Scientist / Senior Scientist (Infectious Diseases), Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics

About NATiThe Nucleic Acid Therapeutics Initiative (NATi), hosted by A.STAR, is Singapore's national platform dedicated to advancing RNA-based medicines and revolutionising drug and vaccine development. NATi's mission is to establish Singapore as a globally recognised hub of excellence in nucleic acid therapeutics research, clinical translation, and commercialisation.

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 OverviewThe Scientist / Senior Scientist (Infectious 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 Vaccines R&D strategy in a creative, innovative manner.
• Develop and optimise laboratory methods for characterisation of the different RNA therapeutic modalities (e.g., mRNA, circRNA, saRNA, gRNA), focusing on protein translation and stability.
• Design and conduct in vitro assays to assess vaccine-specific responses and identify and quantify cellular targets and efficacy readouts for infectious diseases.
• Stay current with immunology, vaccinology literature and emerging platforms and provide scientific expertise in the areas of cellular and humoral immune responses to vaccines.
• 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 lab personnel.
• Collaborate with scientists across multiple functions.
• Maintain accurate records using LIMS/ELN systems to support data integrity and reproducibility.
• Support tech transfer activities to external CDMOs, including preparation of reports, training, and troubleshooting support.

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 signalling, 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.