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

Pfizer Pfizer · Pharma · CA

This role focuses on early formulation science and drug delivery for small molecule drug candidates at Pfizer. The Senior Scientist will act as a subject matter expert, influencing candidate selection based on drug delivery, bio-performance, and stability. Responsibilities include designing and interpreting experiments (in vitro, in silico, in vivo), developing formulations for preclinical studies, and assessing material science and physicochemical properties. Collaboration with Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacokinetics & Drug Metabolism, and Clinical Pharmacology is key. The role also involves developing strategic collaborations and conducting novel research, with potential for internal/external presentations or publications.

What you'd actually do

  1. Evaluate the physicochemical properties of potential small molecule drug candidates to inform a drug product formulation strategy and developability risk assessment
  2. Design and develop fit for purpose and diagnostic traditional and enabled formulations for preclinical studies
  3. Design, execute, and interpret the results of polymorph and salt screens for potential drug candidates related to stability, manufacturability, and bio-performance
  4. Apply first principles understanding of thermodynamics and kinetic processes to dissolution and precipitation of drugs in biorelevant conditions and physical and chemical stability in the solid state.
  5. Work in cross-disciplinary teams and partner with subject matter experts in Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacokinetics & Drug Metabolism, and Clinical Pharmacology departments to influence candidate selection and progression.

Skills

Required

  • PhD with 0-3 year post-doctoral experience, MS with 7+ years experience, or BS with 8+ years experience in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physical Chemistry, Physics, Physical Organic Chemistry, Pharmaceutics, or Pharmaceutical Sciences
  • Experience working independently and collaboratively in a laboratory environment

Nice to have

  • Experience in designing and conducting hypothesis driven laboratory experiments
  • Experience with application of fundamental principles to solve complex problems
  • Generating, interpreting, and integrating experimental data into mathematical models to progress the understanding of complex materials and processes
  • Experience in pharmacokinetic modeling and simulations using Gastroplus or similar modeling software
  • Experience with data structuring and capture
  • Experience with formulation design for preclinical studies as well as awareness of drug product design criteria for phase 1 clinical trials
  • Strong organizational skills, interpersonal skills, teamwork skills, strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects and activities while managing tight timelines

What the JD emphasized

  • novel research