RNA Accelerator Postdoctoral Fellow Internal Medicine

Location: 
Cambridge, MA 02140
United States
Job Posted Date: 
August 11, 2022
Opportunities: 
Postdoc Positions
Population: 
Life Sciences

Why Patients Need You

Pfizer’s purpose is to deliver breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Research and Development is at the heart of fulfilling Pfizer’s purpose as we work to translate advanced science and technologies into the therapies and vaccines that matter most. Whether you are in the discovery sciences, ensuring drug safety and efficacy or supporting clinical trials, you will apply cutting edge design and process development capabilities to accelerate and bring the best in class medicines to patients around the world.

 

ROLE SUMMARY

The Internal Medicine Research Unit in Cambridge, Massachusetts is seeking a postdoctoral fellow to study the mechanisms of LNP-mRNA uptake in cellular model systems.  In this role, the postdoctoral fellow will lead an interdisciplinary investigation to explore LNP-mRNA interactions and its intracellular fate in physiologically relevant cellular model systems.  A primary goal is to characterize the mechanisms and kinetics of cellular uptake and distribution leveraging cutting edge optical microscopy technologies and computational modeling to understand and establish cell-type specific RNA pharmacokinetic profiles.

The postdoctoral fellow will be immersed in a vibrant, premier biopharma research community with an opportunity to apply innovative and creative approaches to contribute towards improved understanding on LNP-mRNA therapeutic developments.  The recent clinical successes of RNA therapies have demonstrated the promise of leveraging these approaches to impact patients.  This exciting opportunity offers the postdoctoral fellow to interact with scientists in the research units and across the Pfizer network to contribute to the rapidly evolving science and developments of future LNP-mRNA medicines. 

 

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Lead the design and execution of a research project on LNP-mRNA interactions with physiologically relevant cellular model systems.
  • Demonstrate, establish, and document quantitative outputs of LNP-mRNA interactions and intracellular distribution in model systems in a timely and effective manner.
  • Collaborate and seek guidance from colleagues and advisors to achieve project milestones.
  • Provide periodic progress reports to stakeholders and advisors, effectively communicate findings through presentations and publish in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.
  • Maintain and comply with electronic laboratory notebooks, records, safety training and good laboratory practices in accordance with Pfizer policy, protocols and standards.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

  • Ph.D. in cell biology, pharmacology, experimental biophysics or related field.
  • Expertise in the development, implementation and execution of cellular and molecular assays, ideally for kinetic endpoints.
  • Be highly motivated, highly organized and possess excellent verbal and written communication skills and possess strong scientific curiosity.
  • Ability to work and collaborate within a team setting with a positive attitude.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Proficiency in working with primary cells and tissues from mouse or human.
  • Proficiency of optical microscopy techniques and quantitative image analysis methods.
  • Kinetic or pharmacological assays and modeling.
  • Experience with LNP-mRNA technologies and characterization methods.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Sitting, standing, walking, bending and functioning within a  BSL-2 laboratory environment and instruments in compliance with laboratory safety practices and wear personal protection equipment as required.
  • Excellent ability to work on a computer, perform calculations and interpret and present data.
  • Ability to work well in a diverse team setting.

 

OTHER JOB DETAILS Eligible for Relocation Assistance

Must Have Work Authorization in US

Location: 
National