Job Description

ROLE SUMMARY

You will lead the Early Bioprocess Development (EBPD) effort to develop methods to optimize virus propagation and production to support vaccine development and clinical testing. Your primary responsibility is to establish and optimize appropriate virus model and their host cells for higher titer, scale and consistency. Your responsibilities will include identification/generation of viruses for virus process development and clinical testing; genetic engineering of viruses or host cells to achieve higher titer, faster growth, and better scalability; maintenance of virus stock and documentation of strain passage and variation.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

Establish optimal combinations of virus, cell lines and propagation methods to assure consistent supply of virus for clinical testing
Develop different types of assays such as molecular, biochemical, biophysical, or biological assays to identify/characterize viruses
Establish use of reporter systems as alternatives to more conventional assays and enumeration methods
Establish BSL-2 viral propagation models that inform BSL-3 methods
Keep track of virus source, passage history and sequence variation
Identify/engineer/optimize host cell line for better titer, scalability, and consistency
Adaptation of adherent host cell into suspension culture for higher virus productivity and consistency
Collaborate with colleagues within EBPD including Upstream process development, Purification, Analytical, and Formulation Development groups
Establish relationships and collaborative working alliances outside of Vaccines Early Bioprocess development such as vaccine research and high throughput clinical testing
Propose solutions to scientific problems and offer insights based on experience to direct reports and other collaborating scientists
Plan and prioritize virology related activities for the group
Lead the evaluation and implementation of new technologies to improve virology propagation
Author and review virus culture procedures and reports, relevant parts in patent application and IND enabling documentation
Represent the virus propagation group in relevant project sub team meetings. Maintain detailed records of the meetings and keep management informed as to progress or issues.
Keep abreast of scientific/ technological development by participating in scientific meetings/ seminars and through regular scientific review.
Perform timely notebook entries and review for completed experiments.
QUALIFICATIONS

Must Have

PhD in Virology, Microbiology, Immunology, Cell Biology, or other biology related discipline and a minimum of 3 years related virology experience. MS degree with a minimum of10 years or BS degree with a minimum of15 years of virology related experience in academia, a biotech and/or a pharmaceutical environment
Knowledge of general virology, molecular virology, immunology, cell biology and assay development
Experience designing and carrying out cutting edge experiments in virus engineering and cell line engineering
Hands on experience in molecular virology
Experience with molecular, biochemical, biophysical and cell-based assays including qRT-PCR, Octet, HA assay, FFA, TCID50, plaque assay, ELISA, Western, HPLC, BCA, fluorescence and UV spectroscopy, cytotoxicity, etc.
Nice to Have

BSL-3 lab experience and related regulatory knowledge
Experience of next generation sequencing and bioinformatics to track virus lineage
Experience designing, organizing, and executing multiple complex experiments simultaneously
Experience planning project workflows and keeping track of past records for different projects
Experience leading/managing a small team
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PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

The ability to make aseptic transfers and perform the relevant laboratory functions.

Mental requirements are a detailed understanding of the scientific subject matter, an ability to make scientific judgments and an ability to perform complex data analysis.

NON-STANDARD WORK SCHEDULE, TRAVEL OR ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS

Works irregular hours (weekends and outside of 9-5 format) as experiments warrant

Relocation support available

Work Location Assignment: On Premise

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.