Associate Scientist, Compound Management, Cell Screening & NGS

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 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.

Korro Bio is seeking a passionate, driven, and creative Associate Scientist to join our oligonucleotide compound management team and work with an enthusiastic team of highly skilled scientists in a dynamic, growing company. The successful candidate will be responsible for handling, characterization, automation, storage and distribution of oligonucleotide compounds and work closely with cross functional team to advance our RNA editing drug discovery programs. The candidate will also be responsible for quantifying, performing purity analysis via HPLC/LCMS, and documenting results. The candidate will prepare samples and distribution of information to the downstream assay teams and pipelines. Additional responsibilities include cell screening and NGS work. Candidate must express a high attention to detail, be comfortable multitasking, oversee day to day operations and ability to function in an interdisciplinary and fast-paced startup environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Oligonucleotide compound management and preparation of samples for biological screening, including manually and via automated liquid handlers (e.g., Hamilton, Tecan, Viaflo96/384, Tempest)
• Analysis and formulation of test articles for in vitro and in vivo studies; receive, track, and maintain physical and virtual inventory of test articles, formulations, and components
• Quantification of oligonucleotide compounds and formulated complexes via Mass Spec, UV spectrophotometry, and gel electrophoresis; purity analysis via analytical HPLC and LCMS, including method development and troubleshooting
• Perform duplex & triplex annealing of oligonucleotides and Tm analysis
• Independently design and execute high-throughput cell-based assays (96/384-well formats) to support oligonucleotide platform and portfolio projects, including cell culture, transfection, PCR/qPCR, and RNA/DNA isolation
• Perform amplicon-seq and RNA-seq library preparation and QC; operate and maintain NGS platforms (e.g., Illumina MiSeq i100) and associated equipment (Qubit, TapeStation, Fragment Analyzer)
• Troubleshoot HTS assays, library preparation, and sequencing workflows as needed
• Analyze, report, and present HTS-NGS and analytical chemistry data in a team setting; collaborate cross-functionally to support lead discovery and project execution
• Accurately document experiments, protocols, and results in an electronic lab notebook (ELN); support operational tasks including inventory management and process improvement
  
  

Qualifications

• MS with 2 years or BS with 4 years of experience in molecular biology, analytical chemistry, cell biology, or a related field
• Experience with nucleic acids and analytical chemistry: UV spectrophotometry, HPLC, LCMS, and gel electrophoresis
• Experience with high-throughput cell-based assays and automated liquid handling workflows
• Experience with NGS assays (amplicon-seq, RNA-seq), including primer design, library preparation, quantification, and data QC; hands-on experience with Illumina platforms highly preferred
• Demonstrated proficiency in core molecular biology techniques: RNA/DNA isolation, transfection, PCR/qPCR
• Experience with LIMS (e.g., Benchling), ELN, and project management tools (e.g., Jira/Confluence) a plus
• High attention to detail with the ability to accurately manage large compound sets and complex workflows
• Strong troubleshooting skills and ability to propose and implement solutions independently
• High degree of flexibility and self-motivation in a fast-paced environment, with the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
  
  

$84,000 - $112,000 a year

The range provided is based on what we believe is a reasonable estimate for the base the salary pay range for this job at this time. This does not include annual bonus and equity. The actual salary will be based on a number of factors including skills, competencies, experience, and other job related factors permitted by law.

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.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.