Senior Principal Scientist, AI/ML mRNA Vaccine Design at Pfizer

Join Pfizer and transform patients' lives with groundbreaking scientific and technological advances. Research and Development (R&D) is pivotal in fulfilling Pfizer’s mission of delivering therapies and vaccines that matter most. Apply your expertise in discovery sciences, drug safety, clinical trials, and cutting-edge process development capabilities to bring world-class medicines to patients globally.

Role Summary

As part of our NGS and Data Science team, you will use your Machine Learning (ML) expertise to enhance ML predictions and apply them to rational vaccine design. You will lead the development of an integrated framework that connects multi-omics data analysis with ML algorithms to optimize vaccine target selection and strategy, including mRNA sequence optimization, antigen design, and genetic strain prediction.

Position Responsibilities

• Provide AI/ML and computational biology expertise to support vaccine research and development.
• Develop an integrated framework connecting multi-omics data analysis and ML algorithms for improved vaccine target selection and optimization.
• Collaborate with platform leadership to shape and inform key RNA strategies.
• Identify opportunities to leverage advances in AI/ML.
• Communicate study findings effectively and present data at meetings.
• Collaborate extensively with colleagues across different scientific disciplines and potentially with external partners.
• Lead a team of AI/ML Data Scientists and drive innovation in the RNA platform.

Basic Qualifications

• PhD in Systems Biology, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field.
• 6+ years of experience in applying Machine Learning to solve biological problems.
• Foundational knowledge of ML methods and their mathematical concepts.
• Research experience related to next-generation RNA therapeutics design and drug discovery.
• Proficiency with deep learning frameworks and data structures.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize work.
• Experience in designing and building reusable code infrastructure and collaborating with engineering teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to convey technical information to non-technical colleagues.
• Experience leading a team.

Preferred Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge of life sciences, specifically viral genome evolution or systems vaccinology.
• Experience with diverse biological datasets to extract biological insights.
• Strong publication record in major machine learning conferences or scientific journals.
• Proven ability to influence and collaborate with peers, develop and coach others, and guide a team to achieve meaningful outcomes.

Compensation and Benefits

Pfizer offers an annual base salary ranging from $131,200.00 to $218,600.00, participation in Pfizer’s Global Performance Plan with a bonus target of 17.5% of the base salary, and eligibility for the share-based long-term incentive program. Our comprehensive benefits include a 401(k) plan with Pfizer Matching Contributions, additional Pfizer Retirement Savings Contribution, paid vacation, holidays, personal days, caregiver/parental leave, medical leave, and health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage. Learn more on the . Compensation and benefits are aligned based on the location of hire, and relocation assistance may be available based on business needs and eligibility.

Sunshine Act

Pfizer complies with federal and state transparency laws, requiring us to report payments and other transfers of value to health care providers to government agencies. If you are a licensed physician incurring recruiting expenses reimbursed by Pfizer, your information may be reported to the government.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Pfizer is committed to equal employment opportunities for all employees and