Senior Program Lead - Early-Stage Rare Disease

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 247,000 - 334,000; Full time

Job summary

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals in Cambridge, MA seeks a Senior/Executive Director, Development Program Lead to shape and drive two early-stage rare disease programs in hepatobiliary space. You will build integrated development strategies and lead execution through critical milestones, guiding cross-functional teams and making investment decisions based on emerging data.

The role requires a leader who thrives in ambiguity, demonstrates strong strategic judgment, and communicates effectively with senior

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in medicine, science, pharmacy, or related discipline.
• 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in biotechnology or pharmaceutical drug development, including leading cross‑functional teams.
• Rare disease drug development experience preferred.
• Experience in early-stage development, including first‑in‑human studies and Phase 1.
• Broad understanding of drug development and interdependencies across clinical, regulatory, safety, nonclinical, CMC, and program management.
• Ability to lead through influence, align stakeholders, and drive decisions without formal authority.

Responsibilities

• Lead integrated, cross-functional strategies for early-stage rare disease programs.
• Establish program vision, milestones, and alignment across scientific, regulatory, and business considerations.
• Develop fit-for-purpose program plans reflecting asset stage, evidence base, and investment level.
• Define proof-of-concept strategies, decision criteria, and data requirements for evaluation and investment decisions.
• Integrate scientific evidence, clinical data, regulatory considerations, patient needs, and external landscape into strategy.
• Translate complex information into clear recommendations and executable plans.
• Anticipate risks and interdependencies; establish mitigation plans and escalate issues as needed.
• Partner with functional leaders to align resources with milestones and deliverables.
• Foster an inclusive, high-performing team with transparent communication and timely decisions.
• Prepare and present strategy, status, risks, and scenarios to governance and senior leadership.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

Strategic thinking

Influence without authority

Data-driven decision making

Executive presence

Education

MD/PhD/PharmD or equivalent

Job description

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals in Cambridge, MA seeks a Senior/Executive Director, Development Program Lead to shape and drive two early-stage rare disease programs in hepatobiliary space. You will build integrated development strategies and lead execution through critical milestones, guiding cross-functional teams and making investment decisions based on emerging data.

The role requires a leader who thrives in ambiguity, demonstrates strong strategic judgment, and communicates effectively with senior