Scientist/Sr. Scientist, Oligo Biology - In Vitro
Position Overview
We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Scientist/Sr. Scientist to join our Oligonucleotide Biology team within discovery/early research. Supported by strong financial backing and an expanding therapeutic pipeline, our company is entering a phase of steady, well-funded growth. This rapid scaling provides significant opportunities for professional advancement and career development as our internal teams expand.
Responsibilities
- Research & Execution: Design molecular and cellular biology experiments in close collaboration with internal bioinformatics and chemistry teams to support robust in vitro and in vivo screening campaigns. Oversee execution of these assays with CRO.
- CRO Management: Manage external CROs, including experimental design, priority setting, technical oversight, data review, timeline management, and proactive troubleshooting to ensure high-quality, timely project execution.
- Modality Design & Optimization: Design and optimize siRNAs, ASOs, PMOs, and other novel nucleotide modalities to enhance therapeutic profiles.
- SAR Generation: Generate and interpret structure-activity relationships (SAR) to guide lead optimization and candidate selection.
- Documentation & Communication: Maintain thorough technical documentation using Electronic Lab Notebooks (ELNs) and effectively communicate experimental strategies, results, and recommendations to multidisciplinary scientific audiences.
- Innovation & Tech Evaluation: Actively evaluate emerging technologies and scientific literature to identify innovative approaches that enhance oligonucleotide potency, extrahepatic delivery, durability, and safety.
Education & Experience
Ph.D. in biology, pharmaceutical sciences, or related discipline with 0-3 years of relevant industry experience, OR M.S. with 2-5 years of industry experience in oligonucleotide therapeutic development.
Deep understanding of siRNA and ASO design principles, cellular mechanisms of action, and chemical modification strategies.
Familiarity with state-of-the-art oligonucleotide delivery technologies, including GalNAc conjugates, lipid conjugates, peptide/antibody-oligonucleotide conjugates (AOCs), or other targeted delivery methods.
Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture, diverse transfection methodologies.
Skills & Attributes
- Strong ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and collaborate seamlessly across cross-functional teams and therapeutic areas.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to present complex scientific concepts to multidisciplinary teams.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently while thriving in a collaborative, fast-paced, and highly interdisciplinary research environment.
- Passion for advancing transformative nucleic acid medicines through innovative chemistry and rigorous scientific execution.
Pay
The anticipated base salary range for this position is $115,000 - $150,000. This role may also be eligible for a target annual bonus and equity-based compensation, as well as participation in the company’s benefit programs. Actual compensation will depend on several factors, which may include, but are not limited to relevant years of experience, educational background, and geography.
About Us
Korsana Biosciences is a private biopharmaceutical company advancing a pipeline of potential best-in-class therapies for neurodegenerative diseases. In partnership with Paragon Therapeutics, we have developed Therapeutic Targeting (THETA™), a novel blood-brain barrier-penetrant shuttle platform designed to enable dramatically higher drug concentration inside the brain and overcome the limitations of earlier shuttle technologies. Our lead program is KRSA-028, an investigational, shuttled antibody targeting amyloid beta designed to be a best-in-class treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. Our mission is to advance precision-engineered therapies, designed to address some of the biggest unmet needs in medicine. For more information, please visit www.korsana.com.
R&D
Waltham, MA