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Vaccine Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Embedded within Vaccines R&D , supporting viral and bacterial vaccine programs, you will help define how advanced AI methods are applied to unlock new biological insights and accelerate next ...

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Vaccine Researcher information

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$30K

$113.1K

$164.5K

How much do vaccine researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for vaccine researcher in the United States is $113,102.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,000.00 and $154,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to become a vaccine researcher?

To become a vaccine researcher, typically a bachelor's degree in biology, microbiology, or a related field is required, followed by advanced education such as a master's or Ph.D. in immunology or vaccine development. Relevant skills include laboratory techniques, data analysis, and knowledge of infectious diseases; experience in clinical trials or research environments is also valuable.

What is the difference between Vaccine Researcher vs Clinical Research Associate?

AspectVaccine ResearcherClinical Research Associate
Required CredentialsAdvanced degrees in biology, microbiology, or immunology; research experienceDegree in life sciences or health-related fields; clinical trial knowledge
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilities, academic institutionsClinical trial sites, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, biotech, pharma companiesPharmaceutical companies, contract research organizations
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding research roles in vaccine developmentComparing clinical trial roles in healthcare research

Vaccine Researchers focus on developing and testing vaccines in laboratory settings, while Clinical Research Associates oversee clinical trials to ensure compliance and data integrity. Both roles are essential in vaccine development but differ in their responsibilities and work environments.

What is a vaccine researcher called?

A vaccine researcher is typically called a vaccine scientist or immunologist. They study pathogens, develop vaccines, and often work in laboratories using techniques like cell culture and molecular biology. Certification or advanced degrees in microbiology or immunology are common requirements for this role.

What qualifications do I need to be a researcher?

A vaccine researcher typically needs a bachelor's degree in biology, microbiology, immunology, or a related field, with many roles requiring a master's or Ph.D. for advanced research positions. Relevant skills include laboratory techniques, data analysis, and knowledge of vaccine development processes; certifications in Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) or Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) can be beneficial. Experience in clinical trials or working in a research environment is also valuable.

How much money do vaccine researchers make?

Vaccine researchers typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior or specialized roles can pay over $120,000, especially in pharmaceutical or biotech companies, and those with advanced degrees or certifications tend to earn higher salaries.

What does a vaccine researcher do?

A vaccine researcher studies viruses, bacteria, and the immune system to develop new vaccines or improve existing ones. Their work involves conducting laboratory experiments, analyzing data, and running clinical trials to ensure vaccine safety and effectiveness. Vaccine researchers collaborate with other scientists and healthcare professionals, often working for universities, government agencies, or pharmaceutical companies. Their efforts are crucial in preventing infectious diseases and improving public health.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Vaccine Researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Vaccine Researcher, you need a solid background in immunology, microbiology, and molecular biology, usually supported by an advanced degree such as a Ph.D. or Pharm.D. Familiarity with laboratory techniques, data analysis software, and regulatory compliance systems is essential, as are certifications in biosafety. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and collaborative communication skills help researchers innovate and work effectively in multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure rigorous scientific development, safety, and efficacy in vaccine creation.

What are some typical challenges a Vaccine Researcher faces during the development process?

Vaccine Researchers often encounter challenges such as ensuring the safety and efficacy of new vaccine candidates, meeting rigorous regulatory requirements, and adapting to evolving pathogens. The work involves extensive collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, including immunologists, clinical trial coordinators, and regulatory specialists. Additionally, researchers must manage tight timelines while navigating complex data analysis and frequent protocol adjustments, all within a highly regulated laboratory environment.
More about Vaccine Researcher jobs
What states have the most Vaccine Researcher jobs? States with the most job openings for Vaccine Researcher jobs include:
Infographic showing various Vaccine Researcher job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,102 per year, or $54.4 per hour.
AI/ML Engineer - Vaccine Research

AI/ML Engineer - Vaccine Research

Pfizer, Inc.

Pearl River, NY • On-site

$106K - $176K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago


Pfizer rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 122 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

23rd of 71 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

We are looking to identify AI/ML Engineers - Vaccine Research who will play a strategic role at the intersection of artificial intelligence, vaccinology, and translational science.
You will help define the future of AI-driven vaccinology, with the potential to impact human lives globally.
Embedded within Vaccines R&D, supporting viral and bacterial vaccine programs, you will help define how advanced AI methods are applied to unlock new biological insights and accelerate next-generation vaccine innovation.
As an AI Science Engineer, you will work shoulder-to-shoulder with leading Scientists, Immunologists, and Clinicians to translate complex biology into differentiated vaccine strategies. Your work will go beyond proof-of-concept models - your AI systems will directly inform scientific hypotheses, experimental design, and portfolio decisions across the vaccine pipeline.
What you'll do:
Shape scientific strategy with AI
  • Design, develop, and deploy AI systems directly influence vaccine discovery and development decisions, informing antigen selection, experimental prioritization, translational strategies, and clinical study design.
  • Serve as scientific thought partner to vaccine R&D leaders, helping integrate AI-driven insights into program-level and portfolio-level strategy

Own foundational and predictive modeling end-to-end
  • Lead AI initiatives spanning antigen discovery and optimization, experimental design, translational modeling, clinical trial simulation, patient stratification, and operational forecasting
  • Take models from concept through validation, deployment, and measurable scientific impact.

Advance generative AI for vaccine design
  • Apply state-of-the-art generative and foundation models to protein and antigen engineering.
  • Rapidly prototype, rigorously evaluate, and responsibly deploy AI methods in high-stakes scientific contexts.

Engineer robust, scalable AI systems
  • Architect reliable ML pipelines using modern MLOps practices across cloud and HPC environments, with strong attention to reproducibility, governance, and scientific credibility
  • Standardize and automate the ML lifecycle, enabling long-term sustainability, compliance, and auditability.

Decode high-dimensional biology and stay at the scientific frontier
  • Integrate multimodal datasets - including omics, immunological data, clinical and real-world evidence, and scientific literature - to uncover biological insight and guide experimental and clinical decision-making.
  • Continuously assess emerging AI methods and technologies, translating cutting-edge advances into practical, defensible applications for vaccine research.

Elevate AI fluency across the organization and represent Pfizer science externally
  • Mentor Scientists and Engineers, foster scientific curiosity, and help build a culture where AI-enabled experimentation and learning are embedded in daily R&D practice.
  • Publish, present, and engage with the broader AI, immunology, infectious disease, and vaccine/life-sciences community at leading scientific conferences and forums.

What you'll bring
  • PhD in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Computational Biology, Software Engineering, AI, or a related discipline OR
  • Master's degree in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Computational Biology, Software Engineering, AI, or a related discipline and a minimum of 2 years of applied AI/ML experience in a Vaccines R&D, Life Sciences or other related discovery focused environment
  • Working knowledge of vaccine R&D workflows, including target identification, antigen design and optimization, translational science, clinical development, or portfolio analytics.
  • Experience operating fluently across disciplines - molecular biology, systems immunology, pharmacology, and statistics - grounding AI models in biological and clinical reality.
  • Demonstrated expertise in foundation model, predictive modeling, generative AI, and ML system design.
  • Strong programming skills in Python and modern ML frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow), with experience scaling models in cloud and/or HPC environments.
  • Experience collaborating with Experimental Scientists, Clinicians, and cross-functional partners.
  • Clear scientific communicator with intellectual curiosity and a mission-driven mindset focused on improving patient outcomes

Work Location Assignment: This is a hybrid role requiring you to live within commuting distance and work on-site an average of 2.5 days per week.
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.
Sunshine Act
Pfizer reports payments and other transfers of value to health care providers as required by federal and state transparency laws and implementing regulations. These laws and regulations require Pfizer to provide government agencies with information such as a health care provider's name, address and the type of payments or other value received, generally for public disclosure. Subject to further legal review and statutory or regulatory clarification, which Pfizer intends to pursue, reimbursement of recruiting expenses for licensed physicians may constitute a reportable transfer of value under the federal transparency law commonly known as the Sunshine Act. Therefore, if you are a licensed physician who incurs recruiting expenses as a result of interviewing with Pfizer that we pay or reimburse, your name, address and the amount of payments made currently will be reported to the government. If you have questions regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact your Talent Acquisition representative.
EEO & Employment Eligibility
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 national, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act and IRCA. Pfizer is an E-Verify employer. This position requires permanent work authorization in the United States.
Pfizer endeavors to make www.pfizer.com/careers accessible to all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process and/or interviewing, please email disabilityrecruitment@pfizer.com. This is to be used solely for accommodation requests with respect to the accessibility of our website, online application process and/or interviewing. Requests for any other reason will not be returned.
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About Pfizer

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All over the world, Pfizer colleagues work together to positively impact health for everyone, everywhere. Our colleagues have the opportunity to grow and develop a career that offers both individual and company success; be part of an ownership culture that values diversity and where all colleagues are energized and engaged; and the ability to impact the health and lives of millions of people. Pfizer, a global leader in the biopharmaceutical industry, is continuously seeking top talent who are inspired by our purpose to innovate to bring therapies to patients that significantly improve their lives. Our Health and Science System Specialists Team provides leadership across patient care settings in the complex Hospital, Health System, and Key Medical Group environment to bring value to our customers and patients in this dynamic ecosystem.

Industry

Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

New York, NY, US

Year founded

1849