Principal Scientist

 This role is considered On-Site.

Principal Scientist, Ligand Binding & Molecular Bioanalysis [Lab-Based]

Overview

The Bioanalytical Sciences group at Alnylam is seeking a highly motivated Senior Scientist to develop and implement fit-for-purpose methods across diverse ligand binding and molecular platforms to support bioanalysis of proteins, peptides, antibodies, RNA, and oligonucleotides to inform target engagement of new chemistries and delivery modalities across preclinical species and biological matrices.

You will work in a matrixed environment, partnering closely with Investigative Sciences, Research, and Chemistry leads to establish and advance internal bioanalytical assays for emerging tissues. By analyzing and interpreting results, you will help drive critical insights into mechanism of action, safety, and efficacy, directly shaping decision-making in RNAi therapeutic development.

You have a strong foundation in biochemistry and molecular biology and a proven ability to thrive in fast-paced, high-intensity, time-sensitive environments. You are flexible and adaptable, and thrive on meeting quick turnaround times. You are a creative problem solver, an effective communicator, and thrive in collaborative, team-oriented settings.

This is a unique opportunity to join a vibrant, cross-functional team, working alongside highly motivated scientists from a wide range of disciplines. If you’re driven, adaptable, and eager to contribute to impactful science, we’d love to hear from you.

This position is onsite and will be primarily located in Cambridge, MA.  

Key Responsibilities

• Apply expertise and innovative problem-solving to design, optimize, and troubleshoot ligand binding (ELISA, MSD, Quanterix SIMOA, ARGO NULISA) and molecular assays (ddPCR, qPCR), adapting methods creatively for complex preclinical models and biological matrices
• Repurpose existing methods to support rapid sample analysis, leveraging comparisons to historical data to inform next steps for platform optimization and delivery advancement
• Provide Subject Matter Expertise in ligand binding and molecular assays, with deep understanding in technologies and applications to assess strengths and limitations
• Synthesize internal and published data to inform on and execution of assays
• Create training materials and SOPs; mentor analysts and drive successful internal/external method transfers with defined acceptance criteria
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams within Research and Development to align on projects and timelines, and provide scientific oversight on bioanalytical data that support context of use
• Identify, assess, and implement cutting-edge technologies to strengthen assay performance, expand technical capabilities, and improve operational efficiency.
• Maintain laboratory notebooks, perform data analysis and QC, and communicate results to cross-functional teams and external science forums.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Molecular/Cell Biology, or related field with 5+ years of relevant industry experience; or exceptional M.S. with 8+ years of experience.
• In-depth knowledge and hands-on expertise with ligand binding platforms (ELISA, MSD, Quanterix) and molecular platforms (Applied Biosystems/Bio-Rad).
• Familiarity with discovery-based platforms (OLINK, OpenArray, QuantiGene) is a plus.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and skilled with specialized analytical platforms (GraphPad Prism, SoftMax Pro, Discovery Workbench, QuantStudio) to support data analysis, visualization, and reporting.
• Strong understanding of disease biology and the drug development process, enabling the design and implementation of fit-for-purpose assays.
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Demonstrated track record of scientific communication, including conference presentations, peer-reviewed publications, and/or regulatory or industry white papers.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills to support effective cross-functional collaboration.

About Alnylam

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: ALNY) has led the translation of RNA interference (RNAi) into a whole new class of innovative medicines with the potential to transform the lives of people afflicted with rare and more prevalent diseases. Based on Nobel Prize-winning science, RNAi therapeutics represent a powerful, clinically validated approach to treating diseases at their genetic source by “interfering” with mRNA that cause or contribute to disease. Since our founding in 2002, Alnylam has led the RNAi Revolution and continues to turn scientific possibility into reality. 

Our people-first culture is guided by our core values: fiercely innovative, open culture, purposeful urgency, passion for excellence, and commitment to people, and these values influence how we work and the business decisions we make. Thanks to feedback from our employees over the years, we’ve been fortunate to be named a top employer around the world. Alnylam is extremely proud to have been recognized as the #1 Large Employer by Boston Globe Top Places to Work in 2022, one of Science Magazine’s Top Biopharma Employers, one of America's Most Responsible Companies for 2023 by Newsweek, a Fast Company Best Workplace for Innovators, and a Great Place to Work in Canada, France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, and UK – among others.

At Alnylam, we commit to an inclusive recruitment process and equal employment opportunity. We are dedicated to building an environment where employees can feel that they belong, can bring their authentic selves to work, and achieve to their full potential. By empowering employees to embrace their unique differences at work, our business grows stronger with advanced and original thinking, allowing us to bring groundbreaking medicines to patients.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ethnicity, marital status, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristics prohibited by law. Alnylam is an E-Verify employer.

About Alnylam: Alnylam Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: ALNY) has led the translation of RNA interference (RNAi) into a whole new class of innovative medicines with the potential to transform the lives of people afflicted with rare and more prevalent diseases. Based on Nobel Prize-winning science, RNAi therapeutics represent a powerful, clinically validated approach to treating diseases at their genetic source by “interfering” with mRNA that cause or contribute to disease. Since our founding in 2002, Alnylam has led the RNAi Revolution and continues to turn scientific possibility into reality.

Our culture: Our people-first culture is guided by our core values: fiercely innovative, open culture, purposeful urgency, passion for excellence, and commitment to people, and these values influence how we work and the business decisions we make. Thanks to feedback from our employees over the years, we’ve been fortunate to be named a top employer around the world. Alnylam is extremely proud to have been recognized as the #1 Large Employer by Boston Globe Top Places to Work in 2023 for the third consecutive year, one of Science Magazine’s Top Biopharma Employers, one of America's Most Responsible Companies for 2024 by Newsweek, a Fast Company Best Workplace for Innovators, and a Great Place to Work in Canada, France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, and UK – among others.

At Alnylam, we commit to an inclusive recruitment process and equal employment opportunity. We are dedicated to building an environment where employees can feel that they belong, can bring their authentic selves to work, and achieve to their full potential. By empowering employees to embrace their unique differences at work, our business grows stronger with advanced and original thinking, allowing us to bring groundbreaking medicines to patients. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ethnicity, marital status, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristics prohibited by law.