Senior Scientist II, NATi

A*STAR RESEARCH ENTITIES; Singapore; On-site; SGD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

A*STAR NATi invites applications from RNA scientists to lead LNP formulation and process development across multiple programs in Singapore.

The Senior Scientist II will establish scalable LNP manufacturing processes, implement QbD, and drive technology transfer to CDMOs while aligning with regulatory expectations for clinical development.

Qualifications

• Experience applying Quality by Design (QbD) and DoE to LNP processes.
• Regulatory filing experience for IND-enabling CMC studies.
• Hands-on experience with high-throughput automated LNP formulation workflows.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize LNP formulation processes for different RNA payloads (e.g., mRNA, circRNA, saRNA, gRNA).
• Design high-throughput automated workflows for LNP formulation and purification (microfluidics, TFF) for rapid screening and scale-up.
• Apply QbD to define CPPs/CQAs and integrate PAT for real-time monitoring.
• Lead tech transfer activities to external CDMOs and support regulatory submissions.

Skills

Leadership in teams

Problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Rapid screening

Education

Ph.D. in Chemistry or related field

MS in Chemistry/Pharmaceutical Sciences

Tools

Microfluidics

TFF systems

DLS

HPLC

TEM

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 Senior Scientist II, LNP Process Development will lead the formulation and process development of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for RNA delivery across multiple therapeutic programs. This role is central to NATi’s translational strategy, enabling robust and scalable LNP process development and supporting clinical advancement via seamless technology transfer. The successful candidate will establish robust, scalable, and reproducible LNP manufacturing processes using Quality by Design (QbD) principles, supporting production from early-stage research through preclinical and pilot-scale batches. The successful candidate will also drive technology transfer to external CDMOs, ensuring alignment with regulatory and quality standards for clinical development.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize LNP formulation processes for different RNA payloads (e.g., mRNA, circRNA, saRNA, gRNA), focusing on encapsulation efficiency, particle size control, and stability.
• Design and implement high-throughput, automated workflows for LNP formulation and purification, leveraging scalable technologies (e.g., microfluidics, TFF systems) to support rapid screening, process optimization, and multiscale production (mg to gram) from discovery through pilot-scale manufacturing.
• ApplyQbD principlesto define critical process parameters (CPPs) and critical quality attributes (CQAs) for LNP manufacturing workflows.
• Integrate process analytical technologies (PAT) for real-time monitoring and control of LNP manufacturing workflows.
• Design and execute process development studies coupled with robust characterization workflows to support preclinical, toxicology, and pilot-scale manufacturing.
• Collaborate with analytical teams to develop and validate methods for LNP characterization (e.g., DLS, encapsulation efficiency, TEM, HPLC).
• Develop and maintain SOPs and batch records to ensure reproducibility, compliance, and readiness for GMP environments.
• Maintain accurate records using LIMS/ELN systems to support data integrity and reproducibility.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and documentation to support internal decision-making and external regulatory submissions.
• Leadtech transfer activitiesto external CDMOs, including preparation of documentation, training, and troubleshooting support.
• Support regulatory submissions by generating process development reports and contributing to CMC documentation.

Qualifications & Experience

• MS or Ph.D. degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Material Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 4+ (with a Ph.D. degree) or 7+ (with a MS degree) years of experience in LNP formulation and process development in pharmaceutical or biotech settings; Scientist candidates are expected to demonstrate leadership in cross-functional project teams, strategic input into platform development, and mentoring of junior staff.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience in designing and implementing high-throughput, automated workflows for LNP formulation and purification, utilizing scalable technologies (e.g., microfluidics, TFF, sterile filtration) to support rapid screening, process optimization, and multiscale production.
• Experience applying Quality by Design (QbD) principles in LNP process development, including the use of Design of Experiments (DoE), risk assessments (e.g., FMEA), and control strategies to define and optimize critical process parameters (CPPs) and critical quality attributes (CQAs) for scalable and reproducible manufacturing.
• Proven track record of experience in regulatory filing for RNA-based therapeutics, IND-enabling CMC studies, and supporting documentation.
• Experience in lyophilization process development for LNP-based formulations, including optimization of cryoprotectants, cycle design, and stability assessment is highly desirable.
• A track record oftech transfer to CDMOs, including documentation and on-site support is a plus.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced multidisciplinary environment.

Global Recruitment & Competitive Compensation

NATi is conducting a global search for top-tier talent in RNA therapeutics. We welcome applications from leading pharmaceuticals 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 biomedical innovation 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.