Postdoctoral Scientist – AI & Machine Learning for Predictive Drug Absorption

Key Responsibilities

• Design, train, and evaluate machine‑learning models for predicting oral drug absorption–related outcomes from high‑dimensional datasets.

• Develop end‑to‑end ML pipelines, including data ingestion, feature engineering, model training, validation, and performance benchmarking.

• Work with large, diverse datasets, including experimental biopharmaceutics data and clinical pharmacokinetic datasets, and internally generated datasets relevant to predictive modelling.

• Apply and compare a range of ML approaches, including tree‑based methods, neural networks, surrogate models, probabilistic approaches for uncertainty‑aware prediction.

• Focus on model interpretability and explainability, linking learned patterns to scientifically meaningful drivers where possible.

• Quantify model robustness, generalizability, and uncertainty, particularly in data‑sparse or extrapolative scenarios.

• Translate ML outputs into actionable insights for drug development teams, rather than purely academic metrics.

• Communicate results through internal technical reports, cross‑functional presentations, and peer‑reviewed publications.

• Contribute to the establishment of AI‑enabled predictive platforms within Pfizer R&D.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS (must have)

• PhD in Machine Learning, Data Science, Applied Mathematics, Computational Sciences, Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a closely related quantitative discipline.

• Provide two letters of recommendation with your application (e.g. professors/PI). 

• Willingness to commit to the fixed‑term full-time postdoctoral fellowship (duration: 2–4 years).

• Less than 2 years post-doctoral experience. 

• At least 1 first-author scientific research article in high-quality specialty or general readership journals. 

• Strong foundation in machine learning and statistical modelling, with hands‑on experience building and evaluating predictive models.

• Proficiency in Python and/or R for data analysis and ML development (e.g. scikit‑learn, PyTorch, TensorFlow, or similar).

• Experience working with large, heterogeneous datasets and structured scientific data.

• Demonstrated research productivity, evidenced by peer‑reviewed publications or equivalent scientific outputs.

• Ability to collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary research environments.

Preferred Qualifications (nice to have)

• Experience applying ML to scientific, pharmaceutical or biomedical, datasets.

• Familiarity with model interpretability, explainable AI, or uncertainty quantification.

• Exposure to mechanistic modelling, including physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) and physiologically based biopharmaceutics modeling (PBBM), simulation‑derived data, or physics-informed / mechanism-informed learning.

• Interest in translating ML models into real‑world decision‑support tools, rather than purely predictive benchmarks.

• Strong scientific presentation skills.

Training & Development

This position is part of the Pfizer Research & Development Postdoctoral Training Program and offers:

• Mentorship from senior scientists in quantitative drug development.

• Exposure to real R&D decision‑making at scale.

• Opportunities for publication, and cross‑site collaboration.

• Structured professional development within a world‑class pharmaceutical research environment.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to perform complex data analysis

Ability to perform mathematical calculations

NON-STANDARD WORK SCHEDULE, TRAVEL OR ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS

• Will be required to occasionally travel (0-5%)

• Relocation support is available

• Last day to apply: June 30th


The annual base salary for this position ranges from $64,600.00 to $107,600.00. In addition, this position is eligible for participation in Pfizer’s Global Performance Plan with a bonus target of 7.5% of the base salary. 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.



This role is posted in multiple locations. If you are applying for the role in an secondary job posting location where pay transparency regulations apply, your Talent Advisor will share the local pay information with you during the first interview.




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