About Cora Biosciences
We are a newly launched, venture-backed biotech spinout from a leading academic institution, dedicated to transforming the treatment of serious diseases using next-generation antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) therapeutics. With a strong scientific foundation and a leadership team of experienced drug developers, we are building a pipeline of RNA-targeted therapies that address high unmet medical need.
We are seeking a Senior Scientist – Discovery Biology to join our founding research team in London. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the scientific direction of an early-stage company while making meaningful contributions to the development of novel ASO therapeutics.
Role Overview
We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Senior Scientist to join our team. The successful candidate will lead the biological evaluation of antisense oligonucleotides from early discovery through lead identification for cardiac therapeutic applications. This is role is responsible for developing and executing ASO screening cascades, building disease-relevant in vitro and in vivo models, and driving the biological characterization of candidate molecules.
You will work cross-functionally with chemistry, bioinformatics, and translational teams to advance our early pipeline, helping to define the next generation of RNA-targeted therapies.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, develop, and implement high-throughput in vitro screening assays for ASO activity, selectivity, uptake, and toxicity.
- Build and validate disease-relevant cellular and molecular models (e.g., primary cells, iPSC-derived models, organoids, etc.) for ASO screening and mechanistic studies.
- Lead the biological evaluation of ASO candidates to support lead optimization and candidate selection.
- Design and execute in vivo pharmacology studies to assess ASO distribution, target engagement, efficacy, and safety.
- Collaborate with medicinal chemists and bioinformaticians to support target validation, RNA expression analysis, and biomarker identification.
- Interpret complex biological datasets and communicate findings clearly to internal stakeholders and external collaborators.
- Organise, analyse and interpret internal research data to identify key insights that will inform future research activities and business strategy and clearly communicating these to relevant internal stakeholders.
- Mentor junior scientists and contribute to building a high-performing research team and culture.
- Maintaining high standards of accuracy, confidentiality, and security when handling sensitive data related to proprietary research findings.
Required Qualifications
- PhD in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Pharmacology, or a related field, with 4+ years of relevant postdoctoral or industry experience.
- Proven expertise in nucleic acid therapeutics, especially ASOs.
- Strong track record in molecular and cellular biology assay development, including vector design, psiCHECK, QuantiGene assays, qPCR, RT-PCR, ddPCR, Western blotting, ELISA, immunocytochemistry, microscopy, splint ligation, hELISA, RNAscope and transcriptome analysis.
- Hands-on experience with cell-based disease models, especially in cardiac diseases.
- Experience in developing transgenic mouse models.
- Experience designing and executing in vivo studies in rodents for ASO or RNA therapeutic evaluation.
- Familiarity with ASO delivery, uptake, and metabolism in various tissues.
- Excellent experimental design, data analysis, and problem-solving skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to clearly present scientific data and strategies.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative startup environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in early-stage drug discovery or biotech startups.
- Knowledge of RNA biology, splicing regulation, or RNA-protein interactions.
- Experience with high-content imaging, single-cell RNAseq, or transcriptomics.
Why Join Us
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Opportunity to be part of an early-stage team shaping the future of a high-impact biotech startup.
- Work at the intersection of cutting-edge science and unmet clinical need.
- Thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative, and supportive startup environment.
- Modern lab and office space in the heart of London's biotech ecosystem.
How to Apply
Please submit your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience to: [email protected] Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with the aim to fill the position promptly. Therefore, we encourage qualified individuals to submit their applications without delay.
Job Type: Full-time
Work Location: In person
