Principal Scientist - Computational Chemistry

WHY PATIENTS NEED YOU

Pfizer’s purpose is to deliver breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Research and Development is at the heart of fulfilling that purpose—translating science and technology into therapies and vaccines that matter most. Whether in discovery, development, or clinical research, you will be a key contributor to our mission of bringing best‑in‑class medicines to patients worldwide.

WHAT YOU WILL ACHIEVE

You will be a computational chemist as an integral member of Medicinal Chemistry teams to apply computational techniques to impact drug discovery projects.

You will generate and evaluate hypotheses to assist molecular design decisions and influence project direction by deploying and/or developing computational methods and workflows.

A strong understanding of fundamental physical chemistry, biophysical chemistry, statistical mechanics, macromolecular structures and function, and familiarity with relevant modern computational models and strong scripting skills are required.

HOW YOU WILL ACHIEVE IT

• As an independent researcher and integral member of project teams, you will apply your experience and knowledge to determine the appropriate computational techniques to best drive projects forward.
•  You will apply a wide variety of computational approaches including docking, cofolding, molecular dynamics, foundational AI models, both physics and AI/ML approach methods to conformational analyses, hit identification/optimization, structure-based drug design, ligand-based design, pharmacophore models, and QSAR modeling to generate and evaluate hypotheses and influence design decisions.
• You will also develop novel computational approaches and workflow to solve project-specific and general challenges in drug discovery

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• Ph. D. in computational chemistry or relevant discipline
• 2-3 years postdoc experience and/or 2+ year industrial experience as a computational chemist
• Experience of contributing to research projects independently

Technical Skills Requirements

• Extensive knowledge in one or more areas of the computational chemistry disciplines, such as structure-based design, ligand-based design, quantum mechanics, molecular dynamics, QSAR, homology modeling, pharmacophore modeling, etc.
• Good knowledge in target family of therapeutically interests, such GPCR, Kinase and Intramembrane receptors, or Ion Channels is a plus.
• Knowledge in other Comp Chem specialty areas such as Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacokinetics & Pharmacodynamics, Drug Safety, Chemical Biology, Computational Biology, and Bioinformatics.
• Develop innovative solutions to address problems in anticipation of undesired outcomes.  Identify the "best solution" to drive project forward at a given time.
• Strong knowledge in modern physics-based and ML-based computational models.
• Familiar with Linux operation, High-performance computing environment and strong scripting skills including shells and Python. Familiarity with coding agents, context engineering, and multi-agent workflows would be a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with other scientific disciplines to bring forward novel solutions that impact project progression.
• Experience using common AI tools, including generative technologies such as ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot, to support problem solving and enhance productivity. Demonstrated curiosity for exploring how these tools can improve outcomes and understanding of responsible AI practices, including risk management and ethical use

Additional Information:

• Relocation support available
• Work Location Assignment: On Premise
• Last Day to Apply: July 24, 2026


The annual base salary for this position ranges from $106,000.00 to $176,600.00. 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.




Candidates must be authorized to be employed in the U.S. by any employer.

U.S. work visa sponsorship (such as TN, O-1, H-1B, etc.) is not available for this role now or in the future.






To learn more about acceptable and prohibited uses of AI during the recruitment process, please review our candidate AI-use guidelines available on Pfizer Careers.


Research and Development