Group Leader, Oligonucleotides Chemistry

The RNA Society; Indiana (PA); On-site; USD 141,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

NATi is seeking a Group Leader, Oligonucleotides Chemistry to oversee SPOS-based synthesis, analysis, and platform expansion for oligonucleotide therapeutics. The role blends strategic leadership with bench science to drive discovery programs and collaboration across delivery, biology, and preclinical teams.

The successful candidate will lead a team of researchers, guide chemistry strategy for drug candidate nomination, and contribute to IP development. Relocation to Singapore is required.

Qualifications

• Experience establishing and scaling high-throughput SPOS workflows for oligonucleotides (ASOs, siRNA, SSO, RNA editors).
• Ability to evaluate and implement new chemistries and delivery-enabled formats.
• Experience creating SOPs for synthesis, processing, purification, and analysis.

Responsibilities

• Establish, optimise, and scale high-throughput SPOS workflows for small- and mid-scale synthesis of ASOs, siRNA, SSO, RNA editors, and emerging constructs including non-canonical chemistries and next-generation amidites.
• Expand platform capabilities by evaluating, integrating, and validating new chemistries, scaffolds, conjugation strategies, and delivery-enabled formats.
• Develop and maintain SOPs for synthesis, processing, purification, and analytical characterisation to ensure high-quality and reproducible results.
• Lead through hands-on experimentation while providing scientific direction, prioritisation, and troubleshooting for team members and project stakeholders.
• Build, mentor, and manage a high-performing team; coach junior scientists in experimental design, execution, data interpretation, and scientific thinking.
• Serve as Lead Oligonucleotide Chemist on multidisciplinary projects with synthesis strategy and manufacturability assessment.

Skills

SPOS workflows

Oligonucleotide chemistry

Team leadership

Project collaboration

IP strategy

Job description

Position Overview

The Group Leader, Oligonucleotides Chemistry will oversee NATi's oligonucleotide chemistry capabilities spanning pre-clinical synthesis, separation, and analytical characterization workflows. Beyond establishing robust SPOS-based workflows, this role is instrumental in expanding the oligonucleotide platform into next-generation chemistries, novel constructs, and differentiated oligonucleotide formats. This group leader operates in a dual capacity - a strategic scientific leader and a hands-on expert at the bench guiding a growing team, internal stakeholders, and external partners. The successful candidate will drive end-to-end oligonucleotide generation to support multiple discovery programs, collaborate closely with delivery, analytical, biology and preclinical teams, and contribute to pipeline advancement toward drug candidate selection.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish, optimise, and scale high-throughput SPOS workflows for small- and mid-scale synthesis of ASOs, siRNA, SSO, RNA editors, and emerging constructs including non-canonical chemistries and next-generation amidites.
• Expand oligonucleotide platform capabilities beyond established modalities by evaluating, integrating, and validating new chemistries, scaffolds, conjugation strategies, and delivery-enabled formats.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for synthesis, processing, purification, and analytical characterisation to ensure high-quality and reproducible results.
• Lead through hands-on experimentation while providing scientific direction, prioritisation, and troubleshooting for team members and project stakeholders.
• Build, mentor, and manage a high-performing team of research associates and scientists; coach junior scientists across levels on experimental design, execution, data interpretation, and scientific thinking.
• Serve as Lead Oligonucleotide Chemist on multidisciplinary project teams with responsibility for oligo design, synthesis strategy, manufacturability assessment, and optimisation toward drug candidate nomination.
• Possess and/or develop robust understanding in cardiovascular, metabolic, muscle and/or ophthalmological disorders.
• Collaborate closely with bioconjugation chemists to develop a seamless workflow for generation of conjugated oligonucleotides (e.g., peptides, antibodies, lipids, sugars) for in vitro/in vivo studies.
• Strategically leverage CRO partners for routine, non-IP-sensitive activities, while maintaining core IP-generating chemistry and novel construct design in-house.
• Play a key role in expanding NATi's intellectual property (IP) portfolio through generation of new chemical compositions and drug candidates; support IP filing by preparing technical documentation, coordinating patent submission, and collaborating with legal teams to safeguard proprietary technologies.
• Prepare appropriate summary reports and presentations to update NATi leadership and stakeholders.

Qualifications & Experience

• Establish, optimise, and scale high-throughput SPOS workflows for small- and mid-scale synthesis of ASOs, siRNA, SSO, RNA editors, and emerging constructs including non-canonical chemistries and next-generation amidites.
• Expand oligonucleotide platform capabilities beyond established modalities by evaluating, integrating, and validating new chemistries, scaffolds, conjugation strategies, and delivery-enabled formats.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for synthesis, processing, purification, and analytical characterisation to ensure high-quality and reproducible results.
• Lead through hands-on experimentation while providing scientific direction, prioritisation, and troubleshooting for team members and project stakeholders.
• Build, mentor, and manage a high-performing team of research associates and scientists; coach junior scientists across levels on experimental design, execution, data interpretation, and scientific thinking.
• Serve as Lead Oligonucleotide Chemist on multidisciplinary project teams with responsibility for oligo design, synthesis strategy, manufacturability assessment, and optimisation toward drug candidate nomination.
• Possess and/or develop robust understanding in cardiovascular, metabolic, muscle and/or ophthalmological disorders.
• Collaborate closely with bioconjugation chemists to develop a seamless workflow for generation of conjugated oligonucleotides (e.g., peptides, antibodies, lipids, sugars) for in vitro/in vivo studies.
• Strategically leverage CRO partners for routine, non-IP-sensitive activities, while maintaining core IP-generating chemistry and novel construct design in-house.
• Play a key role in expanding NATi's intellectual property (IP) portfolio through generation of new chemical compositions and drug candidates; support IP filing by preparing technical documentation, coordinating patent submission, and collaborating with legal teams to safeguard proprietary technologies.
• Prepare appropriate summary reports and presentations to update NATi leadership and stakeholders.
• 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. 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.