Senior Principal Scientist, AI/ML mRNA Vaccine Design

Key Skills

AI technology, Effective communication skills, Machine learning techniques

Job Description

WHY PATIENTS NEED YOU

Pfizer’s purpose is to deliver breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Research and Development is at the heart of fulfilling Pfizer’s purpose as we work to translate advanced science and technologies into the therapies and vaccines that matter most. Whether you are in the discovery sciences, ensuring drug safety and efficacy or supporting clinical trials, you will apply cutting edge design and process development capabilities to accelerate and bring the best in class medicines to patients around the world.

ROLE SUMMARY

As a member of our NGS and Data Science team, you will leverage your Machine Learning (ML) expertise to expand our effort in ML predictions and their translational application to rational vaccine design. You will be instrumental in leading the development of an integrated framework connecting multi-omics data analysis and ML algorithm to enhance vaccine target selection and optimization strategy, including workstreams of mRNA sequence optimization and antigen design, strain prediction based on genetics, structure, antigenic and relevant metadata.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide AI/ML and computational biology expertise to support Vaccine research & Development
• Develop an integrated framework connecting multi-omics data analysis and ML algorithm to enhance vaccine target selection and optimization strategy
• Work with platform leadership to shape and inform key RNA strategy and execution
• Actively identify opportunities to leverage latest advances in AI/ML application
• Communicate study findings efficiently and present data at various meetings as projects progress.
• Collaborate extensively with those from other scientific disciplines from within the group, from other subdivisions of Vaccines R&D, from other divisions of Pfizer, and potentially from external partners.
• Lead a team of AI/ML Data Scientists and drive innovation in the RNA platform

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• PhD in Systems Biology, Computer Science, Mathematics, or related quantitative field
• 6+ years of experience developing and applying Machine Learning to address challenge biological problems
• Foundational knowledge of ML methods and underlying mathematical concepts
• Research experience related to next generation RNA therapeutics design and drug discovery
• Proficiency with deep learning frameworks and data structures
• Excellent organizational skills, with ability to navigate a complex matrix environment and organize/prioritize work efficiently and effectively
• Experience designing and building building reusable code infrastructure and work with engineering teams
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience communicating technical information to non-technical colleagues
• Experience leading a team

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• In-depth knowledge of life sciences, preferably viral genome evolution or systems vaccinology
• Experience working with diverse biological datasets (genomic, single-cell transcriptomic, structure, in-vivo immunogenicity data etc.) to extract biological insight
• Strong track record of publications at major machine learning conferences or in scientific journal

Candidate demonstrates a breadth of diverse leadership experiences and capabilities including: the ability to influence and collaborate with peers, develop and coach others, oversee and guide the work of other colleagues to achieve meaningful outcomes and create business impact.

Relocation support available

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $131,200.00 to $218,600.00. In addition, this position is eligible for participation in Pfizer’s Global Performance Plan with a bonus target of 17.5% 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.