Pfizer’s purpose is to deliver breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Research and Development is at the heart of fulfilling Pfizer’s purpose as we work to translate advanced science and technologies into the therapies and vaccines that matter most. Whether you are in the discovery sciences, ensuring drug safety and efficacy or supporting clinical trials, you will apply cutting edge design and process development capabilities to accelerate and bring the best-in-class medicines to patients around the world.
What You Will Achieve
We are seeking a highly talented individual with expertise in functional genomics to join our Cellular, Genomic, and Protein Sciences (CGPS) group at our Groton, CT campus. The successful candidate will combine expertise in functional genomics and molecular biology, to support and accelerate the deconvolution of novel therapeutic mechanisms across our diverse small molecule discovery portfolio. As part of this early discovery group, the individual will collaborate closely with discovery biology and chemistry teams to support a broad portfolio encompassing disease indications in Immunology, Internal Medicine, Anti-Infectives, and Vaccines.
How You will Achieve It
The successful individual will contribute to the implementation of functional genomic strategies to support early drug discovery and development. He/She/They will apply a breadth of cellular and molecular capabilities to increase understanding of target function, support protein functional site ID studies, inform hit-ID strategies, and decipher mechanisms of action for small molecule compounds. This will include creatively applying various functional genomics and NGS methods, developing physiologically relevant cellular models and assays, and executing informative CRISPR screens. Further, he/she/they will collaborate closely with partner lines in a highly cross-matrixed environment to design and execute functional genomic approaches and analyze, interpret, and communicate results to guide decision-making.
Successful candidates will be expected to:
Have extensive experience applying a variety of different gene editing modalities (e.g. knockout, knock-in, expression modulation) to answer mechanistic target biology questions.
Work with diverse cell models including primary cells, and as appropriate generate genetically engineered lines to study protein and pathway functions.
Independently develop and execute CRISPR and reporter screens (pooled and arrayed) and adapt them for mid-to high-throughput screening.
Evolve and scale our CRISPR base editing platform at Pfizer to support the study of novel targets, inform small molecule efforts, and to deconvolute MoA for small molecule compounds.
Maintain a strong knowledge base in state-of-the-art genomic tools and incorporate novel approaches, where applicable, including assay technologies and emerging gene editing modalities.
Interpret and integrate in vitro data in the context of target/pathway biology to articulate results in broader project teams to guide decision-making.
Possess strong collaborative and written and verbal communication skills, be excited by working with cross-disciplinary groups (Disease Biology, Chemistry, Computational Biology, Structural Biology, Primary Pharmacology), be adept at building partnerships, and be team-oriented.
Maintain up to date electronic laboratory notebooks and records in accordance with Pfizer policy and comply with all safety training and good laboratory practices.
PhD or equivalent with relevant experience in functional genomics and molecular biology with 2 to 4 years of experience
A strong and current knowledge of various CRISPR-based gene editing modalities, functional genomics techniques, and the application of these methods to mechanistic and protein/pathway-focused questions.
Experience developing and applying diverse cellular readouts including genetic reporters, imaging, flow cytometry, and/or other technologies.
Basic experience with Next Generation Sequencing techniques.
Proficient in designing creative experiments to address key scientific and mechanistic questions.
Experience with troubleshooting technical assays and protocols.
Ability to quickly learn new skills and knowledge on the job.
A demonstrated sustained track record of delivering high quality data meeting the needs of teams.
Demonstrated examples of personal and scientific leadership.
Highly motivated, highly organized and possess excellent computer, verbal and written communication skills.
Nice To Have
Experience with application of multiple CRISPR modalities, including base editing approaches
Experience with NGS library preparation and sequencing as well as basic bioinformatic analysis.
Strong bases in protein/pathway studies.
Experience with assay development.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Sitting, standing, lifting, bending, and walking. Ability to perform practical laboratory bench work and work on a computer (while standing or sitting).
Ability to perform mathematical calculations and interpret data.
NON-STANDARD WORK SCHEDULE, TRAVEL OR ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS
Candidate may periodically be asked to travel to the Pfizer Cambridge, MA and New York, NY sites to meet project team members and to attend appropriate meetings and conferences.
Candidate must comply with all laboratory safety practices