Group Leader, Oligonucleotide Chemistry (Relocation to Singapore)

About the role

A translational research organisation at the forefront of RNA therapeutics and nucleic acid medicine is looking for an experienced Group Leader, Oligonucleotide Chemistry to lead and expand its oligonucleotide discovery platform. The role combines scientific leadership with hands-on laboratory expertise, covering the design, synthesis and optimisation of novel oligonucleotide modalities across several therapeutic programmes, from early discovery through candidate selection. The position is based in Singapore and requires genuine commitment to international relocation; comprehensive relocation support is available.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and expand oligonucleotide chemistry capabilities, including synthesis, purification and analytical characterisation workflows.
• Establish, optimise and scale high-throughput solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis (SPOS) platforms across ASOs, siRNA and emerging oligonucleotide technologies.
• Drive development of next-generation chemistries, novel scaffolds, conjugation approaches and differentiated therapeutic formats.
• Provide scientific leadership while staying hands-on, guiding experimental design, troubleshooting and programme execution across multiple discovery projects.
• Build, mentor and develop a team of scientists and research associates.
• Partner with cross-functional teams spanning biology, delivery, bioanalytics, preclinical development and bioconjugation.
• Manage external CRO collaborations and outsourced activities.
• Contribute to intellectual property generation and present scientific updates and strategic recommendations to senior leadership.

Required profile

• PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Biology, Organic/Medicinal Chemistry or a related discipline.
• Significant industry experience in oligonucleotide synthesis, purification and analytical characterisation in biotechnology or pharma.
• Proven ability to build, expand or optimise oligonucleotide chemistry capabilities and develop scalable platform workflows.
• Demonstrated experience advancing oligonucleotide-based therapeutics through discovery and candidate selection.
• Experience managing external CRO partnerships, including technology transfer and outsourced scientific activities.
• Strong leadership, mentoring and stakeholder management skills.
• Highly desirable: experience with next-generation chemistries, conjugation technologies and RNA modalities, and prior work in therapeutic oligonucleotide discovery for metabolic, cardiovascular, muscle or retinal diseases.

Required skills

• Solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis (SPOS) and associated purification and analytical platforms.
• Modern synthetic chemistry methods for nucleosides, nucleotides and oligonucleotide therapeutics.
• Desirable: instruments such as MerMade, ÄKTA, UPLC, LC-MS and HRMS.

To apply, candidates should use the application link provided in the original advert or contact the recruitment consultant at Planet Pharma.