Scientist/Senior Scientist, Lipid Nanoparticle Innovation

Overview

Job Title: Scientist/Senior Scientist, Lipid Nanoparticle Innovation

Organization: NATi (Nucleic Acid Therapeutics Initiative), hosted by A*STAR - Agency for Science, Technology and Research

Location: Singapore

Job Type: Full Time

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

The Scientist/Senior Scientist, Lipid Nanoparticle Innovation will lead efforts to design and develop novel lipid nanoparticles with differentiated tissue tropism through innovative lipid chemistry and ligand conjugation strategies. This role is central to NATi's strategy to build a differentiated mRNA delivery platform through proprietary lipid innovations and targeted LNP compositions that achieve precise tissue-specific delivery and successful clinical translation. The successful candidate will focus on the synthesis and evaluation of new ionizable lipids and targeted lipid nanoparticles (tLNPs), enabling delivery of mRNA payloads via multiple routes of administration (e.g., IV, IM, SC, inhalation). The successful candidate will work closely with external CROs to generate key materials (e.g., lipids, targeting ligands) and internal teams to develop and optimize multiple tLNPs to advance mRNA-based therapeutics across multiple therapeutic areas.

Responsibilities

• Design and synthesize novel ionizable lipids and lipid-like materials to support the development of proprietary LNP formulations with enhanced delivery profiles across multiple routes of administration.
• Develop targeted LNPs by conjugating ligands (e.g., small molecules, peptides, antibodies) to lipid components or LNP surface to achieve tissue- and cell-specific delivery.
• Establish and optimize formulation workflows for RNA-loaded LNPs, including screening for physicochemical properties, encapsulation efficiency, and in vitro/in vivo performance.
• Lead efforts to evaluate biodistribution and tissue tropism of targeted LNPs across multiple routes of administration.
• Identify, evaluate, and manage external CROs and academic partners to support lipid synthesis, ligand discovery, and conjugation for targeted delivery.
• Develop and maintain SOPs for lipid synthesis, LNP formulation, and analytical characterization to ensure reproducibility and scalability.
• Maintain accurate records using LIMS/ELN systems to support data integrity and reproducibility.
• Contribute to NATi's intellectual property portfolio by generating novel lipid structures, conjugation chemistries, and LNP compositions.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and documentation to support internal decision-making and external regulatory submissions.

Qualifications & Experience

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Material Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4+ years of experience for Scientist or 8+ years for Senior Scientist in lipid chemistry, nanoparticle formulation, or targeted drug delivery in pharmaceutical or biotech settings; Senior Scientist candidates are expected to demonstrate leadership in cross-functional project teams, strategic input into platform development, and a track record of mentoring junior scientists.
• Demonstrated robust understanding of passive- and ligand-mediated delivery systems and key factors that govern LNP biodistribution, tissue tropism, and ligand-receptor interactions.
• Strong expertise in the design and synthesis of ionizable lipids and ligand conjugation chemistry.
• Hands-on experience with LNP formulation (e.g., microfluidics, T-junction and impingement jet mixers) and particle characterization (e.g., DLS, TEM) technologies across multiple scales.
• Experience in identifying and managing external CROs for lipid synthesis, ligand generation, and conjugation.
• Proven track record of innovation in lipid-based delivery systems, supported by publications, patents, or regulatory filings.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced multidisciplinary environment.
• Experience using DNA/RNA barcoding techniques to enable high-throughput in vivo assessment of LNPs and integrating the resulting biodistribution/delivery data into AI-guided workflows for data-driven optimization of tLNPs is highly desirable.

Global Recruitment & Benefits

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.

Job Details

• Seniority level: Associate
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
• Industries: Research Services