Scientist/Senior Scientist, Oligonucleotide Biology - In Vitro

About Korsana Biosciences

Korsana Biosciences is a private biopharmaceutical firm advancing a portfolio of potential best-in-class treatments for neurodegenerative disorders. Alongside Paragon Therapeutics, we have developed the Therapeutic Targeting (THETA™) platform, a novel shuttle technology capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier to deliver higher drug levels into the brain, surpassing previous approaches. Our lead product candidate, KRSA-028, is a shuttled antibody targeting amyloid beta aimed at becoming a leading therapy for Alzheimer’s disease. Our vision is to develop precision-engineered medicines addressing significant unmet medical needs.

Role Overview

We are looking for a highly driven Scientist or Senior Scientist to join our Oligonucleotide Biology team focused on discovery and early-stage research. Backed by strong funding and a growing pipeline, this role offers exciting chances for career growth and progression as our company undergoes rapid expansion. This position is fully remote, open to candidates across the United States.

The selected candidate will contribute to designing and optimizing in vitro screenings for our oligonucleotide pipeline, including siRNA, ASOs, and PMOs. You will blend hands-on experimental work with strategic management of external contract research organizations (CROs), playing a critical role in advancing therapeutic candidates from discovery to lead nomination while shaping the platform and your career.

Key Responsibilities

• Design molecular and cellular biology experiments collaborating closely with bioinformatics and chemistry teams to support comprehensive in vitro and in vivo screening efforts.
• Oversee CRO partners by designing experiments, prioritizing tasks, providing technical guidance, reviewing data, managing timelines, and proactively addressing challenges to guarantee quality and timely delivery.
• Develop and refine siRNA, ASOs, PMOs, and other novel nucleotide modalities to improve therapeutic effectiveness.
• Produce and analyze structure-activity relationships (SAR) to inform lead optimization and candidate selection processes.
• Maintain detailed technical records via Electronic Lab Notebooks and effectively communicate scientific strategies, outcomes, and recommendations across multidisciplinary teams.
• Keep abreast of and critically evaluate emerging scientific advancements to incorporate innovative methods that enhance oligonucleotide potency, extrahepatic targeting, durability, and safety.

Qualifications & Experience

• Ph.D. in biology, pharmaceutical sciences, or related discipline with 0-6 years of relevant industry experience; or M.S. with 2-8 years in oligonucleotide therapeutic development.
• Strong knowledge of siRNA and ASO design, mechanisms of action at the cellular level, and chemical modification strategies.
• Experience with cutting-edge delivery technologies including GalNAc conjugates, lipid conjugates, peptide/antibody-oligonucleotide conjugates (AOCs), or other targeted approaches.
• Practical expertise in mammalian cell culture and various transfection techniques.

Skills & Attributes

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and collaborate effectively across cross-functional and therapeutic teams.
• Excellent communication skills capable of explaining complex scientific ideas to varied audiences.
• Self-motivated and able to excel independently while thriving in a fast-paced, collaborative research environment.
• Deep commitment to advancing nucleic acid-based therapeutics through innovative chemistry and solid scientific practice.

Compensation & Benefits

The expected base salary for this role ranges between $115,000 and $175,000 annually. Additionally, candidates may be eligible for an annual performance bonus, equity compensation, and participate in the company’s benefit programs. Final compensation will be influenced by experience, education, and location.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Korsana Biosciences is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion. Employment decisions are based solely on qualifications, merit, and business requirements, without regard to race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other protected categories.