Job Description - Scientist, Drug Product Design (DPD), Computational Materials Science

Why Patients Need You

Pfizer’s purpose is to deliver breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. We are a patient centric company, guided by our four values: courage, joy, equity, and excellence. 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 we offer

A competitive compensation and flexible benefits package, a good work-life balance, annual bonus, and a fun rewarding career with opportunities every day to work with other highly talented scientists. Opportunities to learn new technical and interpersonal skills, develop existing strengths, coach, and mentor other colleagues, while pursuing our purpose – to find breakthroughs that change patients’ lives.

What You Will Achieve

The computational scientist will utilize state-of-the-art physics based computational chemistry and AI-ML tools to calculate the solid-state and material properties on Pfizer molecules so that their properties and performance can be predicted. This will enable Pfizer project teams to de-risk their programs and move rapidly to clinical studies in patients and ultimately to commercialization. The computational scientist will have access to state-of-the-art hardware, software, and infrastructure support in a fast-paced and creative environment. The role is highly collaborative and requires extensive work on multi-disciplinary teams. There is also a significant role to be played in the development of new computational methods independently and/or with internal and external collaborators to address gaps in current knowledge and capabilities.

How You Will Achieve It

• Apply state-of-the-art physics based computational (Density Functional Theory, Molecular Dynamics Simulation) and ML-AL approaches to predict the properties and performance across range of molecules (Rule of 5 and beyond rule of 5)
• Lead the development, validation, and deployment of Physics/MI-AL based computational tools to support Materials Science workflow.
• Use structural informatics techniques (full interaction maps, hydrogen bonding propensity available via Cambridge Crystallographic Data Centre) to assess solid form risks associated with new molecules.
• Oversee the work of external partners conducting computational analyses and provide guidance and critical analysis of their work.
• Solve scientific problems using contemporary solid state computational techniques.
• Participate on multidisciplinary teams and collaborate with colleagues to define and recommend screening and characterization strategies according to project timelines.
• Communicate effectively and raise awareness about computational chemistry to support and enhance digital culture.

Qualifications

Must-Have

• Candidate should have a Master’s degree in Computational Chemistry, Materials Science or Engineering, or a closely-related discipline; OR a Bachelor’s degree in these disciplines with 4-6 years of relevant experience in industry or academia. This is an individual contributor role.
• Strong coding skills in a scientific programming language (such as C/C++, Python) with demonstrated evidence of coding expertise and data analysis.
• Competency in UNIX/Linux and HPC environments for submission and monitoring of jobs.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills

Nice-to-Have

• Experience with computational chemistry software (Gaussian, COSMORS, GROMACS, cp2k, quantum espresso and VASP) and the CCDC tools preferred.
• Experience with ML-AI approaches (Random forest, GNN, Language models etc.)
• Knowledgeable of fundamental physical chemistry and materials science concepts such as thermodynamics, solvation, crystallography, symmetry, nucleation and crystal growth — either through coursework or experience.

Flexible working  

We aim to create a trusting, flexible workplace culture which encourages employees to achieve work life harmony, attracts talent and enables everyone to be their best working self. Let’s start the conversation!  

Employee Equal Opportunities  

We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is crucial to building a successful business. Asan employer, Pfizer is committed to celebrating this, in all its forms – allowing for us to be as diverse as the patients and communities we serve. Together, we continue to build a culture that encourages, supports and empowers our employees.   

Work Location Assignment:On Premise

Pfizer is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable equal employment opportunity legislation in each jurisdiction in which it operates.