Scientist, Next Wave, Target Discovery & Validation

Overview

The Research Department at Alnylam is seeking a highly motivated and creative scientist to join our Next Wave Target Discovery and Validation team. Our mission is to discover novel therapeutic targets for RNAi-based treatments in disease areas with high unmet need. This position offers a unique opportunity to work with interdisciplinary teams and collaborate closely with colleagues in human genetics, translational science, RNAi platform research, and clinical development to fuel the future RNAi pipeline.

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

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and prioritize novel RNAi targets via human genetics, literature review, systems biology and experimental approaches
• Design and execute in vitro and in vivo studies to validate candidate targets and elucidate the underlying mechanisms of action
• Analyze, interpret and present scientific data in internal meetings and contribute to strategic planning discussions
• Collaborate with external partners, including CROs and academic institutions; lead project planning and data interpretation
• Collaborate and communicate results with key stakeholders throughout the organization
• Mentor associate scientists
• Provide mentorship to junior scientists within the team

Qualifications

• PhD in biology, biomedical sciences, or a related field; postdoctoral experience preferred but not required
• Strong scientific curiosity with the flexibility to quickly learn and apply knowledge to new areas
• Proven expertise in developing and characterizing in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models, with a strong understanding of disease biology, pathogenesis and mechanisms of action
• Hands-on experience with in vivo animal models is required
• Familiarity with the application of genetics and genomics approaches (e.g., GWAS) to inform biological understanding is a strong plus
• Thrive in a fast-paced team environment and possess excellent communication skills (both written and oral).
• Prior industry experience is a plus but not required

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.