We seek an accomplished Senior Scientist level oncologist/immunologist to join the in vivo pharmacology group within the Oncology Research Unit (ORU) of Pfizer’s Worldwide Research & Development (WRD) division in La Jolla, California. The successful candidate will join a dynamic team of scientists in the Oncology In Vivo Pharmacology Group, playing a leading role in the characterization of models of cancer and evaluating new drug candidates.

Participate in pre-clinical drug discovery and development projects with a focus on targeted therapeutics, epigenetics and the tumor microenvironment. Characterize and develop small molecules in close collaboration with partner lines as an integral member of drug discovery teams. Evaluate anti-tumor effects in combination with biologics. Employ and develop new cutting-edge in vivo mouse and human cancer models. Provide technical and scientific expertise in in vivo pharmacology to the tumor cell biology department to enable target identification, validation, prioritization and efficient drug discovery of small molecules.

The candidate must have a strong background in immunology with extensive hands-on experience in multi-parameter flow cytometry analysis of tumor infiltrating immune cells (Fortessa-X20, Cytobank, FlowJo, FACS, MACS).

Ideal applicants will have excellent communication, leadership and organizational skills, critical problem-solving abilities, and a commitment to excellence. 

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plan, execute and analyze multi-parameter flow cytometric analysis studies of cells within the tumor microenvironment.
• Responsible for building and continuously updating flow panels based on recent scientific advances. Maintenance and upgrade of equipment (Fortessa-X20).
• Develop and characterize new in vivo mouse models, including syngeneic tumor and genetically engineered mouse (GEM) models, to study biologic mechanisms and support exploration of novel therapies.
• Design and conduct in vivo studies to evaluate and establish efficacy, PK/PD relationship, combination strategy, biomarker identification and analysis.
• Interpretation, presentation and documentation of experiments as well as preparation of reports.
• Written and verbal presentation of results within a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Publication of results in scientific peer-reviewed journals and presentations at internal, national, and international meetings.
• May manage a colleague

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Ph.D. (or M.S. degree with 7+ years’, or B.S. degree with 10+ years’, relevant post-graduate experience) in Cancer Biology, Immunology or related discipline.
• Extensive expertise in multi-parameter flow cytometry analysis of tumor infiltrating immune cells (Fortessa-X20, Cytobank, FlowJo, FACS, MACS).
• Expertise in in vivo pharmacology and experience with animal models of human cancers as well as strong publication record or evidence of equivalent achievements in industry are desired.
• Hands on in vivo skills (IV, PO dosing), blood/tissue collection
• Proven ability to make important contributions to cancer biology, immuno-oncology or related fields
• Ability to follow novel scientific or technological developments, and to implement them in the laboratory.
• Current knowledge of oncology research, drug discovery and development.
• Excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills in English.
• Strong ability to multi-task and work productively in a fast-paced, highly collaborative, and diverse team environment. Capability to contribute to a vivid and challenging intellectual environment.