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Korro Bio is seeking an experienced Senior Scientist to lead the HTS-NGS (high-throughput screening with next-generation sequencing) team in support of the company's oligonucleotide platform and portfolio projects. This hybrid leadership and hands-on role combines scientific expertise, team management, and cross-functional collaboration to drive the identification of RNA editing therapeutics.
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.
REQUIREMENTS:
- 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 (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:
- 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
