Scientist, Nucleic Acid Therapeutics (GIS)

Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR); Singapore; On-site; SGD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution in Singapore seeks highly motivated scientists to join their Chemical Biology team. The role focuses on novel nucleic acid therapeutics, specifically antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs). Candidates should have a recent PhD and experience in RNA biology or a related field. The position offers competitive remuneration, relocation assistance, and is situated in a vibrant city known for its excellent quality of life and world-class research infrastructure.

Benefits

Highly competitive remuneration package

Relocation assistance

Qualifications

• PhD received within the last 5 years.
• Experience in nucleic acid therapeutics and ASO design.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and evaluation of RNA-targeting modalities.
• Perform molecular assays including plasmid design and RNA analysis.
• Participate in literature reviews and ensure project progress.

Skills

Nucleic acid therapeutics

ASO design

RNA biology

CRISPR technologies

Strong organisational skills

Collaboration

Education

PhD in RNA Biology, Chemical Biology, Biological Sciences, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering or related disciplines

Job description

The Yu Lab at the Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), A*STAR is seeking highly motivated scientists to join our Chemical Biology team and drive innovative discovery in nucleic acid therapeutics, with a focus on antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) and RNA‑targeted precision medicine.

Our lab specializes in engineering molecular tools to modulate cellular nucleic acids for therapeutic benefit. This position centers on advancing ASO platforms and complementary RNA‑targeting strategies to address diseases rooted in genomic dysregulation and currently undruggable pathways. This project aims to develop next‑generation ASOs for gene‑selective modulation, integrating chemical biology, RNA biology, and functional genomics.

Contract Length: 13‑month contract for the first instance.

Key Responsibilities

Nucleic Acid Therapeutics Development

• Lead the design, optimisation, and evaluation of RNA‑targeting modalities, with a strong emphasis on ASO engineering for therapeutic applications.

Molecular & Cellular Biology

• Perform molecular assays including plasmid design, cloning, stable cell line generation, qPCR/RNA analysis, and RNA‑seq library preparation.
• Conduct functional characterization of ASOs in relevant cell models.

Operational & Collaborative Responsibilities

• Participate actively in literature review, internal discussions, collaborative research, and cross‑functional initiatives.
• Ensure timely progress toward project milestones and contribute to manuscript, patent, and report preparation.
• Support laboratory operations: reagent preparation, inventory management, consumables ordering, and equipment maintenance.

Requirements

• PhD received within the last 5 years in RNA Biology, Chemical Biology, Biological Sciences, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, or related disciplines.
• Demonstrated experience in nucleic acid therapeutics, ASO design, RNA biology, CRISPR technologies, or sequencing‑based assays.
• Strong organisational skills, scientific rigor, and a proactive, curiosity‑driven mindset.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced, translational research environment.

Application Details

For enquiries or to apply, please email your CV and research motivation to Zutao Yu ([e-mail]), with email title “Scientist application_A*STAR”. More information about the lab can be found online: https://www.a-star.edu.sg/gis/our-people/faculty-staff/members/yu-zutao and https://www.yucleiclab.com.

Why Join Us?

The Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), A*STAR is the national flagship programme for genomic sciences in Singapore, with a mission to use genomics to improve public health and drive biomedical innovation. GIS offers a highly competitive remuneration package and relocation assistance. Singapore is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city‑state at the heart of Asia, known for its excellent quality of life, world‑class research infrastructure, and strong government support for scientific innovation.

Join us in advancing RNA and DNA‑targeted therapeutics and making an impact in functional genomic medicine!