Research Associate

We're in relentless pursuit of breakthroughs that change patients' lives. We innovate every day to make the world a healthier place. Pfizer Research & Development serves as the beating heart of Pfizer's trailblazing product pipeline, the essence of our mission to bring life-changing medicines to the world.

The Research Associate will support regulated in vivo studies, maintaining high standards of animal care and welfare, accurate records and robust datasets. All work will be conducted in accordance with good practice, current guidance, the principles of the 3Rs and applicable regulatory and legislative requirements.

The Impact you will have: Under the guidance of the Research Director, the applicant will support the responsible delivery of regulated studies and the day-to-day welfare and management of animals. Responsibilities include:

• Maintaining consistently high standards of care, welfare and husbandry for mice and rats
• Working in accordance with all relevant animal welfare, scientific procedures and health and safety legislation, including the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986
• Following approved protocols and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), with animal welfare as a central consideration
• Maintaining accurate written and electronic records, including welfare observations and analysis of in vivo datasets
• Conducting authorized non-surgical regulated procedures and, where required, approved humane endpoints in accordance with license conditions, training and welfare protocols
• Actively applying and promoting the 3Rs - Replacement, Reduction and Refinement to minimize animal use and enhance welfare

From time to time, other duties may include:

• Performing ELISAs or other biological assays to support the interpretation of outcomes from in vivo studies
• Coordinating the responsible ordering of animals and chemical or biological reagents in line with approved study requirements
• Undertaking any necessary training and/or development
• Attendance of relevant meetings
• Carrying out such other duties as necessary to assist in the smooth and efficient operation of the laboratory and facilities, including cleaning and maintenance

Required skills, education and experience:

• BSc or higher in a related scientific discipline, or have equivalent academic, industrial, or commercial experience
• Home Office Personal License (PIL AB)
• Experience supporting the care, welfare and handling of both mice and rats in a regulated setting
• Competence and confidence in the calm, welfare-conscious handling of mice and rats
• Proficiency in administering subcutaneous injections to mice and rats using approved refinement practices
• Proficiency in administering intraperitoneal injections to mice using approved refinement practices
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Able to self-prioritise and manage own work with minimal supervision
• Willingness to undertake any necessary training required for the role
• Have a co-operative, flexible attitude towards work
• Is fit to meet the demands of the role, including frequent carrying and lifting
• Disciplined and considerate of confidentiality and security at all times

Preferred:

• Practical experience within a research environment
• Knowledge of research methods and statistical procedures
• Awareness of emerging obesity pharmacotherapies
• Proficiency in refined blood-sampling techniques, including tail-vein sampling, for mice and rats
• Skilled at performing ELISAs or other biological assays
• Able to analyse and present data via GraphPad Prism

At Pfizer we are a patient centric company, guided by our four values: courage, joy, equity and excellence. Our breakthrough culture lends itself to our dedication to transforming millions of lives.

We aim to create a trusting, flexible workplace culture which encourages employees to achieve work life harmony, attracts talent and enables everyone to be their best working self.

We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is crucial to building a successful business. As an employer, Pfizer is committed to celebrating this, in all its forms - allowing for us to be as diverse as the patients and communities we serve. Together, we continue to build a culture that encourages, supports and empowers our employees.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and we encourage you to put your best self forward with the knowledge and trust that we will make any reasonable adjustments necessary to support your application and future career.