Sr. Director, Oncology Research

The Senior Director of Oncology Research will provide scientific and strategic leadership on the discovery and development of novel RNAi therapeutics in Oncology. This role resides within the Oncology unit originally organized as an incubator within the Alnylam R&D organization and reports to the VP, Head of Oncology. This role requires a deep understanding of cancer biology along with comprehensive experience in drug discovery, translational medicine, and early development. The successful candidate will lead the cancer biology and chemistry teams, provde hands-on support and scientific guidance, and partner with the broader Alnylam R&D team to build a preclinical and clinical pipeline of investigational RNAi therapeutics in oncology.

Summary of Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership in oncology research from target identification to IND/CTA filing
• Identify potential product opportunities and drive overall research objectives in oncology
• Lead and mentor a team of scientists within Oncology research, promoting a culture of scientific excellence and innovation
• Direct and prioritize preclinical studies, including internal and those conducted at CROs
• Establish and manage research collaborations and build other external relationships as appropriate to expand scientific expertise into new areas of oncology research
• Represent Oncology Research team and communicate strategy and results to the broader R&D organization, senior management, and external stakeholders
• Execute on IND/CTA-enabling preclinical research and support IND/CTA filings
• Act as Research representative for early clincal oncology programs as needed
• Stay up-to-date with the latest preclinical and clinical advancements in oncology R&D and integrate insights into research initiatives
• Establish and maintain scientific presence through publication and presentation at appropriate conferences

Qualifications

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Immunology, Genetics, or related field.
• 12+ years of relevant drug discovery experience in a biopharmaceutical industry setting.
• In-depth knowledge of cancer biology and models/techniques used in the field. Experience of enabling clinial translation in neuro-oncology and/or immuno-oncology is highly desirable
• Thorough understanding of cancer drug development and prior experience moving oncology programs through IND/CTA filing.
• Experience in both large and small company environments preferred. Ability to be strategic and willing to be hands-on to support the team and ensure progress towards the goals.
• Strong track record of working in interdisciplinary, collaborative team-based research environment and leadership of research projects; Ability to lead, inspire, and collaborate across teams, stakeholders and peers
• The successful candidate will have strong interpersonal skills and a passion for science and the development of new, highly innovative technologies. In a growing and fast-paced environment, this individual must exhibit nimbleness, a willingness to step outside his or her comfort zone, a dedication to constant learning and personal development both leading and thriving in a team environment.
• Excellent communication skills (both written and oral) are essential

About Alnylam:Alnylam Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: ALNY) has led the translation of RNA interference (RNAi) into a whole new class of innovative medicines with the potential to transform the lives of people afflicted with rare and more prevalent diseases. Based on Nobel Prize-winning science, RNAi therapeutics represent a powerful, clinically validated approach to treating diseases at their genetic source by "interfering" with mRNA that cause or contribute to disease. Since our founding in 2002, Alnylam has led the RNAi Revolution and continues to turn scientific possibility into reality.

Our culture:Our people-first culture is guided by our core values: fiercely innovative, open culture, purposeful urgency, passion for excellence, and commitment to people, and these values influence how we work and the business decisions we make. Thanks to feedback from our employees over the years, we've been fortunate to be named a top employer around the world. Alnylam is extremely proud to have been recognized as the #1 Large Employer by Boston Globe Top Places to Work in 2023 for the third consecutive year, one of Science Magazine's Top Biopharma Employers, one of America's Most Responsible Companies for 2024 by Newsweek, a Fast Company Best Workplace for Innovators, and a Great Place to Work in Canada, France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, and UK - among others.

At Alnylam, we commit to an inclusive recruitment process and equal employment opportunity. We are dedicated to building an environment where employees can feel that they belong, can bring their authentic selves to work, and achieve to their full potential. By empowering employees to embrace their unique differences at work, our business grows stronger with advanced and original thinking, allowing us to bring groundbreaking medicines to patients. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ethnicity, marital status, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristics prohibited by law.