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 via automated liquid handling platforms.
• 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.
• Manage and coordinate large oligonucleotide compound sets across multiple concurrent projects, ensuring accurate sample identity, concentration, and availability to meet screening timelines.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for compound logistics, including reformatting, normalization, and distribution to downstream assay and in vivo teams - executed primarily through automated liquid handling workflows.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot automated liquid handling systems (e.g., Hamilton STAR/Vantage, Tecan, Viaflo96/384, Tempest) for high-throughput compound preparation, serial dilution, plate reformatting, and sample distribution.
• Quantification of oligonucleotide compounds and formulated complexes via Mass Spec and UV spectrophotometry.
• Employ ddPCR for absolute quantification of nucleic acid compounds and edited targets, supporting both compound QC and downstream analytical readouts.
• Purity analysis via analytical HPLC and LCMS, ability to troubleshoot and develop methods on analytical systems.
• Support cell-based screening and NGS workflows as needed, including high-throughput assay preparation, ddPCR-based QC, library preparation, and operation of sequencing platforms (e.g., Illumina MiSeq), in a collaborative capacity.
• Maintain a well-documented electronic/laboratory notebook.

Qualifications

• Master's degree with 2+ years of experience in an industrial or academic laboratory setting or Bachelor's degree with 4+ years' experience or equivalent industry experience.
• Experience with nucleic acids and analytical chemistry with UV spectrophotometry, HPLC, and LCMS analysis.
• Deep familiarity with oligonucleotide chemistry, including synthesis, handling, and physicochemical characterization of modified nucleic acids.
• Demonstrated ability to manage high-volume compound inventories with rigorous attention to sample integrity and traceability.
• Hands-on experience operating and programming automated liquid handlers, with a strong preference for Hamilton STAR or Vantage platforms; experience writing or modifying Hamilton methods (Venus/Venus One) is highly desirable.
• Comfort troubleshooting liquid handling errors, calibrating channels, and optimizing pipetting parameters for low-volume or viscous nucleic acid samples.
• Experience with ddPCR for nucleic acid quantification; familiarity with multiplexed ddPCR assay design a plus.
• Experience with LIMS systems, ELN, and workflow/scheduling software a plus.
• Exposure to cell-based assays, NGS library preparation, or sequencing platforms is a plus, though not a primary focus of the role.
• High attention to detail with the ability to handle large sets of compounds accurately.
• High degree of flexibility and self-motivation in a fast-paced work environment, ability to prioritize appropriately and meet deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation 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.