Associate Scientist II, RNA Synthesis

Associate Scientist II, RNA Synthesis

Overview

Alnylam (Nasdaq: ALNY) is delivering on a bold vision to turn scientific possibility into reality, with a robust RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutics platform. As the pioneer in RNAi and the leading RNAi therapeutics company, we have always been uncompromisingly dedicated to translating the breakthrough science into transformational medicines to help as many people as possible. Long focused on rare and genetic diseases, our scientific advances are now allowing us to bring the power of RNAi therapeutics to more prevalent diseases and as a result, we are beginning to recognize the full potential of this new class of medicines.

Alnylam is committed to its journey to become a top 5 independent, global biopharma company. We are already admired and recognized for our dedication to patients, company culture that empowers people to do their best work, track record of scientific innovation, social responsibility, and commercial excellence.

Founded in 2002, and headquartered in Cambridge, Mass., Alnylam has over 1,650 employees at work across the globe. We are seeking smart, passionate, “change the world” kind of people who are ready to say, “challenge accepted” to our mission. Thanks to the commitment of every employee globally, Alnylam is proud to have been recognized as one of Fast Company’s 2021 Best Workplaces for Innovators, a Science Magazine Top Employer three years in a row (2019-2021), a Boston Globe Top Places to Work seven years in a row (2015-2021), a Great Place to Work in Asia, Brazil, the U.K., and Switzerland, Searmount’s 100 Best Companies and Best Companies for Dads, Bloomberg’s Gender Equality Index, among others.

We are looking for a highly motivated Associate Scientist II to join our RNA Synthesis group and support RNAi-based research and drug discovery. The successful candidate will help to synthesize and purify oligonucleotides for research studies. Additionally, they will evaluate new chemical modifications for their use in the RNAi pathway via synthesis, purification, and characterization of synthetic oligonucleotides.

Summary of Key Responsibilities

• Design, synthesis, purification, and analysis of chemically modified oligonucleotides
• Improve upon and/or develop new synthetic methods and processes to expand the current capabilities.
• Utilize analytical instrumentation such as UV-Vis spectroscopy, HPLC, and LC-MS for the analysis of both crude and purified synthetic products.
• Effectively troubleshoot synthetic/process issues and independently find solutions.
• Improve upon and/or develop new methods and automation for the downstream processing of synthetic oligonucleotides and their subsequent analysis/purification and annealing into siRNA duplexes.
• Analyze, interpret, and organize analytical data to present to team members.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related field.
• 0-4 years of work experience, preferably in an industrial setting.
• Experience in solid-phase synthesis of biomolecules and a good understanding of the procedures involved in SPS are preferred.
• Experience with instrumentation such as HPLC, LC-MS, UV-Vis spectrometry, etc. is required. Experience in developing new chromatographic methods (IEX/RP HPLC, SPE, LC-MS) 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.
• Strong commitment to high laboratory and scientific standards and the ability to maintain a safe, clean, and orderly laboratory work environment
• If employed in the U.S., being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is required.

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