Job Description
Senior Scientist Early Formulation Science and Drug Delivery Drug Product Design
At Pfizer our purpose is to deliver breakthroughs that change patients' lives. Central to this mission is our Research and Development team which strives to translate advanced science and cutting-edge technologies into the therapies and vaccines that matter most. Whether you are involved in discovery sciences ensuring drug safety and efficacy or supporting clinical trials your role is crucial. You will leverage innovative design and process development capabilities to accelerate the delivery of best-in-class medicines to patients around the globe.
ROLE SUMMARY
This position will be reporting into the Early Formulation Science and Drug Delivery group at the La Jolla California location. In this position you will act as a resident pharmaceutical science subject matter expert to influence small molecule early drug candidate selection with respect to drug delivery bio-performance and stability. You will closely collaborate with colleagues in Medicinal Chemistry Pharmacokinetics & Drug Metabolism and Clinical Pharmacology. You will be responsible for designing implementing and interpreting in vitro in silico and in vivo experiments as well as design of stage-appropriate traditional and enabled formulations for preclinical studies. In addition to formulation you will be responsible for material science and physicochemical properties assessments of early drug candidates. This includes laboratory measurements and interpretation of the data to inform manufacturing bio-performance and stability risks for development of the drug candidates.
ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES
- Evaluate the physicochemical properties of potential small molecule drug candidates to inform a drug product formulation strategy and developability risk assessment
- Design and develop fit for purpose and diagnostic traditional and enabled formulations for preclinical studies
- Design execute and interpret the results of polymorph and salt screens for potential drug candidates related to stability manufacturability and bio-performance
- 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.
- 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.
- Develop strategic collaborations with academic and industrial researchers for addressing gaps in fundamental or applied science related to the pharmaceutical sciences
- Conduct novel research and present significant findings via internal and external presentations or publications
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Recent 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
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 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
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Includes activities in both laboratory and office settings; Candidate must be able to perform routine laboratory tests and procedures. Ability to perform mathematical calculations and ability to perform complex data analysis.
NON-STANDARD WORK SCHEDULE TRAVEL OR ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS
Occasional travel may be required
Relocation support available
Work Location Assignment: On Premise
The annual base salary for this position ranges from $93600.00 to $156000.00. 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.
Sunshine Act
Pfizer reports payments and other transfers of value to health care providers as required by federal and state transparency laws and implementing regulations. These laws and regulations require Pfizer to provide government agencies with information such as a health care provider's name address and the type of payments or other value received generally for public disclosure. Subject to further legal review and statutory or regulatory clarification which Pfizer intends to pursue reimbursement of recruiting expenses for licensed physicians may constitute a reportable transfer of value under the federal transparency law commonly known as the Sunshine Act. Therefore if you are a licensed physician who incurs recruiting expenses as a result of interviewing with Pfizer that we pay or reimburse your name address and the amount of payments made currently will be reported to the government. If you have questions regarding this matter please do not hesitate to contact your Talent Acquisition representative.
EEO & Employment Eligibility
Pfizer is committed to equal opportunity in the terms and conditions of employment for all employees and job applicants without regard to race color religion sex sexual orientation age gender identity or gender expression national origin disability or veteran status. Pfizer also complies with all applicable national state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act and IRCA. Pfizer is an E-Verify employer. This position requires permanent work authorization in the United States.
Pfizer endeavors to make www.pfizer.com/careers accessible to all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process and/or interviewing please email [email protected] . This is to be used solely for accommodation requests with respect to the accessibility of our website online application process and/or interviewing. Requests for any other reason will not be returned.
Research and Development
Skills Required
- PhD with 0-3 year post-doctoral experience MS with 7+ years experience or BS with 8+ years experience in relevant fields
- Experience working independently and collaboratively in a laboratory environment
What the Team is Saying



Pfizer Compensation & Benefits Highlights
- Parental & Family Support—U.S. materials describe up to 26 weeks of parental leave (including up to 12 paid non‑medical weeks) with phased return‑to‑work plus fertility adoption and surrogacy financial support backup care lactation support and caregiver leave. These offerings indicate depth in family‑building benefits and day‑to‑day caregiver resources.
- Healthcare Strength—Core programs commonly include medical prescription drug dental vision mental‑health/EAP resources disability insurance preventive health programs and free or reduced‑cost vaccinations. Voluntary Benefit Extras and wellness resources broaden coverage and access.
- Retirement Support—Career pages and postings note a 401(k) with company matching plus an additional company retirement savings contribution in some plans. Company materials also reference financial‑planning education and colleague‑directed retirement funds.
Pfizer Insights
What We Do
Our purpose ensures that patients remain at the center of all we do. We live our purpose by sourcing the best science in the world; partnering with others in the healthcare system to improve access to our medicines; using digital technologies to enhance our drug discovery and development as well as patient outcomes; and leading the conversation to advocate for pro-innovation/pro-patient policies.
Why Work With Us
We are the inventors the problem solvers the big thinkers — those who surmount any hurdle to deliver breakthrough medicines to the people who are counting on them the most.
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Pfizer Offices
Hybrid Workspace
Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.


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Date Posted
05/21/2026
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