VP, Translational Medicine

Company: Alnylam
Location: Cambridge
Posted on: November 20, 2023

Job Description:

Work_Category - hybrid Description
Overview
The VP, Translational Medicine is a leadership position within the Research organization. Primary responsibilities include identifying indications for a portfolio of preclinical targets along with creating initial clinical development plans to expedite filing of CTAs/INDs with the strongest basis for proof of concept in Phase 1. The current Alnylam portfolio is therapeutic area agnostic, and currently spans cardiometabolic, neurological, orphan, renal, and ocular diseases with plans to expand into numerous other indications and tissues.

The successful candidate will play a central role in the identification of new targets from multiple sources including Alnylam's extensive access to large genotype-phenotype datasets (e.g., UK biobank and Our Future Health), scientific literature and by working with Research teams engaged in novel biological research related to putative targets. The role will also be critical in the identification of preclinical and clinical biomarkers and help create momentum for programs being driven to the clinic. This is a new role within Research with the potential to form a group after showing success.

In addition, the VP, Translational Medicine will foster key strategic partnerships and be responsible for the Research/nonclinical and Clinical Development interfaces, ensuring awareness/alignment of the preclinical portfolio, indication strategy and development plans. Externally, this position is expected to be active in garnering support for the pipeline, including at Alnylam's annual R&D Day, and helping build strong relationships with world class key opinion leaders including setting up KOL panels and other key interactions.

Summary of Key Responsibilities

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• 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.
  
  
  Qualifications
  
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  • 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 (https://www.alnylam.com/our-science/alnylam-scientific-advisory-board), and externally in various scientific and other forums.
    
    
    
    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 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 2022, one of Science Magazine's Top Biopharma Employers, one of America's Most Responsible Companies for 2023 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. Alnylam is an E-Verify employer.

Keywords: Alnylam, Cambridge , VP, Translational Medicine, Healthcare , Cambridge, Massachusetts