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Variant Scientist Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

The Role Ampersand Biomedicines is seeking a Senior Scientist I to help build and apply cell-based, high-throughput capabilities for engineered antibody and protein variant library screening. This ...

... variant genetics, functional biology, and advanced analytical approaches to inform target prioritization. This position is part of the Human Genetics & Targets group within the Discovery Sciences ...

... variant configuration models in SAP S/4HANA that enable accurate product quoting in SAP CPQ. This ... Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field. * 5+ ...

Together, we push the boundaries of known science and find new ways to connect and protect our ... This (V)4 variant is part of the SPY‑6 Family of Radars (FoRs) being produced by Raytheon on the ...

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Variant Scientist information

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How much do variant scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for variant scientist in Boston, MA is $50.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36.54 and $63.82 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a variant scientist?

Variant Scientists are professionals who analyze genetic variants—differences in DNA sequences—to determine their significance in health and disease. They interpret genomic data, often from whole-genome or exome sequencing, to assess whether specific variants may cause or contribute to medical conditions. Their work is crucial in clinical genetics, precision medicine, and biomedical research, helping guide patient diagnosis and treatment. Variant Scientists collaborate with clinicians, bioinformaticians, and laboratory personnel to provide accurate and actionable genetic insights.

What does a variant scientist do?

As a variant scientist, you work for a research laboratory in a university or a medical facility to test and study variations of genes and the effects they have on human development. As part of your duties, you aid in the development of new tests to discover gene abnormalities, perform analysis on patient samples to identify possible mutations, and record your findings to assist in scientific research. You also have heavy reporting responsibilities that may require in-depth computer and writing skills, the ability to analyze data, and strong attention to detail. In this role, you may cater to a specific health field, like pediatrics or oncology.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a variant scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Variant Scientist, you need a solid background in genetics, molecular biology, and bioinformatics, typically supported by an advanced degree such as a PhD or MSc in a related field. Familiarity with next-generation sequencing (NGS) platforms, variant annotation tools, and data analysis software like GATK or ANNOVAR is essential. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you interpret complex genetic data and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These skills ensure accurate variant interpretation, drive discoveries, and support precision medicine initiatives.

What are some common challenges faced by variant scientists in interpreting genetic data, and how are these typically addressed within a team?

Variant Scientists often encounter challenges such as distinguishing between benign and pathogenic variants, managing large volumes of sequencing data, and staying updated with rapidly evolving genetic databases. These challenges are typically addressed by collaborating closely with bioinformaticians, clinical geneticists, and laboratory personnel to review findings and validate interpretations. Regular team meetings, use of standardized classification guidelines like ACMG, and leveraging advanced software tools help ensure accurate and consistent variant analysis.

What are the most commonly searched types of Variant Scientist jobs in Boston, MA?

The most popular types of Variant Scientist jobs in Boston, MA are:

What are popular job titles related to Variant Scientist jobs in Boston, MA?

For Variant Scientist jobs in Boston, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Variant Scientist job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $104,768 per year, or $50.4 per hour.

Senior Scientist, Statistical Genetics

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals

Cambridge, MA • On-site

$126K - $189K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

Overview
The Alnylam Human Genetics (AHG) team is seeking an exceptional statistical geneticist to join our Analytical Genetics group. The successful candidate will apply cutting-edge methods to analyze genetic data from millions of individuals, driving discoveries that directly inform our RNAi therapeutics pipeline. In this role, you will champion methodological innovation and build scalable approaches that unlock insights from some of the world's richest genomic resources, including UK Biobank, All of Us, Our Future Health, FinnGen, Precision Health Research Singapore, the Alliance for Genomic Discovery and Helix. This is a unique opportunity to translate large-scale human genetics into therapeutic targets and ultimately deliver transformative medicines to patients.
This position is onsite and will be primarily located in Cambridge, MA.
Key Responsibilities
  • Perform common and rare variant association studies, including large-scale "all-by-all" analyses, using biobank-scale data (e.g., UK Biobank, All of Us, Our Future Health, Alliance for Genomic Discovery, Helix) to identify and prioritize novel targets for RNAi therapeutics.
  • Lead cross-biobank meta-analyses, integrating internal and publicly available summary statistics to maximize power, replication, and trans-ancestry discovery.
  • Implement post-GWAS methods to nominate causal genes and therapeutic hypotheses, including fine-mapping, colocalization, Mendelian randomization, and functional annotation integration.
  • Drive methodological innovation by identifying, evaluating, and deploying emerging approaches (e.g., multi-omics integration, polygenic modeling, rare variant aggregation, AI/ML-enabled prioritization).
  • Help to establish best practices for data organization, knowledge management, and results dissemination.
  • Enhance external visibility through high-impact publications, conference presentations, and strategic collaborations.

Qualifications
  • PhD in Statistical Genetics or a related field with 3+ years of relevant postdoctoral or industry experience. Title is commensurate with experience.
  • Deep expertise in statistical genetics, including GWAS and RVAS methods (e.g., single-variant testing, burden tests, SKAT), and extensive experience with relevant software (e.g., REGENIE, PLINK).
  • Extensive experience processing and analyzing individual-level, biobank-scale genetic, and phenotypic data, with a track record of making novel discoveries.
  • Proven experience conducting multi-biobank analyses and meta-analyses (e.g., using METAL, RAREMETAL, REMETA), including methods to account for sample overlap.
  • Demonstrated expertise in variant-to-gene post-GWAS approaches (e.g., statistical fine-mapping, colocalization, Mendelian randomization).
  • Experience leveraging multi-ancestry data to make discoveries, for example through studying population-enriched variants and enhancing fine-mapping resolution.
  • Experience applying scalable statistical genetics tools to multivariate phenotype analysis, time-to-event and longitudinal analyses, and genetically diverse datasets to improve signal detection and resolution.
  • Hands-on experience processing and performing quality control (QC) on biobank-scale individual-level genetic data (WGS, WES, imputed data).
  • Expertise in phenotype generation and cross-biobank phenotype curation and harmonization.
  • Proficiency with Linux environments and advanced hands-on experience in Python and R.
  • Practical experience implementing genomics workflows on cloud-based platforms (e.g., DNAnexus, All of Us Researcher Workbench, Terra).
  • Excellent communication skills, ability to work collaboratively and cross-functionally, and a strong publication record in high-impact scientific journals

#LI-JR1
U.S. Pay Range
$126,400.00 - $189,600.00
The pay range reflects the full-time base salary range we expect to pay for this role at the time of posting. Base pay will be determined based on a number of factors including, but not limited to, relevant experience, skills, and education. This role is eligible for an annual short-term incentive award (e.g., bonus or sales incentive) and an annual long-term incentive award (e.g., equity).
Alnylam's robust Total Rewards package is designed to support your overall health and well-being. We offer comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, a lifestyle reimbursement program, flexible spending and health savings accounts and a 401(k)with a generous company match. Eligible employees enjoy paid time off, wellness days, holidays, and two company-wide recharge breaks. We also offer generous family resources and leave. Our commitment to your well-being reflects our belief that caring for our people fuels the impact we create together.
Learn more about these and additional benefits offered by Alnylam by visiting the Benefits section of the Careers website: https://www.alnylam.com/careers
About Alnylam
We are the leader in RNAi therapeutics - a revolutionary approach with the potential to transform the lives of people with rare and common diseases. Built on Nobel Prize-winning science, Alnylam has delivered the breakthroughs that made RNAi therapeutics possible and are just at the beginning of what's possible. Our deep pipeline, late-stage programs, and bold vision reflect our core values: fierce innovation, passion for excellence, purposeful urgency, open culture and commitment to people. We're proud to be a globally recognized top employer, where an authentic, inclusive culture and breakthrough thinking fuel one another.
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.