Associate Scientist/Scientist, mRNA Process Development

The RNA Society; Indiana (PA); On-site; USD 69,691 - 116,152; Full time

Job summary

NATi is seeking an Associate Scientist/Scientist, mRNA Process Development to advance mRNA vaccines and immunotherapies from discovery through IND-enabling stages. The role involves developing plasmid DNA, cell-free DNA, and IVT mRNA processes and supporting regulatory submissions in a fast-paced, cross-functional team.

The successful candidate will have 4+ years of relevant experience with MS or 7+ years with BS, and hands-on experience with ELISA, SDS-PAGE, and purification technologies.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biochemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4+ years with MS or 7+ years with BS in RNA Biochemistry or Pharmaceutical Sciences.
• Experience designing and conducting ex‑ vivo cell-based assays.
• Hands‑on experience in ELISA, Western Blot, SDS‑PAGE, and standard molecular biology tools (primer design, cloning, RT‑PCR, PCR, DNA/RNA extraction and purification).
• Knowledge of nucleic acid purification tools (AEX, HIC & Affinity Chromatography, IP‑RP HPLC) preferred.
• Ability to use SnapGene, GraphPad Prism and Excel.
• Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making skills; able to troubleshoot experimental processes and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop processes for the synthesis of bacterial plasmid DNA, cell-free DNA and in‑vitro transcribed (IVT) mRNA for different RNA therapeutic modalities (circRNA, saRNA, Linear mRNA).
• Develop purification methods (chromatography, tangential flow filtration) for plasmid DNA, cell-free DNA and mRNA.
• Develop DNA and mRNA characterization tools including CGE, HPLC, ELISA, cell-based protein expression, UV Spectroscopy and fluorescence assays.
• Develop and maintain SOPs and batch records to ensure reproducibility, compliance, and readiness for IND submission.
• 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.
• Support tech transfer activities to external CDMOs, including preparation of reports, training, and troubleshooting support.
• Support regulatory submissions by generating reports and contributing to CMC documentation.

Job description

The Associate Scientist/Scientist, mRNA Process Development will work to develop mRNA vaccines and immunotherapies across multiple therapeutic programs. This role is important to NATi's strategy, supporting development of multiple vaccine and immunotherapy candidates from discovery/pre‑clinical to IND-enabling stages. The successful candidate will have prior experience and proven track record in the academic or biotech laboratory settings.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop processes for the synthesis of bacterial plasmid DNA, cell-free DNA and in‑vitro transcribed (IVT) mRNA for different RNA therapeutic modalities (circRNA, saRNA, Linear mRNA)
• Develop purification methods (chromatography, tangential flow filtration) for plasmid DNA, cell-free DNA and mRNA
• Develop DNA and mRNA characterization tools including, but not limited, to capillary gel electrophoresis (CGE), HPLC, ELISA, cell-based protein expression, UV Spectroscopy and fluorescence assays
• Develop and maintain SOPs and batch records to ensure reproducibility, compliance, and readiness for IND submission.
• 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.
• Support tech transfer activities to external CDMOs, including preparation of reports, training, and troubleshooting support.
• Support regulatory submissions by generating reports and contributing to CMC documentation.

Qualifications & Experience

• BS or MS degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biochemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4+ (with MS degree) or 7+ (with BS degree) years of experience in the field related to RNA Biochemistry or Pharmaceutical Sciences. Industry experience preferred but not required.
• Knowledgeable and skilled in designing and conducting ex‑vivocell-based assays.
• Demonstrated hands‑on experience in ELISA, Western Blot, SDS‑PAGE, standard molecular biology and RNA biochemistry tools (primer design, cloning, RT‑PCR, PCR, DNA/RNA extraction and purification).
• Knowledge on nucleic acids purification tools (AEX, HIC & Affinity Chromatography, IP‑RP HPLC) preferred
• Ability to use SnapGene, GraphPad Prism and Excel.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and decision‑making skills with the ability to troubleshoot experimental processes and provide analysis.
• Comfortable with fast‑changing environment and flexible to effectively deliver results within reasonably established timelines.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a cross‑functional, fast‑paced multidisciplinary environment.
• This position is based in Singapore. Successful candidates must be willing to relocate to Singapore.

Global Recruitment & Notes

NATi is conducting a global search for top‑tier talent in RNA therapeutics and welcomes applications from leading pharmaceutical scientists and biotech innovators worldwide. Roles provide competitive compensation aligned with global industry standards, attractive benefits, and long‑term career growth opportunities within Singapore’s biomedical innovation ecosystem. The eligibility criteria are not exhaustive; A*STAR may include additional selection criteria under its prevailing recruitment policies. Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.