Group Lead - Oligonucleotides Chemistry

singular: building brilliant biotechs; Singapore; On-site; SGD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation support

Favorable tax environment 18–19%

Job summary

building brilliant biotechs seeks an experienced Group Leader, Oligonucleotides Chemistry to build and lead the chemistry function and expand an RNA platform, delivering oligo therapeutics from design to candidate selection.

You will drive platform expansion, mentor a multidisciplinary team, and collaborate with analytical development, bioconjugation, and engineering groups to enable target deployment.

Qualifications

• Deep experience in oligonucleotide chemistry and/or bioconjugation.
• Experience analysing bioconjugate chemistry structures; patents valued.
• Prior leadership experience (GL level or equivalent).

Responsibilities

• Lead design, synthesis, purification, and characterisation of oligonucleotides through to candidate selection.
• Drive platform expansion, including new modalities and strategies beyond hepatic targets.
• Build and mentor a multidisciplinary chemistry team.

Skills

Oligonucleotide chemistry

Bioconjugation

Leadership

Job description

You are an experienced oligonucleotide chemist who thrives in discovery‑stage environments. You want to build and lead a chemistry function, expand an emerging RNA platform, and take novel oligonucleotide designs all the way through to candidate selection. You want the combination of scientific depth, platform ownership, and the chance to shape a fast‑scaling therapeutic initiative from the ground up.

A newly established RNA drug‑discovery initiative-backed by long‑term government support and expanding from 13 to ~80 scientists; now seeks a Group Leader, Oligonucleotides Chemistry to drive platform expansion and create the next generation of oligo therapeutics.

THE ROLE

You will build and lead the oligonucleotide chemistry function, driving platform expansion “beyond the liver” and ensuring the chemistry capabilities are ready for true target deployment. This role blends group leadership, platform design, hands‑on scientific problem‑solving, and close collaboration with analytical development, bioconjugation, and engineering teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead design, synthesis, purification, and characterisation of oligonucleotides through to candidate selection
• Drive platform expansion, including new modalities and strategies beyond hepatic targets
• Build and mentor a multidisciplinary chemistry team

About You

• Deep experience in oligonucleotide chemistry and/or bioconjugation
• Experience analysing bioconjugate chemistry structures; evidence through patents is valued
• Prior leadership experience (GL level or equivalent)

Logistics

• Benefits include relocation support, offsets, and tax environment where effective tax often falls around 18–19%