Postdoctoral Fellow – AI Enabled GPCR Structural Biology (Cryo-EM)
Pfizer, S.A. de C.V, Groton, CT, United States
Postdoctoral Fellow – AI Enabled GPCR Structural Biology (Cryo-EM)
We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow with training in structural biology of G protein‑coupled receptors (GPCRs) or other membrane proteins to advance next‑generation structure‑based drug discovery (SBDD) by integrating pharmacology, cryo‑electron microscopy (cryo‑EM), and artificial intelligence (AI)–enabled experimental strategies to interrogate dynamic and pharmacologically relevant GPCR functional states.
This role is part of an R&D‑funded, AI‑focused postdoctoral initiative aimed at enabling structural access to GPCR conformations that are currently difficult or impossible to study using conventional approaches. The successful candidate will work at the interface of experimental GPCR pharmacology and high‑resolution cryo‑EM structural biology, collaborating closely with an AI/ML/Computer Science postdoctoral fellow to contribute experimental data and domain insight to an iterative, data‑driven model‑refinement framework that links pharmacology and cryo‑EM outcomes with AI‑enabled design.
Key Responsibilities
Design and execute experimental strategies to characterize GPCR functional states that are dynamic, transient, or conformationally heterogeneous.
Curate and analyze published and internal GPCR structural and pharmacological databases to identify features and design strategies that enable high‑resolution characterization of challenging receptor states.
Develop and perform biochemical and cell‑based pharmacology assays (e.g., ligand binding, signaling efficacy, pathway bias) to validate constructs and assess functional relevance.
Triage receptor constructs and experimental approaches based on expression, stability, pharmacological integrity, and suitability for cryo‑EM studies.
Advance prioritized GPCR complexes through single‑particle cryo‑EM structure determination, including sample preparation, data analysis, and structural interpretation.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across structural biology, pharmacology, computational sciences, and medicinal chemistry, including close interaction with an AI/ML‑focused postdoctoral collaborator to enable data‑driven model refinement.
Communicate scientific findings through internal presentations, written reports, and peer‑reviewed publications.
Required Qualifications
Ph.D. (completed or near completion) in Structural Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Biophysics, Chemical Biology, or a closely related discipline, with research focused on GPCRs or membrane proteins.
Hands‑on experience with cryo‑EM workflows, including sample preparation, data processing, and/or structural interpretation, particularly for membrane proteins.
Background in membrane‑protein or GPCR construct design, protein engineering, or experimental triage based on expression, stability, and pharmacological integrity.
Experience curating, analyzing, and interpreting structural and functional datasets and translating insights into structure and pharmacology experimental design strategies.
Proven ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary research environment.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience presenting scientific findings and contributing to publications.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with GPCR pharmacology, including biochemical and cell‑based functional assays (e.g., ligand binding, signaling efficacy, pathway bias).
Demonstrated ability to design, execute, and analyze rigorous quantitative experiments to interrogate complex biological systems.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with computational or AI/ML scientists, including contributing experimental data and domain insight to data‑driven model‑refinement or iterative design‑test‑learn workflows.
Demonstrated scientific curiosity and ability to help shape project direction within a collaborative discovery setting.
Compensation and Benefits
The annual base salary ranges from $64,600.00 to $107,600.00. The position is eligible for participation in Pfizer’s Global Performance Plan with a bonus target of 7.5 % of the base salary. Benefits include a 401(k) plan with company matching and additional residential contribution, paid vacation, holiday and personal days, paid caregiver/parental and medical leave, and health benefits covering medical, prescription drug, dental and vision. Detailed benefit information is available at Pfizer Candidate Site – U.S. Benefits.
Application and Eligibility
Last date to apply: April 30th, 2026. 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.
EEO Statement
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 laws governing nondiscrimination in employment and work authorization verification requirements. Pfizer is an E‑Verify employer. This position requires permanent work authorization in the United States.
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We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow with training in structural biology of G protein‑coupled receptors (GPCRs) or other membrane proteins to advance next‑generation structure‑based drug discovery (SBDD) by integrating pharmacology, cryo‑electron microscopy (cryo‑EM), and artificial intelligence (AI)–enabled experimental strategies to interrogate dynamic and pharmacologically relevant GPCR functional states.
This role is part of an R&D‑funded, AI‑focused postdoctoral initiative aimed at enabling structural access to GPCR conformations that are currently difficult or impossible to study using conventional approaches. The successful candidate will work at the interface of experimental GPCR pharmacology and high‑resolution cryo‑EM structural biology, collaborating closely with an AI/ML/Computer Science postdoctoral fellow to contribute experimental data and domain insight to an iterative, data‑driven model‑refinement framework that links pharmacology and cryo‑EM outcomes with AI‑enabled design.
Key Responsibilities
Design and execute experimental strategies to characterize GPCR functional states that are dynamic, transient, or conformationally heterogeneous.
Curate and analyze published and internal GPCR structural and pharmacological databases to identify features and design strategies that enable high‑resolution characterization of challenging receptor states.
Develop and perform biochemical and cell‑based pharmacology assays (e.g., ligand binding, signaling efficacy, pathway bias) to validate constructs and assess functional relevance.
Triage receptor constructs and experimental approaches based on expression, stability, pharmacological integrity, and suitability for cryo‑EM studies.
Advance prioritized GPCR complexes through single‑particle cryo‑EM structure determination, including sample preparation, data analysis, and structural interpretation.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across structural biology, pharmacology, computational sciences, and medicinal chemistry, including close interaction with an AI/ML‑focused postdoctoral collaborator to enable data‑driven model refinement.
Communicate scientific findings through internal presentations, written reports, and peer‑reviewed publications.
Required Qualifications
Ph.D. (completed or near completion) in Structural Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Biophysics, Chemical Biology, or a closely related discipline, with research focused on GPCRs or membrane proteins.
Hands‑on experience with cryo‑EM workflows, including sample preparation, data processing, and/or structural interpretation, particularly for membrane proteins.
Background in membrane‑protein or GPCR construct design, protein engineering, or experimental triage based on expression, stability, and pharmacological integrity.
Experience curating, analyzing, and interpreting structural and functional datasets and translating insights into structure and pharmacology experimental design strategies.
Proven ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary research environment.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience presenting scientific findings and contributing to publications.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with GPCR pharmacology, including biochemical and cell‑based functional assays (e.g., ligand binding, signaling efficacy, pathway bias).
Demonstrated ability to design, execute, and analyze rigorous quantitative experiments to interrogate complex biological systems.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with computational or AI/ML scientists, including contributing experimental data and domain insight to data‑driven model‑refinement or iterative design‑test‑learn workflows.
Demonstrated scientific curiosity and ability to help shape project direction within a collaborative discovery setting.
Compensation and Benefits
The annual base salary ranges from $64,600.00 to $107,600.00. The position is eligible for participation in Pfizer’s Global Performance Plan with a bonus target of 7.5 % of the base salary. Benefits include a 401(k) plan with company matching and additional residential contribution, paid vacation, holiday and personal days, paid caregiver/parental and medical leave, and health benefits covering medical, prescription drug, dental and vision. Detailed benefit information is available at Pfizer Candidate Site – U.S. Benefits.
Application and Eligibility
Last date to apply: April 30th, 2026. 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.
EEO Statement
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 laws governing nondiscrimination in employment and work authorization verification requirements. Pfizer is an E‑Verify employer. This position requires permanent work authorization in the United States.
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