Associate Scientist II: RNA Synthesis

Overview

Alnylam is the world's leading RNA interference (RNAi) company.

Founded in 2002, Alnylam was built upon a bold vision of turning scientific possibility into reality by harnessing the power of RNAi for human health as an innovative new class of medicines. We are a growing biopharmaceutical company with three approved medicines and a robust pipeline of investigational medicines focused in four strategic therapeutic areas: genetic medicines, cardio-metabolic diseases, infectious diseases, and central nervous system (CNS) and ocular diseases, including several in late-stage development.

Headquartered in Cambridge, Mass., Alnylam employs over 1,500 people in 19 countries and is rapidly growing globally, with additional offices in Norton, Mass., Maidenhead, U.K., Zug, Switzerland, Amsterdam, Netherlands, and Tokyo, Japan. Alnylam is proud to have been recognized as one of The Boston Globe's Top Places to Work six years in a row (2015-2020), a Great Place to Work in the U.K. and Switzerland two years in a row (2019-2020) and a Science Magazine's Top Employer two years in a row (2019-2020). Please visit www.alnylam.com for more information.

The Research Department at Alnylam is seeking a highly motivated Associate Scientist II to join our RNA Annealing and Testing group in support of RNAi-based research and drug discovery. The successful candidate will help in the quality analysis and annealing of oligonucleotides and siRNA's for research studies. Additionally, they will evaluate new formulation approaches to support evolving drug delivery efforts and develop suitable assays such as the Bacterial Endotoxins Test (BET) for improved quality control.

Summary of Key Responsibilities

• Validate quality of chemically modified oligonucleotides in support of synthesis team.
• Formulate and validate quality of test articles (siRNA) in support of research organization.
• Develop, improve upon and validate analytical methods and lab processes with an emphasis on implementation of automation.
• Organize, analyze and interpret data for presentation to team members and larger audiences within the research organization.

• BS or MS in Chemistry, Biochemistry or related discipline with 0-3 years of work experience preferably in an industrial setting (title commensurate with experience).
• Experience with analytical techniques such as HPLC, LC-MS, UV-Vis spectrometry, etc. is preferred. Experience in developing and validating new chromatographic methods (IEX/RP HPLC, LC-MS) is a plus.
• Experience with the Bacterial Endotoxins Test (BET) is a plus.
• Experience with the design, validation and implementation of automation in a lab setting is desired.
• Experience in solid-phase synthesis of biomolecules and a good understanding of the procedures involved in SPS is a plus.
• Ability to function within a highly interdisciplinary environment is a must.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, good organization skills, the ability to multitask, and the ability to work within a team and/or independently are required.
• Complete record-keeping and excellent laboratory documentation practice (electronic notebook) are required. Experience with the design, validation and implementation of a database is a plus.
• A strong commitment to high laboratory and scientific standards; the ability to maintain a safe, clean and orderly laboratory work environment; the ability to a ssist in routine lab and equipment maintenance are all required.

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals is an EEO employer committed to an exciting, diverse, and enriching work environment.