Senior Associate Scientist, Histology

Talent Acquisition Partner: Jeannine Ripley

Hiring Manager: Shelby Labarre

Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Associate Scientist to join our Histology team. The ideal candidate will bring hands-on experience in a histology laboratory and a strong understanding of anatomy and standard histology processes, including grossing, tissue embedding, and sectioning of paraffin and OCT blocks. This role offers the opportunity to contribute directly to advancing research through high-quality tissue preparation and analysis.

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

Key Responsibilities

• Support study preparation activities, including creating study binders, maintaining histology records, and generating cassettes and slides.
• Perform routine histotechnology procedures such as tissue trimming, processing, embedding, sectioning, and staining (H&E and special stains) across multiple species (rodent, NHP, rabbit, and human).
• Manage general laboratory operations, including ordering and receiving supplies, preparing reagents, and maintaining histology equipment.
• Maintain accurate sample management and inventory records for blocks, slides, and tissue archives.
• Conduct routine inventory, filing, and organization of slides and blocks.
• Support or learn digital pathology and molecular pathology techniques, including image capture and analysis.
• Ensure compliance with SOPs, safety standards, and laboratory best practices; maintain training records and incident reporting.
• Identify and troubleshoot technical or operational issues; perform routine maintenance of lab instruments.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with research and other internal teams to support project goals.
• Proactively learn new skills, technologies, and methods relevant to histology.
• Flexibility in work hours to accommodate study timelines as needed.

Qualifications

• BS in Life Sciences with 5+ years of relevant histology laboratory experience, or MS with 3+ years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in microtomy and FFPE tissue embedding.
• Experience operating and maintaining histology equipment (automated stainers, tissue processors, embedding centers, microtomes).
• Strong knowledge of anatomy and tissue handling.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a team environment.

• Exceptional attention to detail, organizational skills, and documentation accuracy.
• Experience with data entry and laboratory information management systems (LIMS).
• Proficiency in cryostat operation and maintenance.
• ASCP certification (HT or HTL) strongly preferred.
• Experience with image capture and analysis tools.
• Familiarity with collecting and reporting laboratory metrics.
  
  

U.S. Pay Range

$79,200.00 - $111,600.00

The pay range reflects the full-time base salary range we expect to pay for this role at the time of posting. Base pay will be determined based on a number of factors including, but not limited to, relevant experience, skills, and education. This role is eligible for an annual short-term incentive award (e.g., bonus or sales incentive) and an annual long-term incentive award (e.g., equity).

Alnylam’s robust Total Rewards package is designed to support your overall health and well-being. We offer comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, a lifestyle reimbursement program, flexible spending and health savings accounts and a 401(k)with a generous company match. Eligible employees enjoy paid time off, wellness days, holidays, and two company-wide recharge breaks. We also offer generous family resources and leave. Our commitment to your well-being reflects our belief that caring for our people fuels the impact we create together.

Learn more about these and additional benefits offered by Alnylam by visiting the Benefits section of the Careers website: https://www.alnylam.com/careers

About Alnylam

We are the leader in RNAi therapeutics – a revolutionary approach with the potential to transform the lives of people with rare and common diseases. Built on Nobel Prize-winning science, Alnylam has delivered the breakthroughs that made RNAi therapeutics possible and are just at the beginning of what’s possible. Our deep pipeline, late-stage programs, and bold vision reflect our core values: fierce innovation, passion for excellence, purposeful urgency, open culture and commitment to people. We're proud to be a globally recognized top employer, where an authentic, inclusive culture and breakthrough thinking fuel one another.

At Alnylam, we commit to an inclusive recruitment process and equal employment opportunity. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their sex, gender or gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, religion, creed, physical or mental disability, pregnancy status or related conditions, genetic information, veteran or military status, marital or familial status, political affiliation, age, or any other factor protected by federal, state, or local law. Alnylam is an E-Verify Employer.