Senior Principal Scientist – Process Development Centre
Use Your Power for Purpose
At Pfizer, our purpose is to deliver breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Your contributions will directly impact the development of new therapies and vaccines, ultimately improving the lives of patients around the world. By leveraging cutting-edge design and process development capabilities, you will help accelerate the delivery of best-in-class medicines to patients globally.
About Pfizer Process Development Centre
The Pfizer global Process Development Centre (PDC) is an innovative team which develops novel synthetic routes and scalable chemical API processes and technology for the Pfizer global manufacturing network. Our process chemists, analytical scientists, and chemical engineers collaborate to design robust, safe, and scalable chemistry that accelerates delivery of life‑changing therapeutics to patients.
Additionally, the PDC leads and supports various supply assurance projects for the global manufacturing network. Our team works closely with global research and operations teams enabling the manufacture of life saving medicines.
About the role
We now have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Principal Scientist in Process Development to join our team based in Cork, Ireland. The successful candidate will work as part of a multi-disciplinary team working with leading edge technology. As a Senior Principal Scientist, you will serve as a key technical leader driving route scouting, synthetic design, process development, and process characterization for our development programs. You will apply a strong foundation in modern synthetic organic chemistry and process development to build scalable, innovative chemistry using state‑of‑the‑art technologies (HTE, data‑rich experimentation, AI tools, continuous processing, catalysis, and predictive tools).
This role provides the opportunity to contribute through hands‑on laboratory innovation while guiding strategy for early and late‑stage programs. You will mentor junior scientists, influence cross‑functional project direction, and represent PDC both internally and externally.
The PDC is a vibrant, dynamic team with excellent career development and advancement opportunities. This role will require attendance at our facility in Cork.
What we offer
An attractive and competitive package of pay and conditions.
Excellent opportunities for career enhancement and development.
A well-established further education program.
Opportunity to travel to other Pfizer sites and locations.
A strong personal development program.
About the position
Reporting to the PDC Lead, the successful candidate’s key responsibilities, commensurate with the position:
Contribute a range of highly innovative chemistry and process development ideas to support global process development projects.
Apply innovative synthetic chemistry and process development skills, new technologies and statistical experimental design approaches to develop safe, efficient, and robust processes including full-scale qualification and/or commercial validation batches meeting contemporary regulatory standards.
Apply synthetic chemistry and mechanistic expertise to support commercial API processes at relevant API sites.
Demonstrate problem solving by leading chemistry and process understanding.
Lead matrix teams of scientists across multiple levels to deliver portfolio and initiative breakthroughs.
Lead and contribute to scientific strategy and direction for advances in delivery of 2nd Generation API process development through interaction with organizational thought leaders and cross functional management.
Advance scientific research and expand capability in the areas of chemical synthesis and process research and development, including the identification and application of advances in automation, robotics and AI to process development programs.
Investigate new technologies and process development approaches to bring added value to Pfizer Global Supply.
Contribute to current relevant scientific literature and maintain an awareness of new advances in the field of chemistry.
Conduct novel scientific research and present significant findings via internal and external presentations or publications.
Provide scientific advances, leadership, and strategic direction for the fundamental understanding of small molecule API chemical synthesis and process development programs.
Teach and mentor colleagues across the Pfizer organization.
Cultivate sustainable and effective relationships with internal partners and stakeholders, i.e., partner lines in Global Technology Engineering and Launch (GTEL), Pfizer Global Supply (PGS) and Pharmaceutical Sciences Small Molecule (PSSM).
Lead key projects in support of SMT initiatives, through cross-functional and divisional teams.
Complete reports, memos and eLN experiments to a high standard and meeting required deadlines.
Contribute to the PDC chemistry team program of continuous improvement.
Ensure the ongoing safe and efficient operation of PDC facilities.
The ideal candidate:
A PhD in synthetic organic chemistry and a minimum of 15 years’ experience in small molecule API process research and development within the pharma industry.
State of the art knowledge of modern synthetic methodology, including aspects of asymmetric synthesis, green chemistry, catalysis and physical organic chemistry as it relates to reaction mechanism is expected. The ability to employ analytical tools, computational and statistical methodology, and automated laboratory technologies to enhance process development efficiency is desirable.
A proven ability in the design and redesign of API manufacturing processes applying retrosynthetic principles, covering ideation through commercial manufacture, regulatory submission, and approval.
Expert knowledge and proven track record in driving continuous improvement of commercial manufacturing processes to achieve improvements in manufacturing process efficiency and sustainability.
The ability to work on and lead multi-disciplinary teams involving chemists, analysts, engineers, and technologists, and to represent the PDC on cross-functional teams is essential.
Demonstrated ability to apply innovative and practical technical solutions to resolve complex problems, both in the lab and manufacturing plant, and to direct research teams to a conclusion. Up to date knowledge of emerging focus areas applicable to API development and manufacture.
Excellent practical synthetic laboratory experience and skills across a broad range of chemistries.
Recognised by industry and academic peers as a leading subject matter expert in synthetic chemistry, small molecule API process research and development and route design.
A thorough grasp of intellectual property and patents as it pertains to API process research and development.
Knowledge of contemporary quality and regulatory guidance pertaining to the control of impurities, including potentially genotoxic impurities, is desirable.
A proven ability to plan and work independently. The ability to determine and pursue courses of action necessary to obtain desired results; develops advanced ideas and guides their development into a final product.
Experience in actively developing and advancing scientific initiatives and external collaborations.
A strong interest and motivation to learn and implement new technologies and concepts.
Proven track record of supervising, mentoring and coaching scientists.
Excellent organizational and communication (oral and written) skills.
Collaborative and effective partnering skills applied in a complex, multi-disciplinary organizational model.
Extensive practical experience working within (and leading) cross-disciplinary teams and achieving results in a matrix environment.
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.
Work Location Assignment: On Premise
Breakthroughs that change patients' lives... At Pfizer we are a patient centric company, guided by our four values: courage, joy, equity and excellence. Our breakthrough culture lends itself to our dedication to transforming millions of lives.
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Equal Employment Opportunity
We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is crucial to building a successful business. As an 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.
Disability Inclusion
Our mission is unleashing the power of all our people and we are proud to be a disability inclusive employer, ensuring equal employment opportunities for all candidates. We encourage you to put your best self forward with the knowledge and trust that we will make any reasonable adjustments to support your application and future career. Your journey with Pfizer starts here!
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Research and Development
