Scientist/Senior Scientist, RNA Analytical Development

Job Description

About NATi:

The Nucleic Acid Therapeutics Initiative (NATi), hosted by A*STAR, 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

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.

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.