We seek a driven and accomplished postdoctoral fellow to join the cancer epigenetics group within the Oncology R&D (ORD) unit of Pfizer’s Worldwide R&D (WRD) division in La Jolla, California. The successful candidate will collaborate with our cancer-immunopharmacology group to study the roles of epigenetic enzymes in anti-tumor immune responses. Guided by experienced mentors with strong academic track records, the successful candidate will study fundamental questions in cancer immunology with the ultimate goal of publication in major scientific journals. Thus, a strong scientific background with relevant expertise and documented accomplishments including significant publications is required. In addition, the successful candidate will have a strong interest in translating results into novel immunotherapies for cancer. He/she will be highly self-motivated with a sense of urgency and focus on important problems. While driven to make strong individual contributions, the successful candidate will also enjoy a highly interactive, team-oriented environment and thrive by taking advantage of the significant multi-disciplinary resources available at Pfizer. This will be facilitated by the candidate’s excellent communication and interpersonal skills, which complement strong work ethics and overall scientific excellence.

Responsibilities

Primary Duties:

• Work independently and as part of teams to conceive, design, execute, analyze/interpret, and refine experiments ranging from biochemical and molecular assays, in vitro and in vivo immunological functional assays in model systems, and clinical sample analysis. Specific duties to include:
• Contribute intellectually and at the bench to the conception, design, execution, analysis, interpretation and internal or external presentation of studies of epigenetic modulators of the anti-tumor immune response.
• Keep abreast with the literature and internal developments to become an expert point of contact for colleagues in the field of epigenetic immunopharmacology
• Independently, but with guidance by experienced mentors, develop results into compelling stories for publication in major scientific journals and presentations on major scientific meetings and conferences, both internally and externally
• Apply genetic and pharmacologic approaches to modulate targets in vitro and in vivo to assess functional impacts on tumor cells and immune cells, and on anti-tumor immune responses in syngeneic xenograft models and genetically engineered mutant mouse models of cancer. This will include CRISPR, RNAi, viral vector delivery, transfection, antibodies, small molecules and other pharmacologic approaches to modulate targets.
• Execute secondary assays across various technology platforms – qRT-PCR, immunoprecipitation, ChIP-seq, ATAC-seq, FACS, immunofluorescence, western blotting, ELISA, high content screening, etc.
• Develop and apply complex in vitro assays for exploring target biology in tumor cells versus immune cells including T-cell functional assays, co-culture assays, ect.
• Collaborate with computational biology groups to analyze data including ChIP-seq, RNA-seq, ATAC-seq to support mechanism of action studies.
• Employ computational and proteomic methods for tumor neoantigen prediction and functional validation
• Use electronic data capture/analysis tools such as Excel, GraphPad, Biobook, Spotfire and PowerPoint for experimental documentation and data analysis/presentations.
• Present research results and methodologies at weekly meetings with immediate supervisor and/or project leader, and at meetings with members of the oncology research unit as appropriate.
• Contribute to building a culture that embraces scientific excellence, urgency, partnerships with key stakeholders, continuous learning and improvement, increasing technical skill base and cancer biology expertise; take a proactive role in personal growth and scientific development.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Ph.D. in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, or Immunology (or a comparable biological science) with a track record of scientific accomplishment as exemplified by significant scientific publications
• Experience with devising and implementing in vitro and in vivo immunological functional assays
• Experience in immuno-oncology and/or chromatin biology/epigenetics is desirable
• Experience in nucleic acid and protein extraction techniques and downstream analyses including quantitative RT-PCR, immunoprecipitation (including ChIP), and immunoblotting.
• Experience with computational tools for antigen prediction, NGS experiment design and data analyses, including epigenomic data, is desired
• Ability to work in a team environment; excellent written and oral communication skills in English; strong presentation skills and ability to discuss data at project team meetings.
• Able to master new concepts and techniques quickly.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills to manage projects in parallel

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

Lifting, sitting, standing, walking, bending, ability to perform mathematical calculations, ability to read, comprehend and process complex scientific matter, and perform complex data analysis. Ability to travel by air, water and ground.

NON-STANDARD WORK SCHEDULE, TRAVEL OR ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to accommodate non-standard work schedules due to experimental regimen or travel. Ability to adhere to safe work practices and wear full personal protective equipment. Ability to travel nationally and internationally.

A career at Pfizer offers opportunity, ownership and impact. All over the world, Pfizer colleagues work together to positively impact health for everyone, everywhere. Our colleagues have the opportunity to grow and develop a career that offers both individual and company success; be part of an ownership culture that values diversity and where all colleagues are energized and engaged; and the ability to impact the health and lives of millions of people. Pfizer, a global leader in the biopharmaceutical industry, is continuously seeking top talent who are inspired by our purpose to innovate to bring therapies to patients that significantly improve their lives.

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.