Scientist I/II: in vivo Pharmacology / Immuno-Oncology

Scientist I/II: in vivo Pharmacology / Immuno-Oncology

At Kernal Bio, we engineer human cells inside the body using selective mRNA-LNP technology to treat cancer and autoimmune diseases. Our AI-designed mRNAs, delivered via antibody-decorated lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), ensure precise targeting and minimize off-target effects. Our KR-402 program focuses on hematological malignancies and autoimmune disorders, achieving >90% in vivo delivery efficiency with T-cell-targeted LNPs. The KR-335 program, targeting solid tumors resistant to standard immunotherapies, shows a 100x therapeutic index with strong efficacy and tolerability in preclinical models, including mice and non-human primates. With roots at MIT, Harvard, Merck, and BMS, our management team has spearheaded the development of three FDA-approved therapies and holds over 120 patents. Based in Cambridge, MA, and backed by Hummingbird Ventures, Amgen Ventures, and NASA, Kernal Bio is revolutionizing mRNA therapeutics by leveraging AI to deliver precision treatments within the body.

Job Summary:

We seek an accomplished highly motivated Scientist I/II to contribute to the development of Kernal Bio’s mRNA 2.0 platform for therapeutic applications in Cambridge, Massachussetts. The successful candidate will join a dynamic team of scientists and play a leading role in preclinically characterizing mRNA LNP drug candidates in in vivo models. Candidate should have experience working with murine models of cancer and/or autoimmune diseases.

Responsibilities:

• Provide technical and scientific expertise in in vivo pharmacology to enable target identification, validation, and prioritization.
• Conduct studies in mice with primary focus on in vivo anti-tumor efficacy, PK/PD relationship, and combination strategy, biomarker identification.
• Perform standard and complex in vivo procedures including dosing all routes, tumor implant, tumor measurements and tissue necropsy.
• Ex vivo analysis of immune cells from tumor and tissues, including collection and processing of multiple samples.
• Perform routine mammalian cell culture and transfection.
• Analyze, summarize, interpret, and present experimental results to team members and management.
• Contribute to technical discussions, publications and intellectual property related to the development and application of Kernal’s proprietary technologies.
• Participate in experimental design and troubleshooting efforts.
• Maintain up-to-date electronic laboratory notebook records and communicate results to team members in written technical reports and oral presentations.
• Explore new technologies and methods to optimize current processes in a fast-paced research environment .

Requirements:

• BS/MS in Biology, Pharmacology, Oncology, Immunology or equivalent experience in a related discipline.
• > 4 years of laboratory work experience in academia or industry.
• Hands on laboratory skills. In vivo skills with rodents (IV, IP, PO dosing), blood/tissue collection.
• Excellent in vivo study organization skills, approaching complex tasks with efficiency.
• Experience with animal models of human cancers preferred.
• Proficiency in cell transfections, ELISA, MSD, flow cytometry preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal and collaborative skills and the ability to work independently and effectively in a dynamic team environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to analyze, summarize and communicate scientific data in a vivid and challenging intellectual environment.
• Excellent record keeping and data management skills.
• Adaptability and enthusiasm for new challenges, innate curiosity, and a passion for learning.
• Ability to follow novel scientific or technological developments, and to implement them in the laboratory.
• High personal and scientific integrity.

Benefits:

• Competitive compensation package
• Excellent healthcare coverage
• Highly competitive 401(k)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Generous vacation and sick days
• Paid parental leave, family caregiver leave, medical leave
• Comprehensive insurance coverage
• On-site cafe with complementary snacks and drinks
• Free MIT athletics gym membership
• Free Bluebikes membership

Kernal Bio is dedicated to providing a diverse work environment and is committed to equal employment opportunity for all its employees and qualified applicants. We do not discriminate in employment practices for reasons of race, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, religion, disability, or any other legally protected status. Kernal Bio will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.