Senior Associate Scientist – Bioassay: Pfizer, USA77 Views

Senior Associate Scientist: Accelerate Vaccine Discovery at Pfizer

Pfizer’s enduring mission to deliver “Breakthroughs that change patients’ lives” continues to shape its global leadership in vaccine development. The Senior Associate Scientist – Bioassay role, located in Pearl River, New York, exemplifies this mission by placing researchers at the center of immunological assay development and therapeutic innovation. This full-time, lab-based role offers an exceptional opportunity for early-career scientists with a solid foundation in immunology, molecular biology, or related disciplines. 

As part of Pfizer’s dynamic Research and Development team, the selected candidate will work within a regulated environment to develop, validate, and implement novel bioassays supporting preclinical and clinical vaccine programs. The position integrates hands-on lab work, quality assurance, data interpretation, and interdepartmental collaboration, all within a framework designed to drive public health outcomes at scale.

The Senior Associate Scientist – Bioassay role at Pfizer offers early-career researchers a pathway to impactful scientific innovation. This full-time position in Pearl River, NY provides the opportunity to lead critical vaccine assay development, collaborate across R&D teams, and contribute directly to Pfizer’s mission of global health advancement.

Why Choose a Career at Pfizer?

A Legacy of Scientific Impact

Pfizer’s global R&D operations have been instrumental in launching life-saving vaccines and therapies. The company continuously invests in cutting-edge platforms and technologies that accelerate the translation of laboratory science into patient solutions.

A Collaborative Work Environment

The Pearl River site offers a multidisciplinary atmosphere, uniting immunologists, cell biologists, pharmacologists, and assay specialists to collectively solve complex problems in vaccine science.

Opportunities for Professional Growth

This role offers access to Pfizer’s internal training, cross-functional project exposure, and long-term career pathways in drug discovery and development.

Position Overview

Work Location and Type

• • Location: Pearl River, New York, USA
  • Work Mode: 100% on-site laboratory-based
  • Department: Research & Development

Primary Objective

The Senior Associate Scientist – Bioassay will lead immunological assay development projects, focusing on data integrity, procedural compliance, and scientific excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• • Design and conduct bio-functional immune assays evaluating vaccine-induced responses.
  • Maintain mammalian cell cultures, process red blood cells, and perform tissue sampling.
  • Prepare samples for molecular analyses, including qPCR and downstream virological evaluation.
  • Construct and validate RNA templates and viral stocks for internal study protocols.
  • Comply with cGxP and GLP standards, including the qualification of new instruments.
  • Standardize procedures and align with Pfizer’s Primary Pharmacology Group and Quality Systems.
  • Troubleshoot data anomalies and
    oversee resolution protocols.
  • Train junior analysts and assist in procurement and vendor communication.

This role demands a proactive and technically skilled individual capable of adapting to a highly regulated and dynamic research setting.

Candidate Qualifications

Required Background

• • Educational Requirements: BA/BS in a biological science field with at least three years of laboratory experience, or MS/MBA with equivalent exposure.
  • Proficient in cell-based assay systems and mammalian cell culture techniques.
  • Familiarity with molecular biology tools, such as western blotting, qPCR, ELISA, and tissue homogenization.
  • Strong command of data analysis software, statistical tools, and reporting formats.
  • Demonstrated skills in experimental design, problem-solving, and scientific communication.

Preferred Expertise

• • Knowledge of flow cytometry, neutralization assays, and immunoassay formats.
  • Experience in vaccine development, assay transfer, or analytical method qualification.
  • Effective multitasking, project management, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
  • Exposure to regulated environments (GMP, GLP, or cGxP frameworks).

Core Responsibilities in Detail

1. 1. Bioassay Development

Lead development and execution of functional immunological assays, assessing vaccine efficacy and response mechanisms using validated

1. 2. Laboratory Operations

Manage daily cell culture and assay workflows, ensure lab instrument calibration, and maintain compliance documentation.

1. 3. Molecular and Viral Stock Preparation

Generate RNA constructs and virus stocks that serve as reference materials for assay optimization and validation.

1. 4. Regulatory Compliance

Adhere to standard operating procedures (SOPs) and quality assurance protocols during all phases of research and testing.

1. 5. Data Handling

Compile, analyze, and present complex datasets in coordination with regulatory and development teams.

1. 6. Training and Support

Mentor junior staff, facilitate knowledge transfer, and support external collaborations, including reagent procurement and vendor coordination.

This comprehensive role is critical to Pfizer’s ability to deliver high-quality vaccine candidates across therapeutic areas.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary Structure

• • Base Pay Range: $66,500 – $110,900 per year, determined by experience and performance.
  • Incentives: Eligible for Pfizer’s Global Performance Plan bonus (approximately 7.5% of annual base).

Benefits Package