Senior Associate Scientist, Oncology

Alnylam’s Oncology Research group is seeking a highly motivated Senior Associate Scientist skilled in bioconjugation chemistry to join a growing interdisciplinary team developing RNAi therapeutics against cancer.

About the role

The successful candidate will design and execute protein conjugation experiments, purify and characterize protein conjugates with oligonucleotide or small-molecule payloads, and collaborate closely with colleagues in chemistry, biology, and in vivo pharmacology to advance oncology drug discovery projects. This onsite position is based in Cambridge, MA.

Responsibilities

• Independently plan and carry out protein conjugation experiments with oligonucleotide or other payloads to support in vitro and in vivo studies.
• Improve or develop purification methods for novel protein conjugates using FPLC, HPLC, and TFF.
• Design, synthesize, and purify oligonucleotides modified with biorthogonal handles (e.g., maleimide, azide, MeTz) for protein conjugation.
• Develop automation and/or plate-based protocols for high-throughput generation of new protein conjugates.
• Troubleshoot synthetic and process challenges and propose solutions.
• Maintain laboratory infrastructure and equipment.
• Keep detailed records in an electronic lab notebook and communicate results to the team.

Requirements

• BS/MS in Chemistry, Chemical Biology, or a related field with 3–5 years of hands-on industry experience in protein conjugation chemistry.
• Deep expertise in biorthogonal chemistry applied to protein conjugation.
• Experience with antibody–oligonucleotide conjugates is strongly preferred.
• Proficiency in synthetic chemistry techniques and instrumentation (FPLC, analytical/prep HPLC, LC-MS, TFF, UV-Vis spectrometry).
• Experience with automation and/or plate-based protocols is a plus.
• Strong organizational, communication, and critical-thinking skills.
• Excellent documentation habits; experience with Benchling ELN is a plus.

Pay

U.S. base salary range: $80,000 – $120,000. Base pay is determined by relevant experience, skills, and education. This role is eligible for annual short-term and long-term incentive awards.

Benefits

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

About Alnylam

Alnylam is the leader in RNAi therapeutics, delivering breakthroughs that harness Nobel Prize-winning science to transform the lives of people with rare and common diseases. Our deep pipeline and late-stage programs reflect core values of fierce innovation, passion for excellence, purposeful urgency, open culture, and commitment to people.