Director, Sample Logistics, Vaccines R&D
Pfizer
August 26, 2026
On-site
Pearl River, NY
Operations
Position Summary
You will manage the clinical sample logistics function for Pfizer’s vaccine clinical portfolio, ensuring samples are transported safely, compliantly, and reliably across domestic and international clinical trial networks to the Pearl River, NY biorepository, and then distributed to internal and external testing laboratories.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the global sample logistics function for a team of 40+ colleagues covering shipment execution, study start-up support, operations, and clinical sample lifecycle management.
- Develop long-term sample logistics strategy, scalable operating models, governance frameworks, and business continuity plans.
- Protect sample integrity and compliance; ensure temperature-controlled movement and adherence to FDA, EMA, IATA, DOT, CDC, trade compliance, GCLP, and Pfizer quality requirements.
- Maintain inspection readiness with audit-ready documentation for deviation management, CAPAs, change controls, and training.
- Own courier and technology partner governance, service expectations, escalation paths, performance metrics, contracts, and continuous improvement.
- Modernize operations via digital/automation (automation, robotics, dashboarding, track-and-trace, predictive planning, AI-enabled management, performance analytics).
- Partner cross-functionally as a subject matter expert with clinical assay, study management, Quality, Legal, Finance, Trade Compliance, and related teams.
- Develop people and culture (workforce planning, talent acquisition, performance management, career/succession planning).
- Communicate complex logistics data, risks, investment needs, and improvement opportunities to senior leaders.
Qualifications
MUST HAVE
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Life Sciences, Biotechnology, or related.
- 8+ years in logistics/supply chain/clinical trial operations/central laboratory/biopharmaceutical.
- 5+ years people management.
- Regulated-environment experience and sound judgment on operational, quality, compliance, and risk decisions.
- Knowledge of global sample logistics, cold-chain, temperature-controlled shipping, customs, infectious substance and biohazard transport/shipping regulations.
- Proven ability to influence/lead in matrixed teams; strong negotiation and stakeholder management.
- Excellent verbal and written communication.
- Change agility and ability to manage competing priorities.
NICE TO HAVE
- Advanced degree.
- GCLP/GLP/GMP/clinical trial/vaccine/regulated sample management experience.
- Automation/digital/AI/analytics leadership.
- Vendor/courier/technology partner and contract/service-level oversight.
- Experience leading complex programs with measurable impact.
Benefits
- Eligible for Pfizer Global Performance Plan bonus target of 20% of base salary and share-based long-term incentive program.
- 401(k) with Pfizer matching contributions; additional Pfizer retirement savings contribution; paid vacation/holidays/personal days; caregiver/parental and medical leave; health benefits (medical, prescription drug, dental, vision).
Application instructions
- Learn more at Pfizer Candidate Site – U.S. Benefits (uscandidates.mypfizerbenefits.com).
You will manage the clinical sample logistics function for Pfizer’s vaccine clinical portfolio, ensuring samples are transported safely, compliantly, and reliably across domestic and international clinical trial networks to the Pearl River, NY biorepository, and then distributed to internal and external testing laboratories.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the global sample logistics function for a team of 40+ colleagues covering shipment execution, study start-up support, operations, and clinical sample lifecycle management.
- Develop long-term sample logistics strategy, scalable operating models, governance frameworks, and business continuity plans.
- Protect sample integrity and compliance; ensure temperature-controlled movement and adherence to FDA, EMA, IATA, DOT, CDC, trade compliance, GCLP, and Pfizer quality requirements.
- Maintain inspection readiness with audit-ready documentation for deviation management, CAPAs, change controls, and training.
- Own courier and technology partner governance, service expectations, escalation paths, performance metrics, contracts, and continuous improvement.
- Modernize operations via digital/automation (automation, robotics, dashboarding, track-and-trace, predictive planning, AI-enabled management, performance analytics).
- Partner cross-functionally as a subject matter expert with clinical assay, study management, Quality, Legal, Finance, Trade Compliance, and related teams.
- Develop people and culture (workforce planning, talent acquisition, performance management, career/succession planning).
- Communicate complex logistics data, risks, investment needs, and improvement opportunities to senior leaders.
Qualifications
MUST HAVE
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Life Sciences, Biotechnology, or related.
- 8+ years in logistics/supply chain/clinical trial operations/central laboratory/biopharmaceutical.
- 5+ years people management.
- Regulated-environment experience and sound judgment on operational, quality, compliance, and risk decisions.
- Knowledge of global sample logistics, cold-chain, temperature-controlled shipping, customs, infectious substance and biohazard transport/shipping regulations.
- Proven ability to influence/lead in matrixed teams; strong negotiation and stakeholder management.
- Excellent verbal and written communication.
- Change agility and ability to manage competing priorities.
NICE TO HAVE
- Advanced degree.
- GCLP/GLP/GMP/clinical trial/vaccine/regulated sample management experience.
- Automation/digital/AI/analytics leadership.
- Vendor/courier/technology partner and contract/service-level oversight.
- Experience leading complex programs with measurable impact.
Benefits
- Eligible for Pfizer Global Performance Plan bonus target of 20% of base salary and share-based long-term incentive program.
- 401(k) with Pfizer matching contributions; additional Pfizer retirement savings contribution; paid vacation/holidays/personal days; caregiver/parental and medical leave; health benefits (medical, prescription drug, dental, vision).
Application instructions
- Learn more at Pfizer Candidate Site – U.S. Benefits (uscandidates.mypfizerbenefits.com).