The Upstream Process Development group at Pfizer seeks a Postdoctoral Fellow to join their team of scientists and engineers focused on optimizing manufacturing processes for early- and late-phase human clinical trials. This role involves developing hybrid mechanistic and data-driven models to predict process performance and stability, integrating omics data for clone selection, and implementing model predictive control frameworks for real-time monitoring and adjustment of cell culture processes. The candidate will design experiments to generate datasets for model training and validation, explore agentic AI approaches for scalable model deployment, and maintain rigorous documentation while collaborating across interdisciplinary teams. Ideal candidates have a PhD in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, or related fields with expertise in machine learning, systems biology, kinetic modeling, and mammalian cell metabolism, along with proficiency in Python, Julia, or MATLAB. Experience with process control concepts and hands-on experimentation is preferred.
Skills
Python
MATLAB
Julia
machine learning
deep learning
model predictive control
MPC
kinetic modeling
genome scale modeling
data driven modeling
transcriptomics
integrated omics data
process systems engineering
adaptive decision making
human-in-the-loop modeling
shake flask experiments
ambr bioreactor experiments
bench scale bioreactor experiments
sensitivity analysis
scenario analysis
model validation
modular AI/ML workflows
transfer learning
multi-task learning
What you'll do
Develop hybrid mechanistic–data driven models for mammalian cell culture processes.
Integrate transcriptomic data to predict clone performance and stability.
Apply machine learning methods for parameter estimation and performance prediction.
Design model predictive control (MPC) frameworks for real-time process monitoring.
Conduct experiments to generate datasets for model development and validation.
Perform in silico analyses to understand process robustness and control leverage.
What we're looking for
PhD in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Systems Biology, or related field.
Less than 2 years post-degree experience with at least one first-author publication.
Strong foundation in mathematical modeling, chemical/biochemical reaction kinetics, and mammalian cell culture processes.
Proficiency in Python, Julia, MATLAB, including control toolboxes, optimization solvers, ML libraries.
Expertise in machine learning, data-driven modeling, regression, classification, clustering, model validation.
Experience integrating omics data with mechanistic or hybrid models for predictive performance and stability.
Market check
Salary context
This
$64,600–$107,600
range sits above
0%
of similar postings on FindRole.
Peer median band
$168,000–$254,724
Median floor and ceiling across peers.
Typical midpoint (25–75%)
$177,250–$246,237
Middle half of comparable postings.
Based on 240 comparable postings.*
* 240 is the maximum number of comparable postings sampled.
Employer
About Pfizer
Pfizer Inc. is one of the world''s largest biopharmaceutical companies, researching, developing, manufacturing, and marketing medicines and vaccines across multiple therapeutic areas including oncology, cardiology, and infectious diseases. Industry: Biopharmaceuticals
Pfizer currently has
18 open roles
on FindRole.
Listed pay typically runs
$106,000–$176,600
across 18 roles with salary data.