About the role
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 for Urea Cycle Disorders. Korro is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. For more information, visit korrobio.com.
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 an experienced Senior Scientist to lead our HTS-NGS team in support of our oligonucleotide platform and portfolio projects. This is a hybrid leadership and hands-on role that requires a combination of scientific expertise, team management, and cross-functional collaboration. The ideal candidate brings deep technical knowledge in high-throughput cell assays and NGS workflows, along with leadership experience, to lead a key workflow in the identification of RNA editing therapeutics.
Key Responsibilities
Team Leadership
- Lead and mentor a team of scientists performing in vitro biological screening and NGS-based characterization of oligonucleotide therapeutics.
- Set team priorities, coordinate workloads, and ensure timely, high-quality delivery against corporate milestones.
- Foster a collaborative, growth-oriented team culture with a focus on scientific rigor and operational excellence.
Assay Development & Optimization
- Design, develop, and optimize end-to-end molecular biology and NGS workflows, including amplicon-seq and RNA-seq.
- Establish and maintain robust high-throughput cell-based assay platforms in 96- and 384-well formats, including transfection protocols.
- Apply systematic troubleshooting approaches to resolve technical challenges and continuously improve assay performance.
Automation & Technology Integration
- Lead the design, troubleshooting, and qualification of automated liquid handling workflows to maximize throughput and reproducibility.
- Evaluate and implement new instrumentation and technologies to enhance the capabilities of the HTS-NGS platform, eventually developing a fully automated system.
- Oversee QC instrumentation usage and data integrity across the team (Qubit, TapeStation, Fragment Analyzer).
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner closely with Chemistry, Data Science, and Biology teams to align assay outputs with downstream analytical needs and project objectives.
- Communicate results clearly and proactively to stakeholders across functions, including through written reports and presentations.
Operational & Data Management
- Champion LIMS adoption and data quality standards using Benchling.
- Utilize project management tools (e.g. Jira / Confluence) to track progress, manage timelines, and communicate status.
Required Qualifications
- PhD with 4+ years, MS with 12+ years or equivalent industry experience in cell biology, molecular biology, genomics, or a related field.
- Prior experience in a biotech or pharmaceutical environment is required.
- Demonstrated track record of managing scientists to achieve research and operational goals.
- Hands-on expertise with cell culture in 96- and 384-well formats, including transfection methodologies.
- Comprehensive end-to-end NGS experience: amplicon-seq, RNA-seq, library preparation, QC, and sequencing run execution.
- Expertise with Illumina sequencing platforms preferred (MiSeq).
- Expertise in core molecular biology techniques: RNA/DNA isolation, PCR/qPCR, and gel electrophoresis.
- Experience with liquid handling automation systems, including Viaflo 96/384, HiRes/Certus Flex, and/or Tempest.
- LIMS experience, preferably with Benchling.
- Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to data quality and scientific reproducibility.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to distill complex technical information for diverse audiences.
- Collaborative team player who thrives in a dynamic, cross-functional biotech environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with project management tools such as Jira and Confluence.
- Familiarity with QC instrumentation: Qubit, TapeStation, and Fragment Analyzer.
- Experience with screening siRNA, antisense oligonucleotides, or similar constructs a strong plus.
Korro Bio offers a competitive total rewards package, including equity-based compensation and comprehensive benefits: medical, dental, and vision coverage; 401(k) retirement plan; life insurance; dependent care flexible spending account; company-funded health savings account; and complimentary parking or a MBTA commuter pass.
Final salary will be determined by the level at which the role is filled and by factors such as skills, competencies, experience, education, and other job-related criteria permitted by law. This range reflects base salary only and does not include annual bonus or equity.