About the position
The VP, Translational Research is a pivotal leadership role within the Research organization at Alnylam Pharmaceuticals. This position is primarily responsible for identifying indications for a portfolio of preclinical targets and creating initial clinical development plans aimed at expediting the filing of Clinical Trial Applications (CTAs) and Investigational New Drug applications (INDs). The successful candidate will work with a diverse portfolio that spans various therapeutic areas, including cardiometabolic, neurological, orphan, renal, and ocular diseases, with plans to expand into additional indications and tissues. This role is crucial for leveraging Alnylam's extensive access to large genotype-phenotype datasets, scientific literature, and collaboration with Research teams engaged in novel biological research related to potential targets. In this new role, the VP, Translational Research will play a central part in identifying new targets from multiple sources, including large datasets such as the UK Biobank and Our Future Health. The candidate will also be responsible for identifying preclinical and clinical biomarkers, which will help create momentum for programs being driven to the clinic. This position will foster key strategic partnerships and manage the interfaces between Research/nonclinical and Clinical Development, ensuring alignment of the preclinical portfolio, indication strategy, and development plans. Externally, the VP is expected to actively support the pipeline, including participation in Alnylam's annual R&D Day and building strong relationships with key opinion leaders (KOLs) through panels and other interactions.
Responsibilities
- Identify targets/indications where Alnylam technology can deliver transformative medicines.
- Lead cross-functional teams to identify and prioritize indications for targets within Research.
- Drive external interactions with key opinion leaders to develop indication and early clinical strategy and identify targets and diseases of interest.
- Help make prioritization decisions around the internal early-stage portfolio.
- Create Phase 1 clinical development plans that enable robust assessment of pharmacodynamics and provide early indications of efficacy (where possible).
- Ensure program readiness for Phase 1 by driving biomarker strategy.
- Actively participate in target discovery efforts including working closely with the statistical genetics team to enable discovery of new targets from genotype-phenotype datasets.
- Lead the interface with Clinical Development to ensure smooth transition of discovery programs into the clinic and alignment with research plans.
- Work closely with commercial and portfolio management functions to optimize the indications for preclinical assets in line with Alnylam's broader strategy.
Requirements
- MD or MD/PhD with Board certification in internal medicine or specialty preferred.
- 10+ years of industry experience.
- Proven track record of leading targets from research to clinical arenas.
- Experience in bench/lab work and a strong track record of publications.
- Inquisitive, discovery mindset with experience in early clinical development and discovery research.
- Expertise in development of Phase 1 development plans and CTA/IND filing.
- Passion for biomarker discovery and development in the context of fast-moving research programs.
- Comfort and experience with target discovery from animal models to human genetic datasets.
- Inter-personal skills with a highly collaborative approach to achieving goals critical.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively across the organizational matrix.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills are necessary to represent team efforts at key internal governance meetings, including a world-class SAB and externally in various scientific and other forums.
Benefits
- Inclusive recruitment process and equal employment opportunity.
- Recognition as a top employer around the world.
- Commitment to building an environment where employees can feel that they belong and achieve their full potential.
