What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Director, Toxicology position at Korro Bio?
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 seeking a highly motivated Senior Director of Toxicology to lead the design and execution of nonclinical safety studies across our RNA editing portfolio. Reporting to the VP of Research and Preclinical, this individual will be a key scientific and strategic contributor responsible for building and advancing Korro’s toxicology capabilities, with an emphasis on oligonucleotide-based therapeutics. The ideal candidate brings deep experience in nonclinical development, a collaborative mindset, and a passion for bringing novel genetic medicines to patients.
\n- Lead the design, execution, and interpretation of GLP and non-GLP toxicology studies to support development candidate selection and regulatory submissions.
- Serve as the toxicology subject matter expert on cross-functional program teams, contributing to overall project strategy and decision-making.
- Develop and implement nonclinical safety strategies specific to oligonucleotide therapeutics, including considerations for sequence, chemistry, delivery, and off-target effects.
- Oversee CROs to ensure high-quality execution of safety studies and timelines, including general toxicology, safety pharmacology, genetic toxicology, and immunotoxicology as needed.
- Prepare reports and presentations for internal and external audiences.
- Prepare and review regulatory documentation, including INDs, CTAs, Investigator’s Brochures, and responses to health authority queries.
- Represent Korro in regulatory interactions, including pre-IND and other milestone meetings.
- Stay current on regulatory guidelines, safety assessment trends, and emerging science relevant to oligonucleotide and RNA-based therapies.
- Mentor and develop junior scientists and contribute to a culture of scientific rigor, collaboration, and innovation.
- PhD, DVM, or equivalent in toxicology, pharmacology, or related field; board certification (e.g., DABT) strongly preferred.
- 10 years of relevant industry experience in toxicology, with a strong track record of supporting IND-enabling programs.
- Hands-on experience with oligonucleotide-based therapeutics is a plus.
- Familiarity with lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) or other delivery systems is a plus.
- Deep knowledge of global regulatory expectations, ICH guidelines, and GLP principles.
- Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills, with the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.
- Proven ability to influence across functions and effectively interface both internal and external stakeholders.
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.
