Scientist I, Biology

Orro; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity-based compensation

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) retirement plan

Life insurance

Dependent care FSA

HSA account

Free parking

Job summary

Korro Bio is seeking a highly motivated Scientist I to join our biology group in Cambridge, MA. The ideal candidate has a strong background in cell and molecular biology and can independently develop and troubleshoot assays.

This lab-based role focuses on expanding our RNA editing therapeutics by validating targets in liver-relevant contexts, with opportunities to mentor junior scientists and collaborate across platforms.

Qualifications

• Hands-on mammalian cell culture including iPSCs and primary cells.
• Experience with stable cell line engineering.
• Proficiency in standard cell biology and molecular biology techniques.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and execute functional cell-based assays to validate targets and measure activity.
• Establish hepatocyte cultures and iPSC-derived hepatocytes, and co-culture systems for robust readouts.
• Collaborate with in vivo pharmacology to assess pharmacodynamic effects of compounds.
• Analyze complex datasets and maintain accurate lab records.
• Support operations: troubleshooting, equipment maintenance and CRO management.
• Present data and recommendations to cross‑functional teams and leadership.
• Collaborate with platform, data science, HTS, in vivo pharmacology and DMPK teams to deliver high-quality results.
• Mentor junior team members in planning and execution of experiments.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

iPSC-derived cells

Co-culture models

Western blot

ELISA

RT-qPCR

Flow cytometry

Data analysis

Education

Ph.D. in cell biology / related field

MS with 6-9+ years experience

Job description

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 highly motivated Scientist I to join our biology group and work with an enthusiastic team of highly skilled scientists. The ideal candidate for this lab-based position will have a strong background in cell and molecular biology, with demonstrated independence in assay development and problem solving. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a collaborative team and contribute to the development of innovative RNA editing therapeutics in a fast-paced biotech company.

Key Responsibilities:

• Independently design, develop, and execute a range of functional cell-based assays to validate novel targets, elucidate mechanisms of action, and demonstrate pharmacological activity in liver-relevant disease contexts.
• Establish and maintain primary hepatocyte cultures, iPSC-derived hepatocytes, and complex co-culture systems to generate robust functional readouts.
• Collaborate closely with the in vivo pharmacology team to design and execute ex vivo assays that characterize the pharmacodynamic effects of compounds, including target engagement, pathway modulation, and downstream biomarker readouts.
• Analyze and interpret complex datasets from multiple sources, draw conclusions, and maintain detailed, accurate lab records through Electronic Lab Notebook.
• Support operations team in troubleshooting, equipment maintenance and CRO management.
• Serve as a key biology contributor at the program team level; clearly present data, findings, and interpretation, and propose next steps informed by ongoing review of relevant scientific literature to cross‑functional teams and company leadership.
• Work effectively with platform, data science, high‑throughput screening, in vivo pharmacology and DMPK teams and deliver high‑quality results in a timely fashion.
• Guide and mentor junior team members in the planning and execution of scientific experiments.

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, or a related field; or M.S. with 6-9+ years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated hands‑on expertise in mammalian cell culture, including primary cells, iPSCs and co‑culture models, with experience in stable cell line engineering.
• Proficiency in standard cell biology and molecular biology techniques (e.g., Western blot, ELISA, DNA/RNA extraction, RT‑qPCR, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry).
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to critically evaluate complex biology problems and translate findings into clear recommendations.
• Effectively balances multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment, maintaining rigorous attention to detail and delivering high‑quality data within established timelines.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; able to convey complex scientific concepts and findings with clarity to matrixed teams.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with liver biology, liver disease models or metabolic diseases is highly preferred
• Experience with oligonucleotide therapeutics is a strong plus

$120,000 - $145,000 a year

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.