Why Patients Need You
At Pfizer we 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.
 

What You Will Achieve

Quantitative Systems Pharmacology (QSP) is a discipline that uses mechanistic mathematical modeling and simulation to enhance the robustness and quality of decision-making from exploratory research through clinical development.

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to develop QSP models to advance our understanding of preclinical to clinical translation of vaccines. By integrating information across complementary preclinical and clinical sources into a modeling framework, the Postdoctoral Fellow will evaluate specific mechanistic hypotheses and aim to generate novel insights to enable the quantitative prediction of clinical vaccine immunogenicity from preclinical data. The development of this quantitative framework for predicting clinical vaccine immunogenicity will potentially streamline candidate selection and de-risk development decisions via optimal trial design.

This is an exciting opportunity to work within an industry leading, cross-functional team who are at the forefront of the development and application of quantitative systems pharmacology models to address critical uncertainties in drug discovery and development.

The successful candidate will have earned a Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics, Engineering, Statistics, Physics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or other related discipline and has a demonstrated track record in scientific publications.

How You Will Achieve It

The Postdoctoral Fellow will develop and utilize mathematical models toward enhanced quantitative understanding of immunogenicity mechanisms based on published and internal data.

This may include but is not limited to:

• Employing modeling and simulation techniques for vaccine immunogenicity prediction.
• Identifying relevant data (in vitro and in vivo preclinical and clinical study data) for model development, optimization, and validation.
• Designing nonclinical experiments aimed towards generating data for model validation and testing of relevant hypotheses.
• Effectively communicating model results and outcomes to scientists in both quantitative and non-quantitative disciplines.
• Primary authorship on scientific publications and presenting at internal and external scientific meetings.

Qualifications

Must-Have

• Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics, Mathematical Biology, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Statistics, Physics, Pharmaceutical Sciences or related discipline with strong numerical components focusing on mathematical modeling and simulation.
• Training or previous experience in building QSP or differential equation-based models of biological or physiological pathways/systems is required.
• At least one first-author publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• No more than 2 years of post-degree experience.
• Willingness to make a minimum 2-year commitment.

Nice-to-Have

• Understanding of theory, principles, and statistical aspects of mathematical modeling and simulation, including parameter estimation techniques
• In-depth understanding of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) and how these can be applied in the development of complex models of biological pathways and systems
• In-depth, hands-on knowledge of modeling and simulation software (MATLAB/Simbiology, Julia, Python, R, C/C++ preferred)
• Keen interest in learning new areas of biology and building on a solid foundation of quantitative and computational skills
• Self-directed with ability to work independently
• Team player mindset
• Excellent communication and writing skills

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to perform mathematical calculations and ability to perform complex data analysis.

NON-STANDARD WORK SCHEDULE, TRAVEL OR ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS

• Office-based position with infrequent travel to scientific conferences and/or business meetings.

OTHER JOB DETAILS

• Must have work authorization in the US.
• Work Location Assignment: Flexible. Flexible colleagues are assigned a Pfizer site within a commutable distance where they work about 2-3 days weekly to connect and innovate with their team face-to-face. However, they also benefit from being able to work offsite regularly when it makes sense to do so.

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $60,900.00 to $101,500.00. In addition, this position is eligible for participation in Pfizer’s Global Performance Plan with a bonus target of 7.5% of the base salary. 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.

Research and Development