Senior Principal Scientist, AI/ML mRNA Vaccine Design
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
Relocation assistance may be available based on business needs and/or eligibility.
Sunshine Act
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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 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.