Senior Scientist, Process Development

Use Your Power for Purpose

We are seeking a creative, highly motivated chemist with experience in biocatalysis to join Chemical Research and Development (CRD) in Groton, Connecticut. The successful candidate will help develop innovative enzymatic processes for key precursors used in the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) candidates across our portfolio. This role requires scientific rigor, a strong interest in advancing biocatalysis technologies, and a demonstrated ability to deliver high-quality technical results.

As part of Pfizer Research and Development, CRD develops synthetic processes and manufacturing technologies for APIs. CRD scientists support programs from early route design and small-scale synthesis through commercial process development, pilot-scale manufacture, and technology transfer to internal and external manufacturing sites.

This position sits within the Biocatalysis Center of Excellence in the Technology API group and serves as both a laboratory-based experimentalist and subject matter expert. The role will focus on enzyme screening, reaction optimization, and the development of biocatalytic workflows for innovative synthetic routes. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with chemists, analysts, biochemists, and chemical engineers across Research and Development and manufacturing to design enzyme platforms, contribute to enzyme engineering efforts, and optimize processes for cost, robustness, and product quality.

What You Will Achieve

In this role, you will:

• Independently develop biocatalytic platforms, protocols, and workflows aligned with process chemistry objectives and emerging technology advances.
• Apply expertise across enzyme classes relevant to pharmaceutical biocatalysis, including enzyme screening, protein engineering, reaction kinetics, and reaction scale-up.
• Design and execute experiments independently with clear objectives, and maintain accurate, compliant documentation in electronic laboratory notebooks.
• Contribute innovative ideas for enzymatic and organic transformations for API synthesis and maintain current knowledge of the biocatalysis and synthetic chemistry literature.
• Coach, mentor, train, and supervise staff when assigned, and support recruiting activities as needed.
• Collaborate effectively with chemists, analysts, and chemical engineers across Research and Development and manufacturing to design novel enzyme-enabled processes.

• Prepare research reports, technical presentations, and external publications.

Here Is What You Need (Minimum Requirements)

• PhD in Chemistry or Chemical Biology with 0–5 years of pharmaceutical industry experience. Hands-on experience applying enzymes in a laboratory setting and familiarity with the development of pharmaceutical processes using biocatalytic methods.

Bonus Points If You Have (Preferred Requirements)

• Expertise in using a broad range of enzymes in organic chemistry. Experience designing and optimizing biocatalytic reactions, conducting high-throughput screening in multi-well plates, and developing new enzyme platforms.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to work in a standard laboratory environment, including conducting experiments in a fume hood.

Ability to perform complex data analysis.

Strong communication skills and effective collaboration within multidisciplinary teams.

Self-awareness and willingness to seek input from others to improve ideas and problem-solving.

Adaptability in response to changing project priorities.

NON-STANDARD WORK SCHEDULE, TRAVEL OR ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS

Occasional domestic and international travel (0–5%) may be required to support technology development, clinical manufacturing, and technology transfer to commercial manufacturing.

Relocation support available
Work Location Assignment: On Premise
The annual base salary for this position ranges from $93,600.00 to $156,000.00. In addition, this position is eligible for participation in Pfizer’s Global Performance Plan with a bonus target of 12.5% of the base salary and eligibility to participate in our share based long term incentive program. We offer comprehensive and generous benefits and programs to help our colleagues lead healthy lives and to support each of life’s moments. Benefits offered include a 401(k) plan with Pfizer Matching Contributions and an additional Pfizer Retirement Savings Contribution, paid vacation, holiday and personal days, paid caregiver/parental and medical leave, and health benefits to include medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage. Learn more at Pfizer Candidate Site – U.S. Benefits | (uscandidates.mypfizerbenefits.com). Pfizer compensation structures and benefit packages are aligned based on the location of hire. The United States salary range provided does not apply to Tampa, FL or any location outside of the United States.

Relocation assistance may be available based on business needs and/or eligibility.

Candidates must be authorized to be employed in the U.S. by any employer.

U.S. work visa sponsorship (such as TN, O-1, H-1B, etc.) is not available for this role now or in the future.

To learn more about acceptable and prohibited uses of AI during the recruitment process, please review our candidate AI-use guidelines available on Pfizer Careers.

Research and Development