Senior Scientist, Statistical Genetics
Alnylam Pharmaceuticals · Cambridge, MA · 2 wk ago
Research$126k–$190k/yrFull-time
About the role
The Alnylam Human Genetics (AHG) team is seeking an exceptional statistical geneticist to join our Analytical Genetics group. The successful candidate will apply cutting-edge methods to analyze genetic data from millions of individuals, driving discoveries that directly inform our RNAi therapeutics pipeline.
Responsibilities
- Perform common and rare variant association studies, including large-scale “all-by-all” analyses, using biobank-scale data (e.g., UK Biobank, All of Us, Our Future Health, Alliance for Genomic Discovery, Helix) to identify and prioritize novel targets for RNAi therapeutics.
- Lead cross-biobank meta-analyses, integrating internal and publicly available summary statistics to maximize power, replication, and trans-ancestry discovery.
- Implement post-GWAS methods to nominate causal genes and therapeutic hypotheses, including fine-mapping, colocalization, Mendelian randomization, and functional annotation integration.
- Drive methodological innovation by identifying, evaluating, and deploying emerging approaches (e.g., multi-omics integration, polygenic modeling, rare variant aggregation, AI/ML-enabled prioritization).
- Help to establish best practices for data organization, knowledge management, and results dissemination.
- Enhance external visibility through high-impact publications, conference presentations, and strategic collaborations.
Qualifications
- PhD in Statistical Genetics or a related field with 3+ years of relevant postdoctoral or industry experience.
- Deep expertise in statistical genetics, including GWAS and RVAS methods (e.g., single-variant testing, burden tests, SKAT), and extensive experience with relevant software (e.g., REGENIE, PLINK).
- Extensive experience processing and analyzing individual-level, biobank-scale genetic and phenotypic data, with a track record of making novel discoveries.
- Proven experience conducting multi-biobank analyses and meta-analyses (e.g., using METAL, RAREMETAL, REMETA), including methods to account for sample overlap.
- Demonstrated expertise in variant-to-gene post-GWAS approaches (e.g., statistical fine-mapping, colocalization, Mendelian randomization).
- Experience applying scalable statistical genetics tools to multivariate phenotype analysis, time-to-event and longitudinal analyses, and genetically diverse datasets to improve signal detection and resolution.
- Hands-on experience processing and performing quality control (QC) on biobank-scale individual-level genetic data (WGS, WES, imputed data).
- Expertise in phenotype generation and cross-biobank phenotype curation and harmonization.
- Proficiency with Linux environments and advanced hands-on experience in Python and R.
- Practical experience implementing genomics workflows on cloud-based platforms (e.g., DNAnexus, All of Us Researcher Workbench, Terra).
- Excellent communication skills, ability to work collaboratively and cross-functionally, and a strong publication record in high-impact scientific journals.
Pay
$126,400.00 - $189,600.00
Schedule
Onsite
Benefits
- 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.
- Paid time off, wellness days, holidays, and two company-wide recharge breaks.
- Broad family resources and leave.