Director / Deputy Director, R&D Strategy - Nucleic Acid Therapeutics Initiative

Director / Deputy Director, R&D Strategy - Nucleic Acid Therapeutics Initiative (NATi)

Job Description

Nucleic Acid Therapeutics Initiative (NATi) is Singapore's national platform focused on the development of nucleic acid therapies. NATi aims to drive the R&D of RNA therapeutics into the clinic by developing new enabling technologies, partnering with industry on technologies and assets, supporting researchers' development of RNA therapeutics, and developing alliances with clinical and regulatory key opinion leaders. Singapore aims to become a world-class hub for nucleic acid therapeutics (NAT), achieving excellence in research and clinical translation, strengthening resilience to future pandemics, and supporting a vibrant biotech ecosystem.

One of the objectives of the Research Strategy Team is to integrate scientific acumen with business analytics and processes to deliver a clear therapeutic areas strategy and effectively manage an emerging pipeline of innovative technologies and therapeutic assets. We are seeking an experienced Director/Deputy Director, R&D Strategy to develop a phase-appropriate strategy and to launch multiple programs across several therapeutic areas. This role is accountable for portfolio analyses needed for effective decision making and ensures clear communication of portfolio strategy, status, and decisions across the R&D organization. The successful candidate will leverage expertise in portfolio management to maximize the value of our research investments and accelerate the development of innovative therapies for patients. He/She will collaborate with A*STAR research institutes, universities, and AMCs in the Singapore ecosystem, as well as international organisations/companies to foster collaboration and drive economic impact. He/She will have a deep scientific understanding of drug development across multiple therapeutic areas with a special interest in nucleic acid drugs and/or genetic medicines.

Responsibilities

• Anchoring to NATi's overall R&D Strategy and business objectives, develops and implements a comprehensive therapeutic area and portfolio management strategy to launch the R&D pipeline.
• Actively contributes to real-time and effective portfolio prioritization, decision making, and key portfolio analytics to support individual asset and portfolio-level decision making.
• Leads strategic initiatives independently and under the direction of the Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) to improve portfolio management and develop mechanisms to effectively respond to evolving business needs.
• Provides support to national-level R&D programmes in RNA therapeutics, which could include working with the broader Singapore ecosystem to:
  • Scope and establish RNA technology platforms that are globally competitive;
  • Engage with organisations/companies to foster partnerships that can lead to the out-licensing or spin-off of assets/platforms;
  • Engage with agencies and stakeholders to identify gaps and align priorities and goals to Singapore's national and economic interests.
• Collaborates with research scientists, project leaders, and cross-functional teams to evaluate and prioritize research projects based on strategic fit, scientific merit, market potential, and resource availability.
• Conducts regular competitive assessments of the external landscape to contextualize portfolio opportunities, risks, and long-term strategy.
• Fosters a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the portfolio management team, promoting best practices and knowledge sharing.
• The Director / Deputy Director, R&D Strategy will report to the NATi CSO.

Job Requirements

• Expected +8 years of drug development experience in a pharmaceutical/biotechnology organization or comparable experience in biopharmaceutical consulting developing therapeutic area strategy, portfolio prioritization, and pipeline management.
• Expertise in competitive portfolio landscapes in one or more of the following therapeutic areas: ophthalmology, vaccines, cardiometabolic disease, immunology.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to provide strategic direction and drive results.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate in a matrixed cross-functional organization.
• Advanced degree (Ph.D.) in life sciences; additional business experience or degree (e.g., MBA) is highly desirable.
• Prior experience with the development of nucleic acid therapeutics or genetic medicines is highly desirable.