Principal Scientist, Disease Area Biology

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.

SUMMARY: Korro Bio is looking for a Sr. / Principal Scientist in the Disease Area Biology group to contribute to and lead drug discovery efforts for brain and spinal cord disorders. The qualified candidate for this lab-based position is a highly motivated, interactive, and creative bench scientist who will design and conduct experiments in human cell lines to advance discovery programs to IND. The successful candidate will demonstrate clear and professional communication, effectively collaborate with colleagues across a highly matrixed environment, and be capable of presenting scientific results to project teams.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design, conduct and interpret RNA editing studies in neuronal cell lines including hIPSC cells, and work collaboratively with pharmacology on in vivo animal models of CNS diseases.
• Conduct in vitro experiments in the laboratory to investigate target engagement, mechanism of action, therapeutic activity, and functional recovery in CNS models.
• Coordinate and manage studies remotely at CROs and external collaborators.
• Perform literature searches to support current programs and to nominate new indications to pursue in the emerging CNS pipeline
• Lab notebook documentation of data generated in assay development, and in in vitro and in vivo
• Mentor/manage junior associates and colleagues on best practices in the laboratory.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Molecular Biology or pharmacology with 3+ years of experience in industry setting or MS with 10+ years in industry setting.
• Prior experience designing and executing in vitro and in vivo studies in neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS/FTD, PD, HD, AD, SCA and targets including TDP43 and other proteinopathies is desired
• Experience with a variety of molecular biology techniques including transcriptome analysis, RT-PCR, in situ hybridization; experience with electrophysiology is desired
• Experience in oligonucleotide therapeutics or gene editing is a plus.
• Attention to detail with excellent organizational and record keeping skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments, understand and implement applicable regulations around animal care/safety/handling desired.
• Highly motivated and ability to be flexible in case of changing priorities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with peers and management. Capable of presenting scientific results to multidisciplinary teams and key stakeholders.
• Proficiency in utilizing software such as GraphPad Prism, electronic lab notebooks, Microsoft Office etc. for data analysis and figure generation is required.