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Senior Scientist, Early Formulation Science and Drug Delivery, Drug Product Design

Pfizer
7 hours ago
On-site
La Jolla, CA
Clinical Research and Development
Role Summary:
This position reports into the Early Formulation Science and Drug Delivery group in La Jolla, CA. Act as a pharmaceutical science subject matter expert to influence small-molecule early drug candidate selection regarding drug delivery, bio-performance, and stability. Collaborate with Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacokinetics & Drug Metabolism, and Clinical Pharmacology. Design, implement, and interpret in vitro, in silico, and in vivo experiments, and design stage-appropriate traditional and enabled formulations for preclinical studies. Assess material science and physicochemical properties of early candidates to inform manufacturing, bio-performance, and stability risks.

Role Responsibilities:
- Evaluate physicochemical properties to guide formulation strategy and developability risk assessment
- Design/develop traditional and enabled formulations for preclinical studies
- Design, execute, and interpret polymorph and salt screens for stability, manufacturability, and bio-performance
- Apply first principles (thermodynamics/kinetics) to dissolution/precipitation and solid-state stability in biorelevant conditions
- Partner with cross-disciplinary experts to influence candidate selection/progression
- Develop academic/industrial collaborations to address science gaps
- Conduct novel research and present findings via presentations or publications

Basic Qualifications:
- Recent PhD (0–3 years postdoc) or MS (7+ years) or BS (8+ years) in relevant disciplines
- Experience working independently and collaboratively in a lab

Preferred Qualifications:
- Hypothesis-driven experimental design and execution
- Applying fundamental principles to solve complex problems
- Integrating experimental data into mathematical models
- Pharmacokinetic modeling/simulation (e.g., Gastroplus)
- Data structuring/capture; preclinical formulation experience; Phase 1 design awareness
- Strong communication, organization, teamwork; manage multiple projects/timelines

Physical/Mental Requirements:
- Routine lab testing; mathematical calculations and complex data analysis

Non-standard/Travel:
- Occasional travel; relocation support available

Benefits/Compensation:
- Base salary: $93,600–$156,000; bonus target 12.5%; eligible for long-term incentive and comprehensive benefits including 401(k) match, vacation/holidays, leave, and medical/dental/vision.

Application Instructions:
- Not provided in the text.