Scientist, Oligonucleotide Chemistry

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.

The Position

We are seeking a motivated, innovative and collaborative Scientist with expertise in oligonucleotide chemistry and structural biology to join our Medicinal Chemistry Team. This candidate will play a key role in developing novel chemistries and designs for improved RNA editing. The key contributions for this position will be design, synthesis and purification of oligonucleotides incorporating novel phosphoramidites at research scale to help advance our early research efforts to preclinical development. The candidate should have a proven track record of scientific productivity with extensive hands-on experience and thorough understanding of the nucleic acid chemistry techniques, as well as operation of lab-scale oligonucleotide synthesis and purification infrastructure. This position will be working with cross-functional high performing teams to translate basic research findings into novel therapeutic strategies that may eventually support clinical drug development. The successful candidate also has a deep understanding of structural biology and is comfortable functioning at the interface of RNA chemistry and biology. This position will have potential for significant career growth at Korro and will contribute positively to its developing culture. This position reports to the Head of Medicinal Chemistry and will be based in Cambridge, MA.

• Contribute to the development of Korro Bio’s proprietary medicinal chemistry platform.
• Perform oligonucleotide solid phase synthesis and purification and delivery of high-quality oligonucleotides at low to mid scales for in vitro and in vivo studies.
• Operate independently in the lab using all standard modern oligonucleotide synthesizers (Mermade, Dr. Oligo), purifiers (HPLC, Akta) and analysis (HPLC, LCMS).
• Actively keep up to date with the ongoing research in the RNA therapeutics field and contribute to the development of proprietary designs and drafting of the patent applications.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Biology, Delivery, and In Vitro and In Vivo Pre-clinical Pharmacology teams to advance Korro Bio’s early research activities to preclinical development.
• Independently run laboratory experiments to support and advance discovery efforts.
• Multi-task across several projects and manage time effectively in a fast paces environment to achieve results.
• Design and write protocols, perform experiments, organize and analyze data, interpret results, record experiments in an electronic lab notebook, and summarize work in presentations and technical reports.
• Adhere to all laboratory safety requirements and standard operating procedures, help maintaining general laboratory functionality, including lab equipment maintenance and the ordering, and receiving of lab supplies. 
• Other duties as assigned. 

• Ph.D. in Chemistry or equivalent discipline with focus on nucleic acid chemistry with 5+ years of relevant experience.
• Solid understanding of nucleoside/nucleotide/oligonucleotide chemistry and biology with an in-depth understanding of the commonly used modifications in oligonucleotide therapeutics.
• Deep understanding of RNA structure and its interactions in biological systems, preferably with hands on experience running in vitro assays.
• Must have hands on experience with the operation of low- and high-throughput oligonucleotide synthesis machinery (Mermade, Dr. Oligo) and routine laboratory instruments such as HPLC/UPLC, UV thermal melting, LCMS.
• Strong communication skills in a variety of settings, ability to share and discuss scientific data clearly to peers and to senior leadership.
• Proven track record in the field of oligonucleotide therapeutics (patents, publications, conference presentations, etc).
• Team oriented and collaborative approach to work across multiple teams.
• Attention to detail, critical analysis of data/reports, and troubleshooting abilities.
• Proven ability to achieve results, keep projects on timeline, and find solutions as needed to ensure that project deliverables are met.

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.