Associate Scientist II, Bioanalytical Sciences

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in Cambridge, MA seeks an Associate Scientist II for the Bioanalytical Sciences group to perform ligand-binding and immunoassays for quantifying oligonucleotides, proteins, and antibodies.

You will generate reliable data to inform PK, PD, and biomarker endpoints across matrices and species. The ideal candidate has hands-on bench skills, meticulous records, and thrives in a fast-paced team environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline with 1–3 years of lab experience.
• Hands-on experience with ELISA, Western blot, and qPCR.
• Strong pipetting and bench technique with reproducible data.
• Highly organized with meticulous record-keeping.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Experience with GraphPad Prism, SoftMax, or Discovery Workbench preferred.
• Clear verbal and written communication across teams.

Responsibilities

• Perform high-throughput non-GLP sample analysis using ligand-binding assays (ELISA, MSD, etc.) to support PK, target engagement, and PD assessments.
• Execute end-to-end workflows including sample prep, plate layout, data processing and QC review.
• Apply assay acceptance criteria; identify and flag failed runs and outliers; perform repeats as needed.
• Maintain accurate electronic lab notebook records and organize data for traceability.
• Maintain procedures and controls to ensure consistent assay performance.
• Communicate sample status and timelines to supervisor and study teams; prioritize studies to meet deliverables.
• Contribute to workflow efficiency through batching, automation, and templates.

Skills

ELISA

Western blot

qPCR

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline

Master's degree

Tools

GraphPad Prism

SoftMax

Discovery Workbench

Excel

Job description

Overview

The Bioanalytical Sciences group at Alnylam is seeking a highly motivated Associate Scientist II specializing in ligand-binding assays and immunoassays for the quantification of oligonucleotides, proteins, peptides, and antibodies. This individual will focus on high-quality sample analysis using established methods, generating reliable data to inform drug exposure, target engagement, pharmacodynamic (PD) responses, and biomarker endpoints across preclinical species and biological matrices, supporting the advancement of RNAi therapeutics.

The ideal candidate takes pride in executing assays with precision, can manage large sample sets efficiently, and maintains meticulous records. They will have a background in biochemical, pharmaceutical, or biological sciences, strong hands‑on bench skills, and exceptional attention to detail. This individual will thrive in a fast‑paced, goal‑oriented environment. This is an exciting opportunity to join a vibrant team and interact with highly motivated scientists across a broad array of disciplinary expertise areas.

This position is onsite and will be primarily located in Cambridge, MA.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform routine, high-throughput, non-GLP sample analysis using established ligand-binding assays (ELISA, hybridization ELISA, MSD, Quanterix, and ELLA) and immunoassays (Western blot and Jess) to support pharmacokinetic (PK), target engagement, and pharmacodynamic (PD) assessments across a variety of biological matrices.
• Execute end‑to‑end sample analysis workflows, including sample organization and reconciliation, sample preparation and tissue homogenization, plate layout, assay execution, data processing, and quality control (QC) review, in accordance with established methods and study plans.
• Apply assay acceptance criteria to standard curves and quality controls; identify and flag failed runs, outliers, and trends; and perform repeat analyses as needed.
• Maintain accurate, contemporaneous electronic laboratory notebook (ELN) records and organize raw data, analysis files, and results to ensure they are traceable, review‑ready, and readily accessible to the team.
• Maintain appropriate procedures and controls to ensure consistent assay performance and reproducible data.
• Communicate sample status, timelines, and data to the supervisor and study teams; prioritize multiple studies to meet timelines program deliverables.
• Contribute to workflow efficiency through batching, automation, and standardized templates, and support assay transfers or bridging as needed.
• Learn in-depth knowledge about the technologies and platforms used to generate results to help troubleshoot, address queries, and present data to diverse groups within.

Qualifications

• Bachelors or degree in a scientific discipline with 1-3 years of relevant laboratory experience or Master degree with 1 year of relevant laboratory experience.
• Hands‑on molecular laboratory experience with techniques such as ELISA, Western blotting, and qPCR.
• Strong pipetting and bench technique with demonstrated ability to generate reproducible data across large sample sets.
• Highly organized and detail‑oriented, with meticulous record‑keeping practices.
• Ability to manage multiple projects effectively in a fast‑paced team environment.
• Proficiency in Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Experience with additional analytical software, such as GraphPad Prism, SoftMax, or Discovery Workbench, is preferred.
• Clear verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams.

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. We're proud to be a globally recognized top employer, where an authentic, inclusive culture and breakthrough thinking fuel one another.

At Alnylam, we commit to an inclusive recruitment process and equal employment opportunity. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their sex, gender or gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, religion, creed, physical or mental disability, pregnancy status or related conditions, genetic information, veteran or military status, marital or familial status, political affiliation, age, or any other factor protected by federal, state, or local law. Alnylam is an E‑Verify Employer.

The pay range below reflects the full-time