Portfolio Manager, RNA Technology Development (RNA Biology)

Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR); Singapore; On-site; SGD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in Singapore is seeking an experienced Portfolio Manager to oversee RNA technology projects. The role involves strategic planning, budget management, and stakeholder engagement to advance RNA-based therapeutics. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in RNA biology and proven project management experience.

Qualifications

• Experience in biotech or life sciences companies, especially in portfolio/project management.
• Demonstrated experience in managing a portfolio of complex projects.
• Ability to influence and communicate effectively across diverse teams.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the development and execution of RNA technology projects.
• Manage project budgets and ensure compliance with grant funding requirements.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to drive project success.

Skills

Project Management

Leadership Skills

Communication Skills

Analytical Skills

Education

Advanced Degree (Ph.D. preferred) in RNA Biology, Biotechnology, or related field

MBA (desirable)

Job description

Organisation: NATi

Location: Singapore

Reports to: DD Portfolio Management Unit

Job type: Full-time

NATi

Nucleic Acid Therapeutics Initiative (NATi), hosted by A*STAR, is Singapore's national platform dedicated to advancing RNA-based medicines and revolutionising drug and vaccine development. NATi's mission is to establish Singapore as a globally recognised hub of excellence in nucleic acid therapeutics research, clinical translation, and commercialisation. 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 from early 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

We seek an experienced Portfolio Manager to oversee multiple project teams across Singapore. The PM will accelerate project execution with the aim of technology maturation and integration across the portfolio. Responsibilities include interfacing with research teams, ensuring grant compliance, and managing our RNA technology portfolio. The ideal candidate has expertise in RNA biology and a track record in biotechnology portfolio management.

Key Responsibilities

Portfolio and Project Management: Oversee the development and execution of RNA technology projects, with a focus on RNA biology, from inception to completion, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and timelines.

Strategic Planning: Develop and implement strategic plans for RNA technology initiatives, identifying opportunities for innovation and growth.

Budget Management: Manage project budgets, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and adherence to financial targets.

Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including researchers, scientists, and industry partners, to drive project success and commercial outcomes.

Grant Compliance: Ensure all projects comply with grant funding requirements and standards.

Data Analysis: Oversee the analysis and interpretation of RNA-related data, providing insights to guide project direction and decision-making.

Commercial and Competitive Awareness: Understand the global competitive landscape and RNA drug and technology investment trends to inform strategic decisions.

Intellectual Property: Familiar with intellectual property and portfolio management, ensuring the protection and optimisation of RNA technologies.

Investment: Catalyse collaboration with industry to secure investment for NATi and Singapore.

Qualifications

Advanced Degree (Ph.D. preferred) in RNA Biology, Biotechnology, or a related field, complementary business experience or an MBA is desirable.

Technical Expertise: Knowledge of RNA biology, including RNA synthesis and expression, modification, and function, and related field.
Professional Experience: Prior experience in biotech or life sciences companies, especially in portfolio/project management, business development, strategy and/or R&D.
Project Management: Demonstrated experience in managing a portfolio of complex projects.
Leadership Skills: Proven ability to lead and manage cross-functional teams in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Able to influence and communicate effectively across diverse teams and different levels, from scientists to principal investigators and stakeholders.
Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex scientific concepts to varied audiences.
Analytical Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen attention to detail, with the ability to assess and mitigate project risks

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and references. Please include a summary of your experiences in portfolio management, highlighting relevant achievements and contributions.

Join our team and contribute to groundbreaking advancements in RNA technology development. We look forward to your application!