Program Leader - Extrahepatic Delivery

A*STAR RESEARCH ENTITIES; Singapore; On-site; SGD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

NATi at A*STAR in Singapore seeks a Scientist/Senior Scientist to lead preclinical ADME, PK, biodistribution and bioanalytical strategy for oligonucleotide therapeutics. You will drive study design, data integration, and translational modelling to inform IND-enabling decisions.

The role requires deep PK/biodistribution expertise, in vitro and in vivo assay development, and strong cross-functional collaboration in a fast-paced startup-style environment.

Qualifications

• PhD in Pharmacokinetics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Molecular Biology, or related field.
• Hands-on PK study design and analysis in oligonucleotide programs.
• Experience with biodistribution including extrahepatic tissues and bioanalytical platforms.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and interpret PK studies for oligonucleotides in rodent and non-rodent models.
• Characterize ADME and tissue distribution, especially extrahepatic tissues.
• Lead integration of biodistribution, PK/PD, and functional outcomes to guide candidate selection.

Skills

PK study design

Tissue biodistribution

Bioanalytical platforms

In vivo evaluation of oligonucleotides

Cross-functional leadership

Regulatory alignment

Education

PhD in Pharmacokinetics or related field

Tools

qPCR

LC-MS/MS

Hybridization assays

Job description

About NATi

The 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 discovery to clinical development. We are actively seeking passionate and committed individuals with deep translational expertise to join us in advancing the next generation of RNA-based therapeutics.

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated Scientist/Senior Scientist to lead and support ADME, pharmacokinetics (PK), biodistribution, and bioanalytical strategy for oligonucleotide therapeutics. This role will be central in advancing programs from discovery through preclinical development by enabling quantitative understanding of exposure, tissue distribution, target engagement, and PK/PD relationships. The successful candidate will lead the design and execution of preclinical DMPK strategies, integrate PK/PD and biodistribution data to inform candidate selection, and drive translational strategy to support IND-enabling studies. This position requires deep expertise in oligonucleotide PK, rigorous analytical thinking, and the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, cross-functional startup environment.

Key Responsibilities

1. ADME, Pharmacokinetics & Translational Strategy

• Design, execute, and interpret PK studies for different oligonucleotides in rodent and non-rodent models.
• Characterize absorption, tissue distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) of oligonucleotides with emphasis on both hepatic and extrahepatic tissue exposure (e.g., muscle, adipose tissue) where relevant; Establish in vitro and/or ex vivo assays to assess molecule’s stability, protein binding, and metabolite profiling as needed.
• Link molecule exposure (PK) to pharmacodynamic (PD) effects (e.g., target knockdown, steric blocking, pharmacological response)
• Design and interpret single- and repeat-dose PK studies to support dose selection, regimen optimization, and translational modelling.
• Lead and be accountable for preclinical proof-of-concept (POC) for targeted oligonucleotide platforms (e.g., antibody-oligonucleotide conjugates/AOCs) for extrahepatic delivery (e.g., muscle, adipose tissue)

2. Bioanalytical Strategy

• Develop, validate, and implement robust bioanalytical assays for oligonucleotide quantification in plasma and tissues (e.g., qPCR-based assays, SL-RT-PCR, Hybridization ELISA, LC-MS/MS)
• Ensure assays are fit-for-purpose with appropriate sensitivity, specificity, and dynamic range, particularly for low-abundance tissues
• Support biomarker strategies (e.g., target mRNA knockdown, protein modulation).
• Ensure regulatory alignment (GLP where applicable).

3. Cross-functional & Project Leadership

• Provide scientific and project leadership for ADME/PK components of oligonucleotide programs, particularly those focused on extrahepatic delivery
• Partner closely with discovery biology/, oligonucleotide chemistry, and bioconjugation scientists.
• Contribute to IND-enabling studies and regulatory documentation.
• Oversee external CRO studies, ensuring scientific quality, timelines, and strategic alignment

Qualifications & Professional Attributes

• PhD in Pharmacokinetics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Molecular Biology, or related field.
• A minimum of +4 (Scientist) or +8 (Senior Scientist) years of hands-on experience in preclinical development of oligonucleotide therapeutics
• Demonstrated expertise in PK study design and analysis, Tissue biodistribution, including extrahepatic tissues, and Bioanalytical platforms (qPCR, LC-MS/MS, hybridization assays)
• Hands-on experience leading or contributing to in vivo evaluation of targeted oligonucleotides (e.g., AOCs) with demonstrated success in POC for extrahepatic delivery (e.g., Skeletal muscle, adipose tissue)
• Experience integrating biodistribution, PK/PD, and functional outcomes to drive candidate selection
• Experience working in metabolic disease models is highly desirable
• Demonstrated experience in project leadership or scientific ownership within crossfunctional teams
• Experience establishing capabilities and working with CRO partners
• Strong analytical rigor and data-driven decision-making
• Effective communicator with the ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders

Global Recruitment & Competitive Compensation

NATi is conducting a global search for top-tier talent in RNA therapeutics. 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 biomedical innovation ecosystem.

The above eligibility criteria are not exhaustive. A*STAR may include additional selection criteria based on its prevailing recruitment policies. These policies may be amended from time to time without notice. We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.