Director, Vaccines & Immunology

Agency for Science, Technology and Research; Queenstown; On-site; USD 150,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization in RNA therapeutics is seeking a Head of Vaccines & Immunology. This strategic role involves driving mRNA vaccine development and leading a high-performance team. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in immunology and a proven track record in vaccine development, aiming to shape the future of RNA-based medicines.

Benefits

Competitive compensation package

Attractive benefits

Long-term career growth opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum 12+ years of experience in vaccine development.
• Proven expertise in mRNA-based therapeutics.
• Experience in organizational leadership and R&D governance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute R&D strategy for mRNA vaccines.
• Build and lead a high-performing scientific team.
• Collaborate with partners to accelerate development timelines.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Thinking

Communication

Education

Doctorate degree in immunology, vaccinology, molecular biology, or related field

Job description

Organization: Therapeutic Areas

Location: Singapore

Job Type: Senior Leadership | Full Time

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 commercialization. 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

NATi is seeking a seasoned inspirational leader as the Head of Vaccines & Immunology therapeutic area. This strategic leader will drive the development of mRNA-based vaccines and spearhead the expansion of mRNA technology into the broader autoimmunity and inflammation areas. This leader will represent NATi on Singapore’s pandemic preparedness taskforces. The ideal candidate will possess deep knowledge of regulation of innate and adaptive immune systems, disease mechanisms across immune disorders, genetic/epigenetic drivers of autoimmune diseases, and the appropriate tools/animal models to launch a pipeline of discovery programs. This leader should have a demonstrated history of building high-performance discovery teams and delivering high quality Candidates for clinical development.

This leader will be a member of NATi's senior leadership team and will work closely with the Managing Director to develop and execute the strategy for the Vaccines & Immunology Therapeutic Area. She/He will establish a productive partnership with the head of mRNA platform to collaboratively develop the next wave of mRNA-based medicines. This role is crafted for a motivated leader who thrives at the intersection of scientific innovation and strategic execution in an emerging ecosystem with a relentless desire to shape the future of mRNA-based vaccines and immunology therapeutics. If you are driven by transformative challenges and seek to impact the future of RNA medicines through cutting-edge science, we invite you to join the NATi.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and execute a comprehensive R&D strategy that leverages mRNA technology to build a robust product pipeline of vaccines and immune therapeutics that spans from early discovery through preclinical validation and into early clinical development for unmet medical needs.

Build and lead a high-performing scientific team accountable for target identification/validation, epitope mapping, antigen design/optimization,

Collaborate effectively with the head of mRNA platform within NATi to develop a robust pipeline of assets on an accelerated timeline with optimal resource utilization.

Build and nurture external partnerships with leading CROs, academic institutions, and industry collaborators to accelerate discovery and expedite development timelines for pipeline programs.

Collaborate across Singapore ecosystem to support pandemic preparedness and foster joint development programs and strategic alliances.

Liaise with regulatory agencies to drive smoother transition of NATi's assets from preclinical validation to clinical trials, ensuring compliance at all stages.

Oversee intellectual property strategy for vaccines and immunology pipeline, ensuring NATi’s innovations are well-protected and commercially viable.

Present the progress of pipeline programs at global scientific conferences, reinforcing NATi's leadership in the development of vaccines and immune therapeutics.

Qualifications & Experience

A doctorate degree in immunology, vaccinology, molecular biology, or a related field.

A minimum of 12+ (Executive Director), 15+ (Associate Vice President), 18+ (Vice President) years of experience in the development of vaccines and immune-modulating therapies within pharmaceutical or biotech organizations.

Proven expertise in development of mRNA-based vaccines/therapeutics including the successful execution of discovery programs from inception to IND-filing demonstrated by contribution to IP, regulatory filings, and other public disclosures.

Demonstrated experience in organizational leadership, R&D governance, management of complex multifunctional programs in a biopharma or biotech environment.

Demonstrated ability to engage with internal stakeholders and external partners such as CROs, regulatory agencies, and academic collaborators.

Strategic thinker with excellent communication skills who can translate complex scientific concepts into strategic and operational directives; A track record in establishing strategic partnerships

Global Recruitment & Competitive Compensation

NATi is conducting a global search for top-tier talent in mRNA therapeutics. We welcome applications from leading 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 ecosystem. Join us in shaping the future of RNA-based medicines and establishing Singapore as a world-class hub for nucleic acid therapeutics.