Senior Director, Biocatalysis

Overview

We are seeking a Head of Biocatalysis to lead the discovery, engineering, development, and implementation of enzyme-enabled technologies across our portfolio. This individual will define the company's biocatalysis strategy, build internal protein screening and engineering capabilities, and partner with external organizations to discover and develop new and improved enzymes.

The role will focus on protein discovery, enzyme engineering, enzyme and reaction screening, protein design, expression, purification, characterization, and scalable biocatalytic process development. The Head of Biocatalysis will evaluate opportunities for biocatalyst substitution and new chemistry, including new and improved biocatalytic syntheses of oligonucleotides and applications for small molecule processes.

The successful candidate will bring deep expertise in biocatalysis and protein engineering, strong process development judgment, and the ability to partner across Drug Product, Starting Materials, Process Chemistry, CMC, Manufacturing, Quality, Regulatory, and external collaborators to deliver robust, scalable, and impactful biocatalytic solutions.

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

• Develop and lead the biocatalysis strategy across starting materials, oligonucleotides, and small molecule processes.
• Identify high-impact opportunities for biocatalyst substitution, new enzymatic chemistry, and improved synthetic routes.
• Lead enzyme discovery, engineering, screening, and optimization through internal capabilities and external partnerships.
• Establish internal protein screening and engineering capabilities, including protein design, expression, purification, characterization, and reaction screening.
• Drive biocatalytic applications for oligonucleotide synthesis and small molecule process development.
• Partner with Process Chemistry, CMC, Manufacturing, Quality, and Regulatory teams to translate biocatalytic concepts into scalable, robust, and manufacturable processes.
• Manage strategic collaborations with academic institutions, CROs/CDMOs, and enzyme discovery or engineering companies.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and external opportunities in biocatalysis, protein engineering, and biocatalyst manufacturing.
• Serve as the technical authority for biocatalysis, providing scientific guidance, risk assessments, and recommendations to senior stakeholders.

• PhD in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Molecular Biology, Enzymology, Biochemical Engineering, Protein Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 12 years of relevant experience in biocatalysis, enzyme engineering, protein discovery, process chemistry, or biochemical process development within pharmaceutical, biotechnology, CDMO, or industrial settings.
• Demonstrated experience discovering, engineering, screening, or implementing enzymes for synthetic or manufacturing applications.
• Strong technical understanding of enzyme and reaction screening; protein design and engineering; protein expression, purification, and characterization; biotransformation and enzyme-enabled synthesis; process development, scale-up, and technology transfer.
• Experience evaluating external technologies and managing collaborations with academic institutions, CROs, CDMOs, or biotechnology companies.
• Ability to operate effectively across early discovery, development, manufacturing, and CMC environments.
• Strong communication, influencing, and cross-functional leadership skills.

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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.