Scientist, Nucleic Acid Therapeutics (GIS) Full-time

Scientist, Nucleic Acid Therapeutics (GIS)

The Yu Lab at the Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), A*STAR is seeking highly motivated Scientists to join our Chemical Biology team and drive innovative discovery in nucleic acid therapeutics, with a focus on antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) and RNA-targeted precision medicine.

Our lab specializes in engineering molecular tools to modulate cellular nucleic acids for therapeutic benefit. This position centers on advancing ASO platforms and complementary RNA-targeting strategies to address diseases rooted in genomic dysregulation and currently undruggable pathways. This project aims to develop next-generation ASOs for gene-selective modulation, integrating chemical biology, RNA biology, and functional genomics.

Contract Length: 13-month contract for the first instance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, optimization, and evaluation of RNA-targeting modalities, with a strong emphasis on ASO engineering for therapeutic applications.
• Perform molecular assays including plasmid design, cloning, stable cell line generation, qPCR/RNA analysis, and RNA-seq library preparation.
• Conduct functional characterization of ASOs in relevant cell models.
• Participate actively in literature review, internal discussions, collaborative research, and cross-functional initiatives.
• Ensure timely progress toward project milestones and contribute to manuscript, patent, and report preparation.
• Support laboratory operations: reagent preparation, inventory management, consumables ordering, and equipment maintenance.

Requirements

• PhD received within the last 5 years in RNA Biology, Chemical Biology, Biological Sciences, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, or related disciplines.
• Demonstrated experience in nucleic acid therapeutics, ASO design, RNA biology, CRISPR technologies, or sequencing-based assays.
• Strong organizational skills, scientific rigor, and a proactive, curiosity-driven mindset.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, translational research environment.

Application Details

For inquiries or to apply, please email your CV and research motivation to Zutao Yu (yuzt@a-star.edu.sg), with email title “Scientist application_A*STAR”. More information about the lab can be found online.

Why Join Us?

The Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), A*STAR is the national flagship program for genomic sciences in Singapore, with a mission to use genomics to improve public health and drive biomedical innovation. GIS offers a highly competitive remuneration package and relocation assistance. Singapore is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city-state at the heart of Asia, known for its excellent quality of life, world-class research infrastructure, and strong government support for scientific innovation.

Join us in advancing RNA and DNA-targeted therapeutics and making an impact in functional genomic medicine!