Scientist/Senior Scientist, RNA Analytical Development

The RNA Society; Indiana (PA); On-site; USD 116,895 - 194,825; Full time

Job summary

NATi is seeking a scientific leader to establish analytical development for RNA modalities, spanning raw materials, drug substances, and drug products. The role focuses on phase-appropriate workflows to enable platform scalability across NATi’s translational programs in Singapore.

The candidate will apply QbD, drive method validation, and collaborate across cross-functional teams to deliver robust analytical capabilities for RNA therapeutics and related conjugates.

Qualifications

• PhD in Analytical Chemistry or Pharmaceutical Sciences required.
• 8+ years in analytical development for nucleic acid therapeutics in pharma/biotech preferred.
• Hands-on with multiscale purification methods and enabling analytical tools.
• Strong understanding of LC-MS, CE-SDS, NMR, and related workflows.

Responsibilities

• Develop phase-appropriate analytical strategy for RNA materials, DS, and DP.
• Implement orthogonal workflows to support platform development and pipelines.
• Apply QbD to define CQAs and ensure robust, scalable methods.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align analytical goals with development programs.
• Maintain SOPs, validation plans, and regulatory-compliant documentation.
• Manage data records using LIMS/ELN and prepare technical reports.

Skills

Analytical chemistry

RNA therapeutics

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Doctorate in Analytical Chemistry or Pharmaceutical Sciences

Tools

RP-HPLC

Affinity chromatography

Ion-exchange chromatography

Hydrophobic interaction chromatography

Size exclusion chromatography

Tangential flow filtration

LC-MS

LC-HRMS

CE-SDS

NMR

qPCR

DLS

TEM

Job description

Posted on: July 21, 2026

Position Overview

We seek a highly innovative and results-driven scientific leader with deep expertise spanning multiple RNA modalities to establish the analytical development processes. This role is instrumental in establishing and executing phase-appropriate analytical strategies for raw materials (e.g., novel lipids, targeting ligands, pDNA), drug substances (DS) spanning mRNA and synthetic oligonucleotides (e.g., ASO, siRNA, gRNA), and drug products (DP) (e.g., conjugated oligonucleotides). The successful candidate will establish robust, scalable, and phase-appropriate analytical workflows to support platform scalability and pipeline programs. This role is critical to ensuring quality materials are developed and utilized across NATi’s translational programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a phase-appropriate analytical characterization strategy for raw materials (e.g., novel lipids, targeting ligands, pDNA), drug substances (e.g., mRNA, ASO, siRNA, gRNA), and drug products (e.g., LNP, conjugated oligonucleotides).
• Select and implement phase-appropriate analytical workflows for RNA raw materials, DS, DP using orthogonal techniques (e.g., HPLC, LC-MS, CE, UV spectroscopy, qPCR, DLS, TEM) to support platform development and pipeline programs.
• Apply Quality by Design (QbD) principles to define critical quality attributes (CQAs) and ensure method robustness, scalability, and phase-appropriate throughput.
• Collaborate with cross-functional project teams to align analytical strategies with product development goals.
• Develop and maintain SOPs, method validation plans, and analytical documentation in compliance with industry standards and regulatory expectations.
• Maintain accurate records using LIMS/ELN systems to support data integrity and reproducibility.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and documentation to update project teams and stakeholders.
• Stay current with emerging analytical technologies and regulatory trends in RNA characterization.

Qualifications & Experience

• A doctorate degree in Analytical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related field.
• A minimum of +4 (Scientist) or +8 (Senior Scientist) years of hands‑on experience in analytical development for nucleic acid therapeutics in pharmaceutical or biotechnology organizations.
• 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 enabling analytical tools/instruments.
• Deep understanding of multiple 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 RNA raw materials, DS, and DP.
• Hands‑on experience developing and executing LC‑MS workflows to perform in-process and final QC of modified oligonucleotides and ligand‑oligo conjugates (e.g., GalNAc, cholesterol, fatty acids) to support multiple pipeline programs.
• Demonstrated experience establishing automated high throughput analytical capabilities to achieve high synthetic throughput.
• Familiarity with regulatory expectations for analytical method validation and CMC documentation in support of IND-enabling studies is strongly desired.
• A dependable contributor to cross-functional teams who embraces a collaborative culture while demonstrating the autonomy and initiative required to deliver on assigned scientific and operational responsibilities.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex scientific problems and adapt to shifting priorities in a fast‑paced, quality‑driven environment.
• 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.