Group Leader, Oligonucleotide Chemistry

Singular: Building Brilliant Biotechs; Singapore; On-site; SGD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation support

Competitive benefits package

World-class infrastructure

Job summary

Singular: Building Brilliant Biotechs in Singapore seeks a Group Leader, Oligonucleotide Chemistry to lead synthesis, purification and analytical characterisation while guiding a high-performing team. The role supports multiple therapeutic discovery programmes from concept to candidate nomination.

The ideal candidate has a PhD in Chemistry or related field, extensive oligonucleotide drug discovery experience, and a track record in leadership and mentorship within biotech/pharma environments.

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemistry or related field required.
• Significant oligonucleotide drug discovery and development experience.
• Strong knowledge of SPOS, purification methods and LC-MS/UPLC analytics.
• Proven leadership with mentoring capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Establish, optimise and scale high-throughput SPOS workflows for ASOs, siRNA and related modalities.
• Lead and develop a high-performing team of scientists and research associates.
• Collaborate with biology, delivery, analytical and preclinical groups to advance programmes toward candidate nomination.
• Manage external collaborators and CRO partnerships while maintaining in-house capabilities.
• Evaluate and implement new technologies to enhance discovery and development.
• Contribute to IP generation, reports and strategic scientific planning.

Skills

People leadership

SPOS

Oligonucleotide chemistry

Team management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

PhD in Chemistry or related

Tools

SPOS

LC-MS/UPLC

Job description

Shape the Future of RNA Medicines as Group Leader, Oligonucleotide Chemistry

Singapore | Full-Time | RNA Therapeutics

A pioneering biotechnology company at the forefront of RNA therapeutic innovation is seeking an exceptional Group Leader, Oligonucleotide Chemistry to lead its specialised oligonucleotide chemistry platform and support the development of next-generation RNA medicines.

This is a unique opportunity to combine scientific leadership with hands-on innovation, taking on a role that will be driving the discovery and advancement of RNA-based therapeutics from concept through to candidate selection.

The Company

The organisation is a rapidly growing biotechnology innovator focused on harnessing the potential of RNA-based medicines to address significant unmet medical needs. Combining cutting-edge science with a highly collaborative research environment, the company is advancing a pipeline of novel therapeutics across a range of disease areas and continues to invest in expanding its world-class discovery capabilities.

The Role

As Group Leader, Oligonucleotide Chemistry, the successful candidate will lead oligonucleotide synthesis, purification, and analytical characterisation activities while managing and developing a high-performing team of scientists. The role will be instrumental in expanding the company's chemistry capabilities, integrating emerging technologies, and supporting multiple therapeutic discovery programmes.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish, optimise, and scale high-throughput solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis (SPOS) workflows for ASOs, siRNA, SSOs, RNA editing applications, and emerging oligonucleotide modalities.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of scientists and research associates, fostering a culture of scientific excellence, collaboration, and innovation.
• Partner closely with biology, delivery, analytical, and preclinical teams to advance programmes towards candidate nomination and development.
• Manage external collaborators and CRO partnerships while maintaining strategic in-house expertise and capabilities.
• Contribute to the evaluation and implementation of new technologies that enhance oligonucleotide discovery and development capabilities.
• Support intellectual property generation, technical reports, presentations, and broader scientific strategy where required.

About You

• PhD in Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Chemical Biology, or a related discipline.
• Significant industry experience in oligonucleotide drug discovery and development.
• Strong technical knowledge of SPOS technologies, purification methodologies, and LC-MS/UPLC analytical platforms.
• Proven track record of advancing oligonucleotide therapeutics within biotechnology or pharmaceutical environments.
• Demonstrated leadership experience with a passion for mentoring and developing scientific talent.

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package aligned with global industry standards.
• The opportunity to work at the forefront of RNA therapeutic innovation.
• Access to world-class scientific infrastructure and multidisciplinary expertise.
• Clear opportunities for career progression, leadership development, and professional growth.
• Relocation support and comprehensive benefits, where applicable.