Senior Scientist

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 Sr. Scientist with expertise in Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK) supporting the discovery and development of oligonucleotide-based drug therapeutics (ONT). This candidate will play a key role in understanding the delivery, distribution, metabolism, excretion and PK/PD relationships of drug candidates against therapeutically relevant targets. The key contributions for this position will be the bioanalysis and biotransformation of ONTs to help advance our early research efforts to preclinical development. The candidate should have a proven track record in the field of DMPK with extensive hands-on experience and thorough understanding of oligonucleotide bioanalysis and different delivery systems. This position will have the opportunity to work as the DMPK expert within cross-functional high performing teams to translate research findings into novel therapeutic strategies to support clinical drug development. The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary DMPK team within a growing biotech company at the cutting edge of RNA research. This candidate will have potential for significant career growth at Korro and will contribute positively to its developing culture. This position reports to the Head of DMPK and will be based in our Cambridge, MA.

• Contribute to the bioanalytical and biotransformation strategy.
• Design, plan, and execute assays to understand the biodistribution, pharmacokinetic and metabolic properties of novel ONTs with multiple mechanisms of delivery.
• Be proficient in ligand binding assays, LC-MS/MS, HRAM and automation platforms.
• Actively keep up to date with the ongoing research in the field and apply novel assays to achieve goals related to building DMPK understanding from Research through Development.
• Cross-functional collaboration with Biology, Delivery, Chemistry, 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.
• Mentor and train junior scientists.
• Multi-task across several projects and manage time effectively 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. 

• Degree in pharmaceutical sciences, analytical chemistry, molecular biology or related discipline.  BS or MS with at least 6-8 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry or PhD with at least 4 years of experience working with bioanalysis of oligonucleotide therapeutics.
• Hands on-assay development experience with different bioanalytical assay formats and broad in-depth knowledge of regulatory requirements.  Strong assay troubleshooting, data analysis and interpretation skills.
• Knowledge and experienced in bioanalysis within ADME/DMPK, metabolite identification, biodistribution and how DMPK fits into the larger picture of drug discovery and development.
• Experience conducting cellular assays with cell culture.
• Relevant project representation experience in cross-collaborative program teams as a DMPK expert.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills in a variety of settings, ability to share and discuss scientific data clearly to peers and to senior leadership.
• 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.
• Experience managing direct reports and CRO resources is a plus.

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.