Why Patients Need You

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 that matter most. The ADC discovery and Cancer Immunology (ADCI) group in La Jolla, CA is focused on anti-tumor immunity and immune cell biology to support the execution and diversification of the Oncology Research pipeline and translate discoveries into novel therapeutics. Our team takes a holistic approach to understand the interplay of tumor, stromal, and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment, striving to define the axes of intercellular communication that could be leveraged to generate novel therapeutics.

What You Will Achieve

As a Scientist, you will be at the center of our operations and you will be a member of our growing Cancer Immunology team and contribute to our efforts in target validation, identifying and evaluating novel therapies in the field of Cancer Immunotherapy. You will participate in pre-clinical drug discovery and development projects with a focus on Cancer Immunology.  You will work in a fast-paced and highly collaborative team of motivated and scientifically rigorous scientists to conduct preclinical research and advance our pre-clinical drug programs. You will work as a key member of the T cell biology team and will provide scientific and technical support, performing a range of in vitro and ex vivo studies to generate critical data for project teams. Specifically, you will be responsible for designing and executing cell-based functional assays, multi-parameter flow cytometry, target expression analysis, mechanistic, PD, biomarker studies, and accurate exporting, formatting, and presenting data for multidisciplinary project teams.  As a technical expert and scientific contributor with knowledge of T cell biology, you will be an active team member generating data to enable decisions to drive projects forward. Your creativity in developing novel T cell-targeted immunotherapeutics will directly benefit an unmet need in patients.

How You Will Achieve It

• Discover and develop new therapeutic modalities for cancer immunotherapy targeting immune cells (T cells)
• Conduct bench work, keep up with relevant research field, and move drug development via interactions with cross-functional groups.
• Conceptualize, design, and execute T cell-based functional assays (using cell lines, primary cells, whole blood) for preclinical-stage therapies through in vitro and ex vivo assays, including but not limited to multi-parameter flow cytometry, target validation and expression analysis, antibody drug screening, mechanism of action studies, gene expression analysis techniques  and biomarker identification
• Analyze and interpret data and share results with stakeholders
• Record experimental protocols/results in detail and write technical reports
• Act as a resource for other scientists in the group

Qualifications

Must-Have

• Bachelor of Science degree in Immunology, Oncology, or related discipline with 6+ years’ relevant industry experience or MS degree with 3+ years
• Experience with T cell biology and T cell-based functional assays (e.g. activation, differentiation, cytotoxicity and proliferation), optimization of cell-based assays, experience in in vitro and ex vivo assays to assess immune responses in human (and model animal species) whole blood, PBMCs, and various primary cell subsets
• Hands-on technical experience using multi-color flow cytometry to immunophenotype murine and human cells from blood and tissues, measure analytes in serum, plasma, supernatant or cell lysates and cell culture techniques (e.g. spheroid cultures/3D assays) using MSD, Luminex or ELISA
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment as part of a team, good verbal and written communication, and strong motivation with dedicated work ethics
• Demonstrated proficiency in oral and written communication skills
• Competent in designing, planning, executing, and interpreting experiments.
• Proven capacity to manage an independent research program with minimal supervision.

Nice-to-Have

• Technical knowledge and experience in cancer immunology and the tumor microenvironment,
• Experience investigating T cell-specific inhibitory/co-stimulatory molecules and their associated signal transduction pathways

  
 

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

• Standing, sitting, bending, lifting, walking in a laboratory setting 

• Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in a BSL-2 laboratory 

• Standard business office conditions; sitting, standing as appropriate 

NON-STANDARD WORK SCHEDULE, TRAVEL OR ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS

May require weekend work, as needed 

There will be less than 5% travel 

Additional Information:

• Eligible for Employee Referral
• Relocation Support Available
• Work Location Assignment: On Premise
• Last Day to Apply: August 26, 2024

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $74,900.00 to $124,800.00. In addition, this position is eligible for participation in Pfizer’s Global Performance Plan with a bonus target of 7.5% of the base salary. We offer comprehensive and generous benefits and programs to help our colleagues lead healthy lives and to support each of life’s moments. Benefits offered include a 401(k) plan with Pfizer Matching Contributions and an additional Pfizer Retirement Savings Contribution, paid vacation, holiday and personal days, paid caregiver/parental and medical leave, and health benefits to include medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage. Learn more at Pfizer Candidate Site – U.S. Benefits | (uscandidates.mypfizerbenefits.com). Pfizer compensation structures and benefit packages are aligned based on the location of hire. The United States salary range provided does not apply to Tampa, FL or any location outside of the United States.

Relocation assistance may be available based on business needs and/or eligibility.

Research and Development