Principal Scientist, Process Chemistry

ROLE SUMMARY
The Chemical Process and Analytical Development (CPAD) group in Bothell, WA develops innovative and phase‑appropriate synthetic routes and scalable chemical processes, for novel small molecule targeted therapeutics. 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.
As a Principal Scientist, Process Chemistry, you will serve as a key technical leader driving route scouting, synthetic design, process development, and process characterization for our expanding portfolio. 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, 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 process chemistry both internally and externally. You will also oversee execution of GMP production batches through technology transfer and campaign oversight.
ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design, execute, and interpret complex laboratory experiments aimed at route development, process optimization, and scale‑up.
• Develop fit‑for‑purpose processes for early‑ and late‑stage programs, ensuring safety, robustness, and scalability.
• Maintain rigorous laboratory records, author patents, and contribute to regulatory documents.
• Apply modern synthetic organic chemistry principles, high‑throughput experimentation, mechanistic insight, and data‑rich methods to accelerate development.
• Effectively communicate scientific strategy, risks, and solutions to project teams, leadership, and partner functions.
• Drive alignment to project timelines and portfolio strategy.
• Mentor junior staff and foster an inclusive, scientifically rigorous, and collaborative environment.
• Lead technology transfer and partner interactions to enable external development campaigns.
• Build strong stakeholder relationships across CPAD, partner functions, and project teams.
• Establish an external technical presence through publications and presentations.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• PhD in Organic Chemistry with 4+ years of industry experience in pharmaceutical process development, including route design, scale‑up, and GMP manufacturing; or a Master's degree with 10+ years of relevant experience.
• Deep foundational understanding of synthetic organic chemistry, reaction mechanisms, process development, and modern purification and analytical technologies.
• Demonstrated scientific impact via peer‑reviewed publications, patents, or conference presentations.
• Strong communication skills with ability to collaborate across scientific and engineering disciplines.
• Experience supporting development from preclinical through commercial stages.
• Experience in regulated pharmaceutical environments including GMP operations and authoring regulatory submissions.
• This is an on‑site role (5 days/week).
• Submission of a research summary is required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience developing drug‑linkers for ADCs, PROTACS, DACs or other targeted mixed‑modality therapeutics.
• Experience mentoring and developing scientific staff.
• Experience with technology transfer and oversight of external development work.
• Experience at innovator pharmaceutical companies strongly preferred.

Relocation support available
Work Location Assignment: On Premise
The annual base salary for this position ranges from $106,000.00 to $171,500.00. In addition, this position is eligible for participation in Pfizer's Global Performance Plan with a bonus target of 15.0% of the base salary and eligibility to participate in our share based long term incentive program. 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.
Sunshine Act
Pfizer reports payments and other transfers of value to health care providers as required by federal and state transparency laws and implementing regulations. These laws and regulations require Pfizer to provide government agencies with information such as a health care provider's name, address and the type of payments or other value received, generally for public disclosure. Subject to further legal review and statutory or regulatory clarification, which Pfizer intends to pursue, reimbursement of recruiting expenses for licensed physicians may constitute a reportable transfer of value under the federal transparency law commonly known as the Sunshine Act. Therefore, if you are a licensed physician who incurs recruiting expenses as a result of interviewing with Pfizer that we pay or reimburse, your name, address and the amount of payments made currently will be reported to the government. If you have questions regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact your Talent Acquisition representative.
EEO & Employment Eligibility
Pfizer is committed to equal opportunity in the terms and conditions of employment for all employees and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, disability or veteran status. Pfizer also complies with all applicable national, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act and IRCA. Pfizer is an E-Verify employer. This position requires permanent work authorization in the United States.
Pfizer endeavors to make www.pfizer.com/careers accessible to all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process and/or interviewing, please email [email protected] . This is to be used solely for accommodation requests with respect to the accessibility of our website, online application process and/or interviewing. Requests for any other reason will not be returned.
Research and Development