Senior Scientist, Discovery & Translational Research

Overview

We are looking for a self-starter with expertise in skeletal muscle or cardiovascular research to fill a Senior Scientist role in the Discovery and Translational Research team at Alnylam. This individual will join a multidisciplinary group that identifies, validates, and develops drug candidates. The breadth of responsibilities spans from discovery through clinical development, including experimental work in preclinical disease models, leading the Development Candidate discovery efforts, and working with multidisciplinary teams to support preclinical and clinical development.

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

Key Responsibilities

• Work closely with Alnylam’s Target Discovery, Human Genetics, Multi-Omics, Platform, and Clinical Research teams
• Acquire deep knowledge of target biology to serve as a Research Lead for specific target(s)
• Design and execute proof-of-concept experiments in animal and in vitro disease models to support targets at various stages of development
• Design studies, coordinate activities, and lead from the bench
• Oversee lead discovery activities for the selection of drug candidates for further development
• Develop assays to monitor target engagement/pharmacodynamic responses
• Work with multifunctional teams to shepherd a drug candidate through the lead selection and development process to the clinic
• Initiate and manage relationships with contract research organizations (CROs) and/or academic collaborators, including the development of research plans and data analysis
• Mentor junior scientists
• Collaborate and communicate results with key stakeholders throughout the organization

Qualifications

• PhD + postdoc in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology, Genetics, or a related field
• At least 3+ years of industry experience, or equivalent, are preferred.
• Expertise in skeletal muscle (e.g., rare muscle diseases) or cardiovascular basic research or translational medicine (e.g., heart physiology, heart failure, arrhythmias)
• Existing focus on disease biology and prior experience with mammalian disease models are preferred
• Strong publication record
• Solid organizational skills and the ability to multitask are a must
• The successful candidate will have strong interpersonal and communication skills, a track record of working on teams, an interest in learning new biology, and a passion for lab work

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.