Senior Principal Scientist, Nucleic Acid Therapeutics Initiative (NATi)

A*STAR RESEARCH ENTITIES; Singapore; On-site; SGD 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading biopharmaceutical initiative in Singapore seeks a Head of Oligonucleotides Platform to establish and lead a research organization focused on RNA-based drug development. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in ASO/siRNA technology and a strong record in regulatory compliance and innovation. This role offers competitive compensation and opportunities for career growth in a thriving ecosystem.

Benefits

Attractive benefits

Long-term career growth opportunities

Qualifications

• 12+ years experience for Executive Director, or 15+ for Associate VP, or 18+ for VP role in ASO/siRNA development.
• Proven track record in oligonucleotides-based technology.
• Strong communication skills with organizational leadership experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement R&D roadmap for oligonucleotide therapeutics.
• Build and lead high-performing scientific teams.
• Collaborate effectively with therapeutic area heads for asset development.
• Oversee IP strategy and public-private partnerships.

Skills

Oligonucleotides technology

Drug development

Regulatory compliance

Strategic partnerships

Leadership

Education

Doctorate in Biology, Chemistry, Engineering or related field

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 revolutionizing drug and vaccine development. NATi's mission is to establish Singapore as a globally recognized hub of excellence in nucleic acid therapeutics research, clinical translation, and commercialization.

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 RNA scientists with deep translational expertise to join us in advancing the next generation of RNA-based therapeutics.

Position Overview

The Head of Oligonucleotides Platform will build and lead a robust and fully integrated oligonucleotides (e.g., ASO, siRNA) research organization to support the discovery, production, preclinical development, and translation of oligonucleotides Drug Candidates. This role demands deep expertise across the different elements of the synthetic oligonucleotides technology to ensure readiness and to position the platform to operate as a robust engine for development of gene silencing medicines.

This leader will work closely with the NATi Managing Director to develop and execute the strategy for the Oligonucleotides Platform. They will establish productive partnerships with the heads of therapeutic areas to collaboratively develop the next wave of RNA medicines.

Additionally, this leader will play a critical role in defining the innovation agenda for the oligonucleotides platform and oversee strategic partnerships with global collaborators focused on unlocking the full potential of ASO/siRNA modality.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the R&D roadmap for the oligonucleotide-based therapeutics spanning sequence design, chemical optimization, preclinical development, and production of oligonucleotides candidates to establish a sustainable pipeline for oligonucleotide therapeutics.
• Build and lead a high-performing scientific team accountable for genomics/transcriptomics profiling, bioinformatics, oligonucleotide design/engineering, bioconjugates/delivery systems, analytical characterization, biological validation, and CMC development.
• Guided by a thorough understanding of IP/FTO, establish and leverage clinically validated innovations (e.g., nucleotides modification, GalNAc conjugates) for asset generation ensuring seamless transition from preclinical validation to early clinical development.
• Oversee the generation, prioritization, and adoption of novel technologies (e.g., nucleotide modification, targeting ligands discovery/optimization/validation) to enable access to multiple tissues/cell types and support a pipeline in cardiovascular/metabolic diseases and retinal disorders.
• Collaborate effectively with heads of therapeutic areas within NATi to develop a robust pipeline of oligonucleotides assets on an accelerated timeline with optimal resource utilization.
• Oversee intellectual property strategy for oligonucleotides platform, ensuring NATi's innovations are well-protected and commercially viable.
• Establish public-private partnerships, fostering joint development programs and strategic alliances.
• Represent the oligonucleotides platform at global scientific conferences, reinforcing NATi's leadership in next-generation RNA therapeutics.
• Engage with regulatory agencies to ensure alignment on safety, efficacy, scalability, and regulatory compliance of NATi's oligonucleotides platform capabilities.

Qualifications & Experience

• A doctorate degree in Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 12+ (Executive Director), 15+ (Associate Vice President), 18+ (Vice President) years of experience in development/optimization of ASO/siRNA technology and its utilization in drug development within pharmaceutical or biotech organizations.
• Proven track record in oligonucleotides-based technology innovation and asset generation demonstrated by contribution to IP, IND filings, and other public disclosures.
• Direct experience in enabling Candidates transition to First in Human (FIH) and regulatory filings (e.g., Pre-IND meetings, IND/NDA filings); Experience with multiple regulatory agencies is desirable.
• Strong communication skills and a track record in establishing strategic partnerships
• Demonstrated experience in organizational leadership, R&D governance, management of complex multifunctional programs.

Global Recruitment & Competitive Compensation

NATi is conducting a global search for top-tier talent in mRNA therapeutics. We welcome applications from leading scientists and biotech innovators worldwide.

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 ecosystem. Join us in shaping the future of RNA-based medicines and establishing Singapore as a world-class hub for nucleic acid therapeutics.

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.