Company Summary: Korro is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing a new class of genetic medicines for both rare and highly prevalent diseases using its proprietary RNA editing platform. Korro is generating a portfolio of differentiated programs that are designed to harness the body’s natural RNA editing process to effect a precise yet transient single base edit. By editing RNA instead of DNA, Korro is expanding the reach of genetic medicines by delivering additional precision and tunability, which has the potential for increased specificity and improved long-term tolerability. Using an oligonucleotide-based approach, Korro expects to bring its medicines to patients by leveraging its proprietary platform with precedented delivery modalities, manufacturing know-how, and established regulatory pathways of approved oligonucleotide drugs. Korro’s lead program is Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (AATD). Korro is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
We are collaborative and united by a common mission. We are building a company with extraordinary people with an audacious vision to create transformative genetic medicines for prevalent diseases. Our values - Rewrite the future, On the Cutting Edge, Better Together, Dynamically Different, Kindness and Integrity form the fabric of the organization. They are reinforced daily and serve as key dimensions in the hiring process to help us ensure that Korro is a magnet for outstanding talent and a great place to work. Join us as we redefine what’s possible in genetic medicine and work to make a lasting impact on human health.
Position Summary:
Korro Bio is looking for a Scientist to join the Delivery Sciences team to carry out synthesis of novel delivery excipients, linker chemistries and apply bioconjugation strategies to Korro’s RNA editing oligonucleotides. The qualified candidate for this lab-based position will also drive process development and evaluation using in vitro assays and in vivo animal models. The candidate will work in our state-of-the-art laboratory and be responsible for experimental planning and execution, data analysis and presentation across project teams. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a cross-functional team and contribute to the development of next-generation RNA editing technology and therapeutics in a fast-paced biotech company.
Key Responsibilities:
- Work cross-functionally with Chemistry, Data Science, Disease Biology, Business Development and Legal teams to implement new drug discovery programs and advance the next generation of RNA editing therapeutics.
- Design and conduct novel oligonucleotide linkers/conjugates (ex., lipid and/or peptide conjugates) through synthesis, purification, and characterization. Apply state-of-the-art delivery methods to achieve in vivo proof of concept.
- Develop and utilize innovative synthetic and/or chemical biology problem solving skills coupled with analysis of diverse data sets to build structure-activity relationships.
- Act as key member of a multidisciplinary RNA research team, assisting with the development of project strategy, data analysis, and communication across teams.
- Serve as an in-house delivery chemistry expert.
- Drive the writing of technical reports to support patent applications and manuscripts.
- Participate in collaborations and CRO operations to ensure deliverables meet project timelines when needed.
- Mentor and work with junior staff.
Required Qualifications:
- PhD with 0-3+ years of industry experience; MS with 6+ years or equivalent of experience in chemistry, chemical engineering, or a directly related technical field relevant to oligonucleotides or RNA delivery.
- A proven track record of research accomplishments in the areas of chemistry, colloidal formulation of nucleic acids, and/or drug delivery.
- Experience in oligonucleotide chemistry (organic, medicinal, etc.) or related fields, focusing on topical/non-topical API formulation, delivery methods, and a strong knowledge of analytical techniques and instrumentation used for characterizing drug delivery materials.
- Extensive knowledge of both organic chemistry and current pharmaceutical methods and techniques for improving and modulating solubility and deliverability.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficiency in utilizing software such as NMR, Chemdraw, GraphPad Prism, electronic lab notebooks, Microsoft Office etc. for data analysis and figure generation is required.
Benefits: Korro offers competitive compensation, including equity-based compensation, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, 401(k) retirement plan, life insurance, a dependent care flexible spending account and a Company-funded health savings account and free parking.
