Scientist / Senior Scientist (Autoimmune Diseases), Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics Full-time

Scientist / Senior Scientist (Autoimmune Diseases), 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 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 (Autoimmune Diseases), Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics will develop mRNA immunotherapies across multiple therapeutic programs. This role is important in NATi's development of immunotherapy candidates from discovery/pre-clinical to IND-enabling stages. The successful candidate will have prior experience and proven track record in the academic or biotech laboratory settings.

Key Responsibilities

• Support and execute the Immunotherapeutics R&D strategy in a creative, innovative manner.
• Develop and optimize laboratory methods for characterization of different RNA therapeutic modalities and delivery technologies.
• Design and conduct in vitro assays to assess mRNA therapies-specific responses and identify and quantify cellular targets, biomarkers, and efficacy readouts for autoimmune diseases.
• Stay current with immunology literature and emerging platforms and provide scientific expertise in the area of autoimmune diseases.
• Identify innovative technologies to enhance translational science and immunotherapy development.
• Independently write protocols, procedures, and develop and maintain SOPs to ensure reproducibility, compliance, and readiness for IND submission, contribute to CMC documentation.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and documentation to support internal decision-making and external regulatory submissions. Communicate results orally or written, internally or externally.
• Train and mentor junior laboratory personnel.
• Collaborate with scientists across multiple functions.
• Manage and collaborate with CROs, external vendors, and academic partners.
• Maintain accurate records using LIMS/ELN systems to support data integrity and reproducibility.

Qualifications & Experience

• PhD in Immunology or a related field with minimum of 8+ years of experience. Industry experience preferred.
• Detailed knowledge in immunology and cellular biology, mechanisms underlying autoimmune, allergy, and inflammatory diseases with deep expertise in T-cell function and with emphasis on cytokine signaling, tolerance mechanisms, and immunopathology.
• Proven proficiency in immunophenotyping, particularly extensive hands-on experience with multi-color flow cytometry including panel design, staining fluency, compensation, and data analysis/interpretation.
• Strong record of accomplishment in advancing immunology-focused therapeutics and leading translational/biomarker initiatives.
• Proven ability to develop, validate, and troubleshoot assays.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a cross-functional, fast-paced multidisciplinary environment to effectively deliver results within reasonably established timelines.
• Knowledge and experience with in vivo models.
• Expertise developing mRNA-LNP therapeutics is highly desirable.
• Ability to work well with CROs.

The above eligibility criteria are not exhaustive. A*STAR 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.