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

The key strategic focus area within the Internal Medicine Research Unit (IMRU) is identifying novel therapies to prevent or treat diseases associated with diabetes or the metabolic syndrome including NASH, obesity, renal disease and heart failure. We aim to build a world class research team dedicated to developing a deep mechanistic understanding of the metabolic pathways and molecular targets underlying disease pathogenesis. As a member of the discovery pharmacology team, you will be playing a significant role in the drug discovery process including validation of novel targets and optimization of effective therapeutics. Experience studying the molecular pharmacology G-protein receptors (GPCRs) is essential and familiarity with the pathophysiology of dysmetabolic states would be advantageous. In addition, the individual will help build and facilitate collaborations with partners in the academic scientific community, as well as within the larger Pfizer network. She/he will have daily interactions with a team of creative and innovative scientists, working collaboratively in a supportive environment to conduct rigorous scientific drug discovery research. Strong self-motivation, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to both lead as well as thrive as part of a team are essential.

• Independently conceptualize, design and conduct in vitro studies aimed at dissecting the complex molecular pharmacology of emerging therapeutic modulators targeting GPCRs.
• Translate experimental results to advance our understanding of receptor biology and help define how physiological endpoints are impacted by pharmacological agents.
• Maintain an awareness of 'cutting edge' scientific and technical developments in preclinical to clinical translation and apply these to advance the portfolio programs.
• Apply creative thinking and scientific expertise to the formulation of strategies to identify and validate novel therapeutic targets in key areas of interest to the IMRU.
• Mentor junior scientists in developing skills essential to the execution of rigorous research.
• Build and facilitate collaborations with partners in the academic scientific community, as well as within the Pfizer network of scientists.
• Present research findings to Pfizer colleagues and the scientific community through publication in peer-reviewed journals and talks and posters at scientific meetings.
• Present and represent research programs to Pfizer leadership.
• Ensure that all research/discovery work is conducted with highest quality and ethical guidelines and in accordance with relevant regulatory, QC, and compliance guidelines.

• PhD with a minimum of 2 years of post-doc or relevant research experience.
• Deep expertise in GPCR molecular pharmacology, including hands-on experience with traditional and novel screening methodologies and concepts related to GPCR drug discovery, signaling and trafficking.
• Scientific rigor with demonstrated ability to review critically available data and think independently and creatively in formulating and testing novel scientific hypotheses.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team in a collaborative environment.
• Successful record of scientific accomplishments supported by previous publications in high-impact pharmacology journals and presentations at international conferences.
• Ability to mentor junior colleagues both technically and scientifically.