Scientist, Bioconjugation & Targeted RNA Delivery

The RNA Society; Indiana (PA); On-site; USD 93,516 - 148,067; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation package

Attractive benefits

Job summary

NATi is conducting a global search for a bench-level scientist to develop ligand-oligonucleotide conjugates (LOCs) for extrahepatic RNA delivery. The role emphasizes hands-on experimentation, project leadership, and collaboration across chemists, biologists, and pharmacologists.

The successful candidate will design, synthesize, and characterize LOCs targeting skeletal/cardiac muscle, adipose tissue, and ocular compartments.

Qualifications

• Doctorate required in a related field.
• 2–6 years industry experience in bioconjugation for LOCs/ADCs/PDCs or targeted delivery.
• Hands-on experience establishing conjugation chemistries (Click, lysine/cysteine coupling, enzymatic ligation, stimuli-sensitive linkers).
• Proficiency in multiscale purification methods (RP-HPLC, affinity, ion-exchange, HIC, SEC, TFF) and instruments.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute LOC conjugation strategies to optimize delivery.
• Perform synthesis, purification, and analytical characterization of LOCs.
• Collaborate with oligonucleotide chemists, biologists, and pharmacologists for in vitro/in vivo evaluation.
• Coordinate with CROs and manage reagents for ligand libraries and conjugation reagents.
• Maintain rigorous documentation of procedures and data interpretation.
• Contribute to innovation and IP through novel conjugation approaches and delivery strategies.
• Present findings in internal meetings and contribute to reports, publications, and filings.

Skills

Bioconjugation chemistry

Targeted delivery

Project leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Analytical thinking

Education

PhD in Chemistry / Chemical Biology / Organic or Medicinal Chemistry

Tools

RP-HPLC

LC-MS

LC-HRMS

NMR

TFF (Tangential Flow Filtration)

Job description

Posted on: July 21, 2026

Position Overview

We seek a highly motivated, results-driven, bench-level scientist with strong expertise in bioconjugation and targeted delivery to support the development of ligand-oligonucleotide conjugates (LOCs) for extrahepatic RNA delivery. This role is focused on hands‑on experimental work and project leadership, contributing directly to the design, synthesis, and characterization of LOCs that efficiently target tissues such as skeletal/cardiac muscles, adipose tissues, and ocular compartments with high selectivity. The successful candidate will lead individual projects and collaborate cross‑functionally to identify and optimize LOCs with high tissue/cell selectivity and functional delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute conjugation strategies to generate LOCs with optimized delivery profiles.
• Perform hands‑on synthesis, purification, and analytical characterization of LOCs using diverse conjugation chemistries and linker designs.
• Collaborate closely with oligonucleotide chemists, biologists, and pharmacologists to evaluate LOCs in vitro and in vivo.
• Support CRO coordination and reagent sourcing for ligand libraries and conjugation reagents.
• Ensure reproducibility and analytical rigor across experimental workflows
• Maintain high-quality documentation of experimental procedures, results, and data interpretation.
• Contribute to innovation and IP generation through novel conjugation approaches and delivery strategies.
• Present findings in internal meetings and contribute to technical reports, publications, and patent filings.

Qualifications & Experience

• A doctorate degree in Chemistry, Chemical Biology, Organic/Medicinal Chemistry, or a related field.
• A minimum of 2-6 years of relevant industry experience in bioconjugation chemistry applied to LOCs, ADCs, PDCs, or targeted delivery systems
• Hands‑on experience establishing conjugation chemistries (e.g., Click, lysine-/cysteine-based coupling, enzymatic ligation, stimuli‑sensitive linkers) workflows for development of LOCs.
• Hands‑on experience with multiscale purification methods (e.g., preparative RP-HPLC, affinity, ion‑exchange, hydrophobic interaction, and size exclusion chromatography, tangential flow filtration) and the associated instruments.
• Deep understanding of analytical techniques (e.g., LC-MS, LC-HRMS, CE-SDS, DSC, HIC, NMR) coupled with hands‑on experience developing analytical workflows for robust characterization of LOCs.
• Experience coordinating with CROs and cross‑functional program leadership.
• Demonstrated innovation through IP, publications, IND filings, or other public disclosures.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and verbal/written communication skills.
• 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.