Apply Here: https://careers.a-star.edu.sg/job/Group-Leader%2C-Oligonucleotides-Chemistry/1673-en_GB/
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
- 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.
- This position is based in Singapore. Successful candidates must be willing to relocate to Singapore.
Global Recruitment & Notes
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
