Junior Scientist / Scientist I, Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics Full-time

Junior Scientist / Scientist I, Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics

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 highly motivated, experienced, and committed scientists with laboratory skills to join us in advancing the next generation of RNA-based vaccines and therapeutics.

Position Overview: The Junior Scientist / Scientist I, Vaccines and Immunotherapeutics will work to develop mRNA vaccines and immunotherapies across multiple therapeutic programs. This role is important to NATi's strategy, supporting the development of multiple vaccine and immunotherapy candidates from discovery/pre-clinical to IND-enabling stages.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and optimize laboratory methods for characterization of the different RNA therapeutic modalities (e.g., mRNA, circRNA, saRNA, gRNA), focusing on protein translation and stability.
• Develop and optimize immunological assays using primary and cultured mammalian cells to support in vitro and ex vivo experiments.
• Collaborate with formulation and analytical teams to develop and validate methods for mRNA/LNP characterization (e.g., DLS, encapsulation efficiency, TEM, HPLC).
• Develop and maintain SOPs and batch records to ensure reproducibility, compliance, and readiness for IND submission.
• Maintain accurate records using LIMS/ELN systems to support data integrity and reproducibility.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and documentation to support internal decision-making and external regulatory submissions.
• Support tech transfer activities to external CDMOs, including preparation of reports, training, and troubleshooting support.
• Support regulatory submissions by generating reports and contributing to CMC documentation.
• Contribute to routine and ad hoc administrative duties, including but not limited to procurement of reagents and consumables, maintenance of specialized research equipment, and compliance with safety regulations.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor or Master's degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Immunology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4+ (with Master's degree) or 7+ (with Bachelor's degree) years of experience in the field related to immunology, vaccinology, and infectious diseases. Industry experience preferred but not required.
• Knowledgeable and skilled in designing and conducting ex vivo cell-based assays.
• Demonstrated experience working with primary (PBMCs, splenocytes) and cultured mammalian cells.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience in designing and implementing biochemical/molecular biology (SDS-PAGE, Western Blot, DNA electrophoresis) and immunological assays (ELISA, ELISpot, Luminex, virus neutralization assay, FACS).
• Ability to use FlowJo, GraphPad Prism, and Excel.
• A track record of tech transfer to CDMOs, including documentation transfer is desirable but not required.
• Experience with working with various rodent animal models and preparation of IACUC protocols (preferable, but not required).
• Strong problem-solving skills and decision-making skills with the ability to troubleshoot experimental processes and provide analysis.
• Comfortable with fast-changing environment and flexible to effectively deliver results within reasonably established timelines.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a cross-functional, fast-paced multidisciplinary environment.