Principal Scientist, Biology

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals • Cambridge, MA

11h • Onsite

About The Position

The Research Department at Alnylam is seeking a highly motivated and creative scientific leader to join our 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 therapeutics. By working closely with the Alnylam Human Genetics team, we integrate large-scale human genetic insights with deep biological expertise to generate high-confidence therapeutic targets. This role offers a unique opportunity to help shape the strategic direction of the next generation of RNAi medicines.
You will collaborate cross-functionally with colleagues in genetics, translational science, RNAi platform, delivery sciences, clinical development, and commercial functions. This position also includes responsibility for managing and mentoring scientists and associate scientists.
This position is onsite and will be primarily located in Cambridge, MA.

Requirements

• PhD in biology or a related biomedical field with >10 years of postdoctoral experience and a strong record of high-quality publications
• >5 years of biotech/pharma industry experience with a solid understanding of the drug development process
• Successful candidates must demonstrate strong scientific curiosity, flexible mindset, and passion for learning and applying knowledge across diverse therapeutic areas, biological pathways, tissues/cell types, and therapeutic modalities
• Proven expertise in developing and characterizing in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models, with a deep understanding of disease biology, pathogenesis, and mechanisms of action
• Experience in interpreting human genetics analyses (e.g., GWAS, PheWAS, Mendelian randomization, eQTL/pQTL/sQTL) to inform therapeutic target discovery is required
• Thrives in a fast-paced team environment with excellent written and verbal communication skills

Nice To Haves

• Experience designing and executing experiments to validate genetic variants and their biological consequences is a strong plus
• Candidates with a neuroscience background are encouraged to apply

Responsibilities

• Identify areas of unmet medical need and initiate target identification workflows in collaboration with statistical geneticists and translational science teams
• Design and execute in vitro and in vivo studies to validate candidate targets and elucidate underlying molecular and physiological mechanisms of action
• Analyze, interpret, and present scientific data at internal meetings and contribute to strategic planning discussions
• Lead collaborations with external partners, CROs, and academic institutions, including project strategy, experimental design, planning, data interpretation, and decision-making
• Communicate effectively and collaborate with key stakeholders across the organization
• Manage and mentor junior scientists and associate scientist

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree