Job Description

About NATi

The Nucleic Acid Therapeutics Initiative (NATi), hosted by A*STAR, is Singapore's national platform dedicated to advancing RNA-based medicines and revolutionizing drug and vaccine development. NATi's mission is to establish Singapore as a globally recognized hub of excellence in nucleic acid therapeutics research, clinical translation, and commercialisation.

NATi focuses on key RNA modalities such as antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), small interfering RNA (siRNA), and messenger RNA (mRNA). To drive this vision, NATi is building a biotech-like translational engine focused on asset and technology development spanning discovery to clinical development.

We are actively seeking passionate and committed RNA scientists with deep translational expertise to join us in advancing the next generation of RNA-based therapeutics.

Position Overview

The Group Leader, Oligonucleotides Chemistry will oversee NATi's oligonucleotide chemistry capabilities spanning pre-clinical synthesis, separation, and analytical characterization workflows. Beyond establishing robust SPOS-based workflows, this role is instrumental in expanding the oligonucleotides platform into next-generation chemistries, novel constructs, and differentiated oligonucleotide formats. This group leader operates in a dual capacity - a strategic scientific leader and a hands-on expert at the bench guiding a growing team, internal stakeholders, and external partners. The successful candidate will drive end-to-end oligonucleotide generation to support multiple discovery programs, collaborate closely with delivery, analytical, biology and preclinical teams, and contribute to pipeline advancement toward drug candidate selection.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish, optimise, and scale high-throughput SPOS workflows for small- and mid-scale synthesis of ASOs, siRNA, SSO, RNA editors, and emerging constructs including non-canonical chemistries and next-generation amidites.
• Expand oligonucleotide platform capabilities beyond established modalities by evaluating, integrating, and validating new chemistries, scaffolds, conjugation strategies, and delivery-enabled formats.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for synthesis, processing, purification, and analytical characterisation to ensure high-quality and reproducible results.
• Lead through hands-on experimentation while providing scientific direction, prioritisation, and troubleshooting for team members and project stakeholders.
• Build, mentor, and manage a high-performing team of research associates and scientists; coach junior scientists across levels on experimental design, execution, data interpretation, and scientific thinking.
• Serve as Lead Oligonucleotide Chemist on multidisciplinary project teams with responsibility for oligo design, synthesis strategy, manufacturability assessment, and optimisation toward drug candidate nomination.
• Possess and/or develop robust understanding in cardiovascular, metabolic, muscle and/or ophthalmological disorders.
• Collaborate closely with bioconjugation chemists to develop a seamless workflow for generation of conjugated oligonucleotides (e.g., peptides, antibodies, lipids, sugars) for in vitro/in vivo studies.
• Strategically leverage CRO partners for routine, non-IP-sensitive activities, while maintaining core IP-generating chemistry and novel construct design in-house.
• Play a key role in expanding NATi's intellectual property (IP) portfolio through generation of new chemical compositions and drug candidates; support IP filing by preparing technical documentation, coordinating patent submission, and collaborating with legal teams to safeguard proprietary technologies.
• Prepare appropriate summary reports and presentations to update NATi leadership and stakeholders.

Qualifications & Experience

• A doctorate degree in Chemistry, Chemical Biology, Organic/Medicinal Chemistry, or a related field.
• A minimum of 7+ (Senior Scientist), 10+ (Principal Scientist), 13+ (Associate Director) years of hands-on modern synthetic chemistry methods particularly in nucleosides, nucleotides, and oligonucleotide synthesis, purification, and analysis in pharmaceutical or biotechnology settings.
• Extensive hands-on experience with modern SPOS instrumentation (e.g., MerMade 192X/12, ÄKTA OligoSynth), purification systems (e.g., ÄKTA Avant/Pure, tangential flow filtration), and analytical platforms (e.g., UPLC, LC/MS, HRMS), and lyophilisers.
• Demonstrated ability to build or expand oligonucleotide chemistry capabilities, integrate emerging chemistries, and develop robust platform workflows.
• Experience managing or collaborating with CROs, including tech transfer, oversight, and governance of outsourced synthesis or analysis activities.
• Proven track record in advancing oligonucleotide-based therapeutics toward candidate selection, supported by publications, patents, IND filings, or other notable scientific disclosures.
• Strong leadership, mentorship, and communication skills with the ability to guide junior scientists and influence cross-functional teams.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, translational environment with shifting priorities and demanding objectives. 
• A dependable partner in cross-functional teams who embraces a collaborative culture while demonstrating the autonomy and initiative required to deliver on assigned scientific and operational responsibilities.
• Prior experience in therapeutic oligonucleotide discovery for metabolic, cardiovascular, muscle, or retinal diseases is highly desirable.

Global Recruitment & Competitive Compensation

NATi is conducting a global search for top-tier talent in RNA therapeutics. We welcome applications from leading pharmaceuticals scientists and biotech innovators worldwide.

This role provides a highly competitive compensation package aligned with global industry standards, including attractive benefits and long-term career growth opportunities within Singapore's thriving biomedical innovation ecosystem. Join us in shaping the future of RNA-based medicines and establishing Singapore as a world-class hub for nucleic acid therapeutics