Senior Associate Scientist, Oncology

Overview

The Oncology Research group at Alnylam is seeking a highly motivated Senior Associate Scientist skilled in bioconjugation chemistry to join our growing interdisciplinary team aimed at developing RNAi therapeutics against cancer. The successful candidate will have hands-on expertise in the design and execution of protein conjugation experiments, as well as a strong working knowledge of the purification and characterization of protein conjugates with oligonucleotide or small molecule payloads. This position will work closely with colleagues in chemistry, biology and in vivo pharmacology to support various oncology drug discovery projects. The candidate must be motivated, have strong interpersonal and communication skills, and be able to work on a highly collaborative team.

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

Key Responsibilities

• Independently plan and carry out protein conjugation experiments with oligonucleotide or other payloads to support in vitro and in vivo experiments.
• Improve upon or develop purification methods for novel protein conjugates using FPLC, HPLC and TFF.
• Design, synthesize and purify oligonucleotides modified with biorthogonal handles (e.g. maleimide, Azide, MeTz) for protein conjugation chemistry. 
• Develop automation and/or plate-based protocols for the high throughput generation of new protein conjugates. 
• Effectively troubleshoot synthetic and process challenges and independently come up with solutions.
• Supports group by contributing to the maintenance of laboratory infrastructure and equipment.
• Keep detailed and complete records in an electronic lab notebook and regularly communicate results to the team to progress drug discovery efforts.

Qualifications

• BS/MS degree in Chemistry, Chemical Biology, or a related field with 3-5 years of hands-on industry experience in protein conjugation chemistry. 
• Deep expertise in biorthogonal chemistry with prior experience applying this knowledge to protein conjugation is required.
• Experience working with antibody-oligonucleotide conjugates is strongly preferred. 
• Proficiency in synthetic chemistry lab techniques and strong working knowledge of instrumentation such FPLC, analytical and prep HPLC (IEX, SEC, RP), LC-MS, TFF, UV-Vis spectrometry, etc.
• Experience with automation and/or plate-based protocols to improve conjugate throughput is a plus. 
• Passionate about scientific discovery and eager to learn new skills and contribute to the success of the organization. 
• Strong organizational, communication, and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent communicator, execution-focused and team-oriented. 
• Good record keeping abilities to adequately document protocols and experimental data, experience with Benchling ELN is a plus. 

#LI-JR1

U.S. Pay Range

$80,000.00 - $120,000.00

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.