Senior Scientist - Structural Biology and Protein Sciences
Pfizer
August 11, 2026
On-site
San Diego, CA
Other
Role Responsibilities:
- Work under supervision in the gene-to-structure pipeline: construct design and expression; advanced purification; biophysical characterization; high-throughput crystallization; orthologous structure enablement including sample and grid preparation to enable cryo-EM.
- Support multiple small-molecule oncology drug discovery programs in parallel.
- Collaborate with Structural Biology and Protein Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry, Biophysics, Enzymology, and Computational Chemistry; provide clear data, troubleshooting, and experimental insight to enable rapid decision-making.
- Identify and integrate emerging protein/structural biology technologies to strengthen group capabilities.
Required Qualifications:
- B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. (or equivalent) in Biochemistry, Structural Biology, Protein Sciences, or related field (with 9+/7+/0+ years relevant experience respectively).
- Extensive hands-on advanced protein biochemistry experience; proven track record producing high-quality protein samples from challenging targets.
- Expertise in construct design, expression across multiple systems, and complex multi-step purification; development of fit-for-purpose proteins for crystallography, structure-based drug discovery, biochemical assays, and hit-identification screens.
- Strong biophysical characterization background (e.g., stability, oligomeric state, SPR, ITC, BLI).
- Hands-on protein crystallization and small-molecule co-crystallization (condition screening, optimization, crystal improvement).
- Experimental rigor, creativity, and productivity.
- Ability to thrive in fast-paced, highly collaborative, multi-project environment.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with various protein classes and multi-protein complexes; stabilization/optimization strategies.
- Experience with purification/crystallization instrumentation (chromatography systems, platforms, automated crystal imaging/screening).
- Cryo-EM workflows (sample optimization, grid preparation).
- ML/AI-enabled approaches for protein engineering, construct design, or structure determination.
Benefits (if applicable):
- 401(k) with matching contributions; additional retirement savings; paid vacation/holidays/personal days; paid caregiver/parental and medical leave; medical/prescription/dental/vision.
- Annual base salary range: $93,600–$156,000; bonus target 12.5% of base salary.
Application instructions:
- Email disabilityrecruitment@pfizer.com for accessibility help with the application/interview process (accommodation requests only).
- Work under supervision in the gene-to-structure pipeline: construct design and expression; advanced purification; biophysical characterization; high-throughput crystallization; orthologous structure enablement including sample and grid preparation to enable cryo-EM.
- Support multiple small-molecule oncology drug discovery programs in parallel.
- Collaborate with Structural Biology and Protein Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry, Biophysics, Enzymology, and Computational Chemistry; provide clear data, troubleshooting, and experimental insight to enable rapid decision-making.
- Identify and integrate emerging protein/structural biology technologies to strengthen group capabilities.
Required Qualifications:
- B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. (or equivalent) in Biochemistry, Structural Biology, Protein Sciences, or related field (with 9+/7+/0+ years relevant experience respectively).
- Extensive hands-on advanced protein biochemistry experience; proven track record producing high-quality protein samples from challenging targets.
- Expertise in construct design, expression across multiple systems, and complex multi-step purification; development of fit-for-purpose proteins for crystallography, structure-based drug discovery, biochemical assays, and hit-identification screens.
- Strong biophysical characterization background (e.g., stability, oligomeric state, SPR, ITC, BLI).
- Hands-on protein crystallization and small-molecule co-crystallization (condition screening, optimization, crystal improvement).
- Experimental rigor, creativity, and productivity.
- Ability to thrive in fast-paced, highly collaborative, multi-project environment.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with various protein classes and multi-protein complexes; stabilization/optimization strategies.
- Experience with purification/crystallization instrumentation (chromatography systems, platforms, automated crystal imaging/screening).
- Cryo-EM workflows (sample optimization, grid preparation).
- ML/AI-enabled approaches for protein engineering, construct design, or structure determination.
Benefits (if applicable):
- 401(k) with matching contributions; additional retirement savings; paid vacation/holidays/personal days; paid caregiver/parental and medical leave; medical/prescription/dental/vision.
- Annual base salary range: $93,600–$156,000; bonus target 12.5% of base salary.
Application instructions:
- Email disabilityrecruitment@pfizer.com for accessibility help with the application/interview process (accommodation requests only).