Vice President, Target Discovery, Validation, and Human Genetics

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals

37d•$310,000 - $420,000

About The Position

Alnylam is seeking a visionary scientific leader to serve as Vice President, Target Discovery, Validation, and Human Genetics, with end-to-end accountability for identifying, validating, and advancing novel therapeutic targets into our RNAi pipeline. This role sits at the core of the Research organization and will shape the future trajectory of Alnylam’s portfolio. The VP will lead both the Human Genetics and Discovery & Validation Biology teams, integrating large-scale human genetic insights with deep biological expertise to generate high-confidence targets. Leveraging access to some of the world’s largest and most diverse genetic and phenotypic datasets, including UK Biobank, All of Us, FinnGen, and others, the role will define and execute a strategy to deliver a robust and sustainable flow of targets across a broad range of therapeutic areas, including cardiometabolic, neurological, rare, renal, and ocular diseases. This leader will set the vision for how human genetics and experimental biology are jointly deployed at Alnylam, ensuring the organization remains at the forefront of genetically informed drug discovery. The role requires scientific depth, strategic acumen, and organizational leadership to build, resource, and inspire high-performing teams capable of delivering more than ten compelling, pipeline-ready targets annually. In addition, the VP will serve as a key internal and external ambassador, partnering closely across research, development, commercial, and finance to inform portfolio investment decisions, while also cultivating strategic external collaborations that strengthen Alnylam’s discovery engine and scientific reputation.

Requirements

PhD in human genetics, statistical genetics, molecular biology, or a related discipline, with deep scientific credibility in genetically driven drug discovery.
15+ years of progressive experience in biopharmaceutical research, including senior leadership roles with accountability for strategy, teams, and portfolio outcomes.
Internationally recognized expert in human genetics–enabled target discovery, with a strong record of high-impact publications, target nominations, and/or pipeline contributions.
Demonstrated ability to lead and integrate large, multidisciplinary teams spanning computational genetics, in vitro biology, and in vivo disease models.
Proven track record of shaping discovery strategy and influencing portfolio-level investment decisions at the enterprise level.
Strong business and matrix leadership skills, with experience partnering effectively across research, development, commercial, and corporate functions.
Exceptional communication and executive presence, with the ability to articulate complex scientific concepts to diverse internal and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Define and execute an enterprise-level strategy for target discovery and validation, integrating human genetics and experimental biology to fuel Alnylam’s RNAi pipeline.
Lead and develop the Human Genetics and Discovery & Validation Biology teams, ensuring scientific excellence, clear prioritization, and sustained target delivery (>10 targets per year).
Establish Alnylam as an industry leader in the application of large-scale human genetic data for drug target identification and prioritization.
Oversee generation of rigorous, decision-enabling data packages to support target nomination and progression through governance forums.
Partner cross-functionally with Research, Development, Commercial, and Finance to align discovery priorities with portfolio strategy and investment decisions.
Identify, evaluate, and champion opportunities to expand Alnylam’s access to genetic datasets, technologies, and external collaborations.
Represent the discovery portfolio internally and externally, building credibility with senior leadership, partners, and the broader scientific community.