September 24, 2025

Position:   
Senior Computational Biologist/ ML Scientist 

Company Overview:   
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, NVIDIA, and NASA, Kernal Bio is revolutionizing mRNA therapeutics by leveraging AI to deliver precision treatments within the body. 

Job Summary 

Senior Computational Biologist/ ML Scientist 
We are seeking a Senior Computational Biologist to join our dynamic R&D team and spearhead our drug discovery efforts. This is a chance to move beyond routine data analysis and creatively apply advanced computational methods to solve complex biological challenges. You will be a key driver in designing next generation mRNA therapeutics, directly impacting our pipeline and scientific strategy.

The Role
As a core member of our research group, you will leverage your expertise to extract meaningful insights from diverse datasets. Your primary focus will be on applying sophisticated data science and machine learning techniques to biological questions. You’ll collaborate closely with diverse cross-functional teams, including our wet lab scientists, synthetic biology, and formulation teams, acting as a bridge between data and discovery.

Key responsibilities include:

Data Analysis & Modeling: Design and execute rigorous statistical and computational analyses by integrating and analyzing diverse omics datasets, including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and single-cell sequencing data. You will also be responsible for developing, training, and deploying novel AI/machine learning models to predict biological outcomes and accelerate drug discovery.

High-Performance Computing: Efficiently manage and scale computational workloads by leveraging cloud computing platforms and utilizing NVIDIA GPU-accelerated computing for data processing and model training.

Scientific Communication: Prepare scientific manuscripts, contribute to intellectual property filings, and present your findings at leading scientific conferences and internal meetings.

Documentation & Workflow: Meticulously document all computational workflows, experimental results, and analyses in an Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN) such as Benchling and maintain rigorous version control and facilitate collaborative code development using platforms like GitHub.

Mentorship: Guide and mentor junior team members, sharing your knowledge of best practices in computational analysis and scientific inquiry.

Who We’re Looking For
We are looking for a creative and detail-oriented scientist with a proven track record. You should have a Ph.D. in Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, or a related field, along with a minimum of 3 years of experience in the biopharmaceutical industry.

You are a master of your craft with:

Deep Expertise: A strong background in the analysis of high-throughput biological data, including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and single-cell sequencing.

Modern Skill Set: Experience applying machine learning and AI, with a solid theoretical grasp of algorithms like gradient descent, Bayesian optimization, and other heuristic search methods. Proficiency with large language models (LLMs) is a significant plus.

Accelerated Computing: Hands-on experience with NVIDIA GPU-accelerated computing is highly valued. Familiarity with CUDA, cuDNN, or NVIDIA Clara for bioinformatics applications will set you apart.

Programming Prowess: Exceptional fluency in Python and experience with workflow management systems, with a strong emphasis on version control using Git/GitHub.

Cloud Computing: Hands-on experience with at least one major cloud platform (AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud).

Intellectual Curiosity: A creative, out-of-the-box thinker who is eager to learn new methods and tackle complex problems head-on.

Collaborative Spirit: Excellent communication and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and work effectively within cross-functional teams.

Benefits:

• Competitive 401(k)   
• Highly competitive healthcare coverage (PPO/HMO)
• Free parking, a monthly subway pass, or a subsidized commuter rail pass  
• Free Bluebike Membership
• Gym Membership Support   
• Flexible Spending Account 
• Paid parental leave, family caregiver leave, and medical leave  
• Paid life insurance coverage 
• On-site cafeteria  
• Competitive vacation and sick days per year 

Kernal provides a diverse work environment and is committed to equal employment opportunities for all its employees and qualified applicants. We do not discriminate in employment practices for the 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.

About Kernal Biologics, Inc. 

Kernal Bio is a venture-backed therapeutics company engineering cells inside the body using AI-designed, selective mRNA and targeted LNP technology. By developing in vivo CAR-T therapies, Kernal Bio is advancing precision treatments for autoimmune diseases and blood cancers. The company was founded by experts from MIT, Harvard, Merck, and BMS, and its leadership team brings a track record of three FDA-approved therapies and over 120 patents. With support from leading investors, including Hummingbird Ventures, Amgen Ventures, Y Combinator, and HBM. Kernal Bio is transforming the future of cell therapy design and delivery.

Job Summary:

Kernal Bio is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Vice President of Chemistry Manufacturing and Controls (VP of CMC) with expertise in mRNA-tLNP manufacturing to contribute to the development of its mRNA 2.0 platform for therapeutic applications. The successful candidate will inspire and lead a team responsible for manufacturing, process development, and analytical development of mRNA-LNP therapeutics. Proficiency in mRNA-tLNP chemistry and biology workflows, coupled with experience in Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) mRNA-tLNP manufacturing, is essential for this role.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and scale the CMC organization, defining strategy for mRNA drug substance and targeted LNP (tLNP) drug product from preclinical through clinical development

• Oversee development and scale-up of mRNA IVT manufacturing, purification processes, and tLNP formulation, ensuring robust, reproducible performance

• Build and drive internal manufacturing capabilities, while strategically leveraging and managing CDMOs/CROsfor scale and flexibility

• Drive process development (DOE-driven), optimization, and tech transfer to support GMP manufacturing campaigns (internal and external)

• Establish and manage analytical and bioanalytical strategies (e.g., HPLC, qPCR, ELISA, cell-based assays) to support product characterization, potency, and release

• Define and execute CMC regulatory strategy, including authoring IND/CTA sections and supporting agency interactions

• Partner cross-functionally with R&D and preclinical teams, including coordination of in vivo studies, to ensure alignment between CMC and biology

• Drive innovation and continuous improvement, including evaluation of new technologies and COGS reduction strategies for in vivo CAR-T programs

• Support IP strategy, technical reports, and publications, and present data internally and at external scientific forums

• Build, mentor, and expand a high-performing team, fostering strong execution, data rigor, and clear communication

Requirements:

• PhD/MS/BS in Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, Molecular Biology, or related field

• 10–15+ years of industry experience in CMC development, including leadership experience

• 5+ years of experience in nucleic acid and/or lipid nanoparticle (LNP) manufacturing

• Demonstrated experience advancing programs from preclinical to IND/clinical stages

• Deep expertise in mRNA manufacturing (IVT, purification, scale-up, characterization)

• Strong experience with LNP formulation, preferably targeted LNP (tLNP) or conjugation strategies

• Experience in process development, scale-up, and GMP manufacturing

• Strong understanding of CQAs, CPPs, and analytical strategies for nucleic acid therapeutics

• Familiarity with stability, formulation, and product lifecycle management

• Experience authoring CMC sections for IND/CTA filings and supporting regulatory interactions

• Experience selecting and managing CDMOs/CROs, including tech transfer and manufacturing oversight

• Exposure to building or supporting internal manufacturing capabilities

• Experience with analytical techniques (HPLC/UPLC, FPLC, qPCR, ELISA, LC-MS/MS, MALDI-TOF MS, NMR, cell-based assays, flow cytometry)

• Familiarity with nucleic acid chemistry, purification, enzyme kinetics, and biomolecule characterization

• Experience applying Design of Experiments (DoE) and bioprocess engineering principles

• Working knowledge of GMP regulations and quality systems

• Strong ability to analyze, interpret, and communicate scientific data clearly

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Strong organization, record-keeping, and data management skills

• High attention to detail with strong problem-solving and troubleshooting ability

• Proven ability to build, lead, and mentor teams in a fast-paced environment

• Experience working in a startup or high-growth environments

• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across teams

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with targeted lipid nanoparticles (tLNPs) or ligand/antibody conjugation

• Experience with in vivo studies (e.g., rodent models)

• Prior mammalian cell culture experience

• Experience with automation and high-throughput systems

• Track record of innovation, IP filings, or publications

Benefits:

• Competitive 401(k)   
• Highly competitive healthcare coverage (PPO/HMO)
• Free parking, a monthly subway pass, or a subsidized commuter rail pass  
• Free Bluebike Membership
• Gym Membership Support   
• Flexible Spending Account 
• Paid parental leave, family caregiver leave, and medical leave  
• Paid life insurance coverage 
• On-site cafeteria  
• Competitive vacation and sick days per year 

Kernal provides a diverse work environment and is committed to equal employment opportunities for all its employees and qualified applicants. We do not discriminate in employment practices for the 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.

Kernal Bio is a venture-backed therapeutics company engineering cells inside the body using AI-designed, selective mRNA and targeted LNP technology. By developing in vivo CAR-T therapies, Kernal Bio is advancing precision treatments for autoimmune diseases and blood cancers. The company was founded by experts from MIT, Harvard, Merck, and BMS, and its leadership team brings a track record of three FDA-approved therapies and over 120 patents. With support from leading investors, including Hummingbird Ventures, Amgen Ventures, Y Combinator, and HBM. Kernal Bio is transforming the future of cell therapy design and delivery.

Job Summary  
Kernal seeks a highly motivated principal scientist for antibody development and production.  The successful candidate will partner with external collaborators (e.g., CROs, CDMOs) to lead the design, development, and production of novel antibodies for targeted LNP applications.  This successful candidate will also be responsible for establishing internal antibody production and analytical capabilities to support preclinical research as well as external development activities.   

Responsibilities: 

• Lead antibody development, production, and scale-up for preclinical research activities as well as GMP manufacturing.  Responsible for reviewing and approving critical documentation (e.g., protocols, process development batch records, analytical methods, specifications, etc)
• Establish internal capabilities for the development, production, and analysis of antibody supplies to accelerate and troubleshoot external development activities and provide materials for preclinical research.   
• Review, supervise, and/or execute experiments to optimize cell culture, harvest, and downstream purification.   
• Author tech transfer documentation (e.g., process descriptions, bill of materials, draft specifications, analytical methods) based on both external collaborator activities and internal development activities.   
• Maintain thorough and detailed electronic laboratory notebooks
• Analyze, interpret, and summarize experimental data
• Communicate results to team and management in technical reports and oral presentations 

Requirements: 

• Degree in Chemical/Biomedical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry or a similar field. (PhD is preferred)  
• PhD with 5 years of industry experience, M.S (or equivalent) with 7 years of experience, B.S (or equivalent) with 10 years of experience, 
• Experience with the development and/or production of recombinant proteins, monoclonal antibodies, and/or antibody fragments.  Experience with difficult-to-produce proteins/protein fragments (e.g., low titer or low solubility) preferred.   
• Experience in mammalian cell culture and transfection.  Experience with harvest and purification technologies (e.g., normal flow filtration, tangential flow filtration, chromatography, virus filtration).
• Experience using Design of Experiments (DOE) to optimize cell culture yields/titers and/or performance of downstream purification.
• Familiar with analytical methods commonly used for antibody assays (e.g., SEC, WB, ELISA, SDS-PAGE, etc)
• Strong molecular biology skills
• Experience with plasmid vector design and codon engineering (nice to have).  
• Ability to analyze, summarize, and communicate scientific data
• Attention to detail, ability to multitask, and troubleshoot
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent record-keeping and data management skills
• Experience working in fast-paced startup environments
• Ability to work independently while effectively interacting and collaborating in a team environment
• Adaptability and enthusiasm for new challenges, innate curiosity, and a passion for learning 

Benefits: 

• Competitive 401(k)   
• Highly competitive healthcare coverage (PPO/HMO)
• Free parking, a monthly subway pass, or a subsidized commuter rail pass  
• Free Bluebike Membership
• Gym Membership Support   
• Flexible Spending Account 
• Paid parental leave, family caregiver leave, and medical leave  
• Paid life insurance coverage 
• On-site cafeteria  
• Competitive vacation and sick days per year 

Kernal is dedicated to providing a diverse work environment and is committed to equal employment opportunities 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 will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities in accordance with applicable law. 

Click Here to Apply: https://www.kernalbio.com/careers 

About Kernal Biologics, Inc. 

Kernal Bio is a venture-backed therapeutics company engineering cells inside the body using AI-designed, selective mRNA and targeted LNP technology. By developing in vivo CAR-T therapies, Kernal Bio is advancing precision treatments for autoimmune diseases and blood cancers. The company was founded by experts from MIT, Harvard, Merck, and BMS, and its leadership team brings a track record of three FDA-approved therapies and over 120 patents. Based in Boston, the company is backed by Hummingbird Ventures, Amgen, Lilly, HBM, ARPA-H, and NVIDIA. Kernal Bio is transforming the future of cell therapy design and delivery.

Job Summary:

Kernal Bio is seeking an experienced leader with deep expertise in immunology to lead our mRNA therapeutics efforts. This person will report to the Vice President of R&D and will be responsible for leading preclinical development activities in immunology. In addition, this person will work closely with computational biology and mRNA delivery leadership to execute on company goals. The successful candidate must be able to work in a fast-paced and highly dynamic start-up environment. Ideal candidate will be an inspirational leader and a great team player with a proven track record in drug development, excellent communication skills, and effective management style.

Responsibilities:

• Guide company’s preclinical immunology efforts for mRNA 2.0 therapeutics.
• Independently design, execute, oversee, and analyze preclinical pharmacology, toxicology, DMPK studies for in vivo CAR-T programs.
• Work collaboratively with internal and external cross-functional teams, collaborators, funding agencies, and SAB members to align, plan and execute on the overall research and development plans
• Stay up-to-date on scientific literature and patent landscape and prepare technical reports and white papers.
• Lead regulatory filings with agencies, including FDA, EMA, and TGA.
• Manage CROs and collaborate with academic/industry partners for external preclinical studies
• Plan and oversee timelines, budgets, and risk mitigation for preclinical programs
• Prepare and present preclinical program updates internally and externally
• Develop TPPs and periodically revise them in response to internal data generation and ongoing landscape analysis.

Requirements:

• PhD. or M.D./Ph.D. in toxicology, pharmacology, immunology, immuno-oncology, genetics, or a related field, with 7+ years of Biotech/Pharma experience and 3+ years in managerial roles. (Candidates with 5+ years of experience may be considered for the Associate Director role)
• Comprehensive knowledge of preclinical development in autoimmune diseases, with preferred familiarity with immuno-oncology (e.g., CAR-T).
• Expertise in state-of-the-art methods for exploring cancer cell–immune cell interactions and assay development for mechanistic characterization of development candidates.
• Proven track record of scientific accomplishments, demonstrated by publications, patent applications, and key contributions to Go/No-Go decisions.
• Hands-on experience with multi-parameter flow cytometry, qPCR, and Western blotting.
• Familiarity with single-cell sorting and deep immune profiling (including multiplex approaches).
• Strong passion for innovative research and a desire to make a clinical impact with mRNA therapeutics.
• Experience collaborating with the FDA and other regulatory agencies (e.g., TGA) for preclinical and clinical development of autoimmune disease programs.
• Extensive experience authoring key regulatory filings (e.g., IND/HREC submissions) and leading meetings with regulatory agencies.
• Ability to maintain professional, productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven success in managing scientists and associates effectively.
• Willingness to learn, teach, and grow in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to the company’s ultimate goal of serving patients.
• Preferred: Prior experience with mRNA LNPs and in vivo CAR-T therapies.

Benefits:

• Competitive 401(k)   
• Highly competitive healthcare coverage (PPO/HMO)
• Free parking, monthly subway pass, or a subsidized commuter rail pass  
• Free Bluebike Membership
• Gym Membership Support   
• Flexible Spending Account 
• Paid parental leave, family caregiver leave, medical leave  
• Paid life insurance coverage 
• On-site cafeteria  
• Competitive vacation and sick days per year 

Kernal provides a diverse work environment and is committed to equal employment opportunities for all its employees and qualified applicants. We do not discriminate in employment practices for the 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.