pfizer sites.

• Exercise and build basic team effectiveness skills such as commitment, feedback, and consensus management.
• Review and contribute to technical documents, including validation protocols, analytical test procedures, investigation reports, monitoring trend reports, and change controls.
• Directly interact with multiple department team members, presenting data as needed.
• Complete all Good Manufacturing Practice (part of GXP) and safety training in compliance with departmental requirements and follow appropriate safety practices.
• Perform various experiments for microbial analysis, qualification/validation, and characterization of biological therapeutics.
• Perform and document environmental monitoring of manufacturing areas and related microbiological activities.
• Conduct all work according to appropriate Standard Operating Procedures following Good Manufacturing Practices/Good Laboratory Practices (GMP/GLP) requirements and ensure integrity of all data generated and documented.
• Independently analyze and provide conclusions regarding data generated.
• Plan and prioritize assigned testing activities.
• Present problems and propose solutions in discussions with group members.

• Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, biochemistry, biology, or related field with 0 to 2 years of experience.
• Excellent documentation skills with high attention to detail.
• Strong organizational skills and effective interpersonal and written communication skills.
• Self‑motivated and highly effective in a team‑based environment.
• Ability to follow established procedures under minimal supervision.

• 1+ years’ experience with Quality Systems in a Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) environment.
• Experience with laboratory data systems such as Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
• Hands‑on experience or working knowledge in the pharmaceutical industry and handling of analytical instruments.
• Some knowledge of drug development processes for progression of biological candidates.

Position requires occasional light lifting and periods of standing, sitting, or walking. Laboratory testing involves repetitive operations using hand‑held instruments (micropipettes).

• This is typically a Monday‑Friday schedule, first shift. Occasional weekend work or off‑shift hours work is required per business need.
• Candidate must be able to qualify on cleanroom gowning to conduct weekly monitoring of the manufacturing areas.

• Competitive salary and bonus target of 7.5% of base salary.
• 401(k) plan with Pfizer matching contributions and additional retirement savings contributions.
• Paid vacation, holiday, personal days, medical and dental coverage, vision benefits, and caregiver/parental leave.
• Comprehensive health benefits, wellness programs, and access to Pfizer’s global performance plan.

Annual base salary ranges from $60,200.00 to…