Demo

Scientist, Target Discovery & Validation

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals
Cambridge, MA Full Time
POSTED ON 6/7/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 7/10/2026
Overview

The Target Discovery and Validation group at Alnylam is seeking a motivated and knowledgeable Scientist in the early target space. This is an exciting time at Alnylam, with our liver platform well validated and rapidly expanding to more and more tissues and indications. The responsibilities of this role will include identification of novel drug targets in a variety of indications and tissues, and leadership of preclinical proof of concept studies to validate target feasibility.

We are looking for a curious quick learner, who is able to quickly adapt to new areas of interest. The candidate will join a multidisciplinary group that identifies, validates, and develops drug candidates from idea to clinic.

This position is onsite and will be primarily located in Cambridge, MA.

Key Responsibilities

  • Work closely with Alnylam’s human genetics, multi-omics, platform and clinical teams to identify promising novel targets.
  • Contribute to Alnylam’s target identification efforts that are based on human genetics, literature, academic collaborations, genomic approaches, etc.
  • Design and execute proof of concept experiments in animal and in vitro disease models.
  • Design studies, coordinate activities, and lead from the bench.
  • Oversee lead discovery activities for the selection of drug candidates for further development.
  • Develop assays to monitor target engagement/pharmacodynamic responses.
  • Manage relationships with contract research organizations (CROs) and/or academic collaborators, including development of research plans and data analysis.
  • Mentor junior scientists.
  • Collaborate and communicate results with key stakeholders throughout organization.

Qualifications

  • PhD in biology or biomedical sciences-related field.
  • Post doc or 1-2 years of experience strongly preferred.
  • Strong publication record.
  • Existing focus on disease biology and prior experience with mammalian disease models is also preferred.
  • Experience in using human genetics to support biological mechanisms is a plus.
  • Solid organizational skills and ability to multitask are a must.
  • The successful candidate will have strong interpersonal and communication skills, track record of working on teams, interest in learning new biology and passion for lab work.

U.S. Pay Range

$110,400.00 - $165,600.00

The pay range 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

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.

Salary : $110,400 - $165,600

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