Scientist, Advanced Cell Models & Delivery Biology

This role is onsite and primarily located in Cambridge, MA.

About the role

The successful candidate will develop and apply advanced in vitro cellular models to support the discovery and optimization of novel delivery strategies for RNAi therapeutics. This individual will play a key role in evaluating ligand-mediated delivery, receptor biology, cellular uptake, and pharmacological activity across multiple therapeutic areas.

Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with internal teams and external partners to establish, optimize, and apply advanced 2D and 3D cellular models, including primary cell systems, co-cultures, organoids, spheroids, and microphysiological systems.
• Design and execute studies to evaluate receptor-mediated delivery, ligand activity, cellular uptake, and target engagement of RNAi therapeutics.
• Identify gaps in existing model capabilities and develop novel cellular systems to address emerging scientific questions and program needs.
• Utilize imaging-based technologies, protein-based assays, and molecular biology techniques to characterize receptor expression, uptake mechanisms, and biological responses.
• Generate mechanistic insights to support ligand selection, delivery optimization, and candidate progression across therapeutic programs.
• Collaborate closely with other teams to design and execute experiments that inform key project decisions.
• Evaluate the predictive value and translational relevance of in vitro models and contribute to the advancement of next-generation cellular platforms.
• Communicate scientific findings effectively through presentations, reports, and cross-functional discussions.
• Prepare clearly articulated experimental reports and data presentations.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, Biomedical Engineering, or a related biological discipline with 0-3 years of industry and/or post-doctoral experience.
• Strong hands-on experience with advanced in vitro cellular systems, including primary cells and complex 2D/3D culture models such as organoids, spheroids, co-cultures, tissue slices, or microphysiological systems.
• Experience developing and applying cell-based assays to address mechanistic and translational research questions.
• Experience in one or more of the following areas: receptor biology, cellular uptake, intracellular trafficking, ligand-receptor interactions, imaging, or protein-based characterization methods.
• Strong experimental design, troubleshooting, and data interpretation skills.
• Self-motivated, collaborative, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced research environment.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with oligonucleotide therapeutics, RNAi, ASOs, peptides, antibodies, or targeted delivery technologies.
• Experience with advanced imaging platforms, quantitative image analysis, or receptor-mediated delivery systems.
• Experience with cardiac cell systems, including primary, iPSC-derived, or advanced in vitro cardiac models.

Pay

U.S. Pay Range: $110,400.00 - $165,600.00. Base pay will be determined based on 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).

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Lifestyle reimbursement program.
• Flexible spending and health savings accounts.
• 401(k) with a generous company match.
• Paid time off, wellness days, holidays, and two company-wide recharge breaks.
• Generous family resources and leave.

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.