Senior Associate Scientist, Biology

Overview

The Research Department at Alnylam is seeking a highly motivated Senior Associate Scientist to join our innovative Next Wave, Target Discovery and Validation team. Our mission is to discover novel genetically informed targets and experimentally validate them to build a strong foundation for future RNAi-based therapeutics.

This role offers an opportunity to work across a variety of disease areas and build the scientific and experimental biology data package to support the discovery of the next generation of RNAi therapeutics and positively impact patients’ lives. The successful candidate will generate high quality in vitro and in vivo data in a collaborative, cross-functional research environment to support a target’s nomination from ideation into the drug discovery pipeline. Responsibilities will include developing and executing in vitro cell-based assays, designing and executing studies in in vivo rodent disease models, conducting a variety of molecular biology techniques for transcript and protein quantification, and analyzing, interpreting, and communicating the associated data. A collaborative team mindset, passion and curiosity for science, and a desire to learn new techniques are a must.

This position is lab based and on site, located in Cambridge, MA.

Summary of Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and execute studies to evaluate targets for nomination into RNAi therapeutic discovery programs
• Collaborate closely with other members of cross-functional teams and under the guidance of project leads to ensure project goals are met
• Execute molecular biology assays (e.g. RNA/DNA/protein extraction, qPCR, ELISA, WB, etc.) that support in vitro and in vivo studies
• Design, develop, and execute in vitro cell-based assays (e.g. cell line/spheroid/organoid/iPSC culture, transfection, imaging, flow cytometry, etc., including in 96- and 384-well format) to characterize target pathways, mechanisms of action, or drug activity
• Execute in vivo procedures in rodents, including administration of therapeutics via established methodologies
• Analyze, document, and interpret experimental data with strong attention to detail and data integrity
• Present and communicate results with key stakeholders within teams and across the organization

  Qualifications

  • Bachelors degree in a scientific discipline with 5+ years of relevant laboratory experience or Master Degree with 3+ years of relevant laboratory experience.
  • Industry experience is preferred but not required
  • Hands-on experience with standard molecular biology techniques is required
  • Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture and cell-based assays is required
  • Hands-on experience and comfort with 96-well and 384-well plate-based assays is required
  • Basic rodent in vivo skills and experience with tissue processing and primary cell culture is preferred but not required
  • Demonstrated ability to perform and troubleshoot assays independently or with limited direction of supervisor(s)/project leader(s) once the assay goal is established
  • Demonstrate keen knowledge of experimental design and underlying scientific principles
  • Ability to rigorously and independently analyze results, propose future directions, and generate clear reports
  • Must be flexible, embrace new tasks and challenges, and able to work on tight deadlines
  • Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment and across functional areas

    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.

    Before applying, please review Alnylam's ⁠Candidate Privacy Notice regarding how Alnylam handles Personal Data you provide with your application for employment.

    The pay range below 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

    U.S. Pay Range

    $80,000—$120,000 USD

    Details

    Organization

    Alnylampharmaceuticals

    Location

    Cambridge, MA United States

    Position type

    Industry

    Posted

    September 17, 2026

    Source

    Greenhouse/alnylampharmaceuticals

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    Applications go through Greenhouse/alnylampharmaceuticals

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