Senior Associate Scientist, Investigative Sciences
Alnylam Pharmaceuticals
September 02, 2026
On-site
Cambridge, MA
Clinical Research and Development
Key Responsibilities
- Support investigative, mechanistic siRNA research by applying biochemistry and cell/molecular biology assays to evaluate RNAi compounds.
- Maintain and manipulate mammalian cell lines and primary cells; perform siRNA delivery (lipid-based transfection, electroporation, free-uptake); quantify siRNA/mRNA/protein using qPCR, Western blotting, ELISA, immunoprecipitations, and imaging.
- Develop, validate, and troubleshoot cell-based assays (cell viability, reporter gene assays, high-content imaging) to assess siRNA/monomer safety profiles; learn new techniques to support in vitro and in vivo studies.
- Analyze complex datasets using GraphPad Prism or FlowJo.
- Present experimental results to cross-functional project teams to influence drug design.
Qualifications
- BS/MS in Biology, Cell/Molecular Biology, Biochemistry or related field with 3–5 years of experience (preferably industrial, preferably oligonucleotides).
- Experience with mammalian cell culture and molecular biology techniques for RNA/DNA/protein quantification; ELISA, RT-qPCR; cell-based assays; fluorescence microscopy (confocal and/or live-cell imaging).
- Excellent lab technique; ability to work independently.
- Strong written and oral communication and interpersonal skills.
- Excellent organization, documentation, and ELN record-keeping.
- Passion for scientific discovery and eagerness to learn.
U.S. Pay Range: $80,000.00 - $120,000.00
Eligible for annual short-term incentive and annual long-term incentive (e.g., equity).
- Support investigative, mechanistic siRNA research by applying biochemistry and cell/molecular biology assays to evaluate RNAi compounds.
- Maintain and manipulate mammalian cell lines and primary cells; perform siRNA delivery (lipid-based transfection, electroporation, free-uptake); quantify siRNA/mRNA/protein using qPCR, Western blotting, ELISA, immunoprecipitations, and imaging.
- Develop, validate, and troubleshoot cell-based assays (cell viability, reporter gene assays, high-content imaging) to assess siRNA/monomer safety profiles; learn new techniques to support in vitro and in vivo studies.
- Analyze complex datasets using GraphPad Prism or FlowJo.
- Present experimental results to cross-functional project teams to influence drug design.
Qualifications
- BS/MS in Biology, Cell/Molecular Biology, Biochemistry or related field with 3–5 years of experience (preferably industrial, preferably oligonucleotides).
- Experience with mammalian cell culture and molecular biology techniques for RNA/DNA/protein quantification; ELISA, RT-qPCR; cell-based assays; fluorescence microscopy (confocal and/or live-cell imaging).
- Excellent lab technique; ability to work independently.
- Strong written and oral communication and interpersonal skills.
- Excellent organization, documentation, and ELN record-keeping.
- Passion for scientific discovery and eagerness to learn.
U.S. Pay Range: $80,000.00 - $120,000.00
Eligible for annual short-term incentive and annual long-term incentive (e.g., equity).