Principal Associate Scientist, Target Validation
About The Position
The Research Department at Alnylam is seeking an experienced, highly motivated Principal Associate Scientist to validate therapeutic gene targets through in vitro and in vivo mechanistic studies to support discovery efforts for future RNAi medicines. As the pioneer in RNAi and the leading RNAi therapeutics company, we have always been uncompromisingly dedicated to translating the breakthrough science into transformational medicines for patients. The successful candidate will support development of current therapeutic programs in a multidisciplinary team and be involved in the discovery of RNAi compounds for a variety of novel indications and support their entry into the clinic. The successful candidate will be technically skilled in biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, proficient with mouse models, and have strong interpersonal and communication skills. We particularly seek a detail-oriented, collaborative team player who is passionate about helping patients, and excels at multitasking independently under tight deadlines to progress drug discovery efforts. This position is onsite and will be primarily located in Cambridge, MA.
Requirements
- BS/MS in Biology, Cell/Molecular Biology or related field with 5-8 years of work experience, preferably in an industrial setting.
- Prior experience conducting and interpreting in vivo rodent studies, including subcutaneous, IP and IV dosing, retro-orbital bleeding, and tissue dissections
- Proficiency in RNA extraction across diverse tissue types, and molecular biology assays for RNA/DNA/protein quantification (qPCR, Western blotting, ELISA, immunoprecipitations).
- Hands-on experience in mammalian cell culture including maintenance, transfection, and work with primary cells (e.g., primary hepatocytes, cardiomyocytes, muscle cells)
- Strong quantitative data analysis skills; proficiency with GraphPad Prism, Excel, and standard statistical methods; meticulous laboratory notebook documentation
- Excellent lab technique and demonstrated ability to perform and troubleshoot assays independently or with limited direction of supervisor(s)/project leader(s)
- Strong interpersonal skills and excellent communication skills (written and oral) are required
Nice To Haves
- Familiarity with muscle, cardiovascular or endocrine disease biology and relevant preclinical models preferred
Responsibilities
- Engage in a variety of investigative, mechanistic target validation and proof-of-concept preclinical research across various tissues and therapeutic areas of interest
- Perform in vivo proof-of-concept studies to evaluate novel extrahepatic, targeted siRNA delivery platforms across multiple pipeline programs and early discovery
- Develop, optimize, and validate new assays to support emerging targets, biomarker development and tissue-specific delivery evaluation
- Contribute to internal decision-making by integrating knockdown data with orthogonal readouts including protein, functional, and transcriptomic endpoints
- Prepare clearly articulated experimental reports and data presentations for a variety of audiences
- Maintain detailed, accurate laboratory notebooks and electronic data records with meticulous attention to data integrity
Benefits
- medical, dental, and vision coverage
- life and disability insurance
- a lifestyle reimbursement program
- flexible spending and health savings accounts
- a 401(k)with a generous company match
- paid time off
- wellness days
- holidays
- two company-wide recharge breaks
- generous family resources and leave
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Associate degree
