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
- Bioassay Development
Lead development and execution of functional immunological assays, assessing vaccine efficacy and response mechanisms using validated protocols.
- Laboratory Operations
Manage daily cell culture and assay workflows, ensure lab instrument calibration, and maintain compliance documentation.
- Molecular and Viral Stock Preparation
Generate RNA constructs and virus stocks that serve as reference materials for assay optimization and validation.
- Regulatory Compliance
Adhere to standard operating procedures (SOPs) and quality assurance protocols during all phases of research and testing.
- Data Handling
Compile, analyze, and present complex datasets in coordination with regulatory and development teams.
- 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
- Comprehensive healthcare coverage (medical, dental, vision).
- Employer-matched 401(k) retirement plan with additional company contributions.
- Paid time off, including vacation, holidays, sick leave, and parental leave.
- Wellness and employee assistance programs, including counseling, fitness support, and screenings.
- Life insurance, income protection, and financial planning assistance.
Relocation Support
Relocation assistance may be available depending on candidate circumstances and business needs.
Application Deadline and Process
- Application Close Date: July 25, 2025 (subject to extension based on position availability).
- Start Date: To be determined based on candidate availability and review cycles.
- Employment Status: Full-time, permanent.
- Work Authorization: U.S. work eligibility is required; Pfizer is an E-Verify participant.
Pfizer upholds a strong commitment to equal employment opportunity, diversity, and inclusion at all levels of its workforce.
What Sets This Role Apart?
- Meaningful Scientific Contribution: Participate directly in Pfizer’s ongoing efforts to advance pandemic and infectious disease readiness.
- Assay Development Leadership: Play a key role in designing and validating advanced immunological platforms.
- Institutional Credibility: Work for a globally recognized pharmaceutical innovator with robust research pipelines.
- Career-Building Exposure: Gain interdisciplinary skills spanning immunology, regulatory science, and translational biology.
- Stability and Growth: Competitive salary, full benefits, and clear advancement pathways.
Application Instructions
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Update Your CV to reflect relevant lab and assay experience.
- Write a targeted cover letter detailing your motivations and aligning your skills with Pfizer’s mission.
- Include specifics on instrument validation, compliance experience, and collaborative projects.
- Confirm availability for on-site work at Pearl River, NY.
- Submit your application via Pfizer’s online portal before July 25, 2025.
Application Tip:
Emphasize your hands-on assay work, data interpretation strength, and capacity to operate in regulated lab settings. Support your application with measurable achievements.
Summary and Outlook
The Senior Associate Scientist – Bioassay position at Pfizer offers a unique intersection of scientific innovation, technical depth, and long-term career development. For researchers ready to apply their skills in a high-impact R&D environment, this role represents a significant step toward shaping the future of vaccines and therapeutic delivery.
Program Name: Senior Associate Scientist – Bioassay
Host Country: United States
Funded By: Pfizer Inc.
Duration: Full-time, permanent
Study Mode: On-site laboratory
Eligibility: Life science graduates with 3+ years of assay experience or MS with equivalent experience
Financial Support: Salary, benefits, relocation (if applicable)
Fields of Study: Immunology, Molecular Biology, Bioassay Development
Deadline: July 25 (next cycle opens in April 2026 – we will update soon)
Official Website: Click Here
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A Senior Associate Scientist at Pfizer develops and validates bioassays, analyzes immune responses, and supports vaccine research through regulated lab workflows and cross-functional collaboration.
You need a BA/BS with 3+ years of lab experience or an MS in life sciences, plus expertise in cell culture and immunoassays.
The position is based at Pfizer’s Pearl River campus in New York and requires full-time, on-site laboratory work.
It is a full-time, on-site role. Pfizer does not offer remote or hybrid work for this laboratory-based position.
The estimated base salary ranges from $66,500 to $110,900 annually, depending on qualifications and experience.
Yes, Pfizer may offer relocation assistance based on business needs and candidate eligibility.
You will perform cell-based assays, ELISA, qPCR, viral neutralization, and immunological response assays as part of vaccine development.
The current application deadline is late July, but Pfizer may reopen the role in the next hiring cycle.
Yes, benefits include healthcare, 401(k) with match, paid leave, wellness programs, and performance bonuses.
Highlight assay development skills, GLP or cGxP experience, and teamwork in regulated environments. Use metrics to showcase results.
