ABOUT NATI:

The Nucleic Acid Therapeutics Initiative (NATi), hosted by ASTAR, 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 Scientist/Senior Scientist, Oligonucleotides Synthesis will establish pre-clinical synthesis, separation, and characterization capabilities within NATi’s oligonucleotides platform. The successful candidate will focus on solid phase oligonucleotides synthesis (SPOS), purification, and analytical characterization of multiple modalities including ASOs, siRNA, SSO, and RNA editors leveraging high-throughput automation and screening workflows. Leading through hands-on contributions at the bench, the selected candidate will serve as Lead Oligonucleotide Chemist within multidisciplinary teams advancing drug candidates across diverse therapeutic areas.
Key Responsibilities
Establish and maintain high-throughput automation workflows to support small and mid-scale synthesis of ASOs, siRNA, SSO, and RNA editors with routine and novel next generation amidite chemistries.
Establish and routinely perform hands-on oligos synthesis, purification, and analytical characterization workflows for molecule generation.
Work closely with bioconjugation/targeted delivery chemists to develop a seamless workflow to support discovery of novel targeting ligands (e.g., peptide, antibody, Fab, fatty acid) and generation of targeted oligonucleotides for in vitro and in vivo studies.
Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for synthesis, processing, purification, and analytical characterization to ensure high-quality and reproducible results.
Serve as the Lead Oligonucleotide Chemist in cross-functional teams with accountability for oligos synthesis and optimization towards the development of Drug Candidate.
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.
With the growth of Oligonucleotides Platform, train and/or build a small team of research associates to support oligos synthesis capabilities.
Qualifications & Experience
A doctorate degree in Chemistry, Chemical Biology, Organic/Medicinal Chemistry, or a related field.
A minimum of 3+ (Scientist) or 6+ (Senior Scientist) years of hands-on industry experience in modern synthetic chemistry methods particularly in nucleosides, nucleotides, and oligonucleotide synthesis, purification, and analysis in pharmaceutical or biotechnology settings.
Hands-on experience setting up and operating different instruments used in oligonucleotides synthesis (e.g., MerMade 192X, ÄKTA Oligosynt, Cytiva), purification (e.g., ÄKTA Avant/Pure with Unicorn Software, tangential flow filtration), analysis (e.g., UPLC, LC/MS, LC/HRMS), and lyophilizers.
Prior experience in synthesis/optimization of oligonucleotides towards a Drug Candidate through effective project management in pharmaceutical or biotech organizations.
Proven track record in oligonucleotides-based technology innovation demonstrated by contribution to publications, IP, IND filings, or other public disclosures.
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.
Prior experience in discovery of therapeutic oligonucleotides for metabolic, cardiovascular, muscle, and/or retinal diseases is highly desirable.
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. ASTAR 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.
Type of Employment : Full-Time
Minimum Experience : 3 Years
Work Location : Biopoli

Please refer the Job description for details