Senior Associate Scientist, Oncology Central Cell Bank

POSITION SUMMARY

As a member of our In Vivo Pharmacology team, you will play a key role supporting the Oncology Central Cell Bank in our Oncology Research Unit.

In this laboratory-based role, you will primarily manage the procurement, collection, expansion, storage, and distribution of all cell lines to serve the diverse needs of research and development activities. You will act as a technical expert in sterile cell culture techniques, particularly with transformed or immortalized mouse and human cancer cell lines. You will work closely with colleagues from various research groups, managing both routine workflows and complex troubleshooting to maintain a world-class cell repository.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

• Cell Line Management: Direct the procurement, onboarding, expansion, storage (cryopreservation), and distribution of all mammalian cell lines to support downstream oncology and immuno-oncology studies.

• Mammalian Cell Culture Maintenance: Cultivate and maintain both existing cell lines and newly onboarded lines, focusing heavily on sterile cell culture techniques for transformed/immortalized human and murine cell lines.

• Quality Control & Inventory: Execute regular, rigorous QC processes to ensure highly accurate cell inventory tracking, contamination-free cultures, and efficient completion of all Central Cell Bank distribution requests.

• Audit & Regulatory Readiness: Maintain precise, timely, and complete documentation and records in electronic laboratory notebooks (ELNs) to support compliance audits and IND filing purposes.

• Vendor & CRO Coordination: Manage weekly communications and updates with the hiring manager and contract research organizations (CROs) to ensure set milestones are met, goals are achieved, and reagents are secured.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Biology, Immunology, Oncology, Molecular Biology, or a closely related scientific discipline.

• 3+ years of relevant hands-on laboratory experience

• Current knowledge of oncology, immunology, and immuno-oncology research and/or drug discovery and development

• Exceptional hands-on experience with sterile cell culture techniques, specifically handling transformed and immortalized human and murine cell lines (both adherent and suspension)

• High proficiency with standard scientific and office software (e.g., Excel, Word, PowerPoint, data analysis tools)

• Experience prioritizing work to meet tight deadlines, and managing multiple requests simultaneously

• Excellent written, oral, and presentation skills with experience providing clear weekly updates to management and key stakeholders

• Experience in a fast-paced and highly collaborative team environment

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working within a centralized cell repository, cell banking core, or high-throughput cell processing facility.

• Experience troubleshooting challenging cell culture properties (e.g., optimizing post-thaw viability, handling clumpy suspension cell lines, and executing standardized dissociation protocols).

• Familiarity with automated cell counters, liquid handling systems, or automated incubation platforms.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

• Lifting of up to 30 pounds, frequent standing, walking, bending, and sitting at biosafety cabinets or lab benches.

• Performing repetitive pipetting and manual tasks requiring fine motor skills.

NON-STANDARD WORK SCHEDULE, TRAVEL OR ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS

• Must be willing and able to work after hours (including occasional weekends) as needed to maintain culture lines and ensure overall study integrity.

Work Location Assignment: On Premise

 

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $68,600.00 to $114,300.00. 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.

Candidates must be authorized to be employed in the U.S. by any employer.

U.S. work visa sponsorship (such as TN, O-1, H-1B, etc.) is not available for this role now or in the future.

To learn more about acceptable and prohibited uses of AI during the recruitment process, please review our candidate AI-use guidelines available on Pfizer Careers.

Research and Development