Senior Director, Cyber Defense

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Alnylam is pioneering RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutics and scaling for impact to millions of patients. Our Cybersecurity organization is evolving to match that ambition, and we’re seeking a Senior Director of Cyber Defense to lead the prevent–detect–respond mission that protects our brand, our science, and our people. This role is a pivotal leadership opportunity in a cutting‑edge company whose cyber strategy explicitly enables and protects our RNAi platform.
Reporting directly to the VP/CISO, this leader will oversee Alnylam’s global Cyber Defense program while driving a multi-year security maturity roadmap. As a recognized expert in threat detection, incident response, and security operations, the Senior Director will be accountable for both day-to-day operational excellence and long-term strategy. They will lead a growing cyber defense team, partner with senior business and technology leaders, and ensure that security capabilities scale with Alnylam’s global growth
This hybrid role is based in Cambridge, MA (2 days/week onsite) with regular engagement at both our Cambridge headquarters and Norton, MA manufacturing site.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Security, Engineering, or related field.
• 15+ years of progressive experience in cybersecurity operations, threat detection, incident response, or digital risk management.
• 10+ years of leadership experience, including managing global or distributed cyber defense or SOC teams.
• Demonstrated success overseeing a modern cyber defense function that includes:
• Security Operations Center (SOC)
• Threat Intelligence
• Incident Response & Forensics
• Insider Threat programs

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree or MBA preferred.
• Industry-recognized certifications strongly preferred (e.g., CISSP, CISM, GIAC).
• Deep familiarity with cybersecurity frameworks such as NIST CSF, NIST 800-53, HIPAA, PCI DSS (aligned with internal training expectations for senior leaders).

Responsibilities

• Lead Alnylam’s global Cyber Defense program, including Security Operations Center (SOC), Threat Intelligence, Incident Response, and Insider Risk.
• Drive a multi-year security modernization roadmap aligned with business growth and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee day-to-day operational excellence in threat detection, response, and vulnerability management.
• Develop and execute strategies for proactive threat hunting, purple teaming, and continuous improvement of detection capabilities.
• Establish and maintain cyber crisis management and incident response frameworks, including executive tabletop exercises.
• Partner with senior business and technology leaders to embed security into enterprise initiatives and protect critical assets.
• Manage and mentor talent fostering a culture of accountability and resilience.
• Collaborate with Identity, GRC, and IT teams to advance Zero Trust architecture and unified security controls.
• Define and track key performance metrics (MTTD, MTTR, maturity scores) to measure and report program effectiveness.
• Engage with external partners and vendors to enhance capabilities and validate security posture.

Benefits

• 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: Director
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees