Group Leader, Oligonucleotides Chemistry - RELOCATION TO SINGAPORE

SUMMARY

Our client is a well-funded, translational research organisation at the forefront of RNA therapeutics and nucleic acid medicine. Backed by significant long-term investment, they are building a biotech-style environment focused on advancing next-generation therapies from discovery through to clinical development. Their work spans cutting-edge modalities including antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), siRNA and mRNA technologies, with a mission to accelerate innovative treatments from the laboratory into the clinic. This is a rare opportunity to join a growing scientific platform where researchers have genuine influence over programme strategy, technology development and future therapeutic innovation.

We are seeking an experienced Group Leader, Oligonucleotide Chemistry to lead and expand a cutting-edge oligonucleotide discovery platform focused on next-generation RNA therapeutics. This is a unique opportunity to combine scientific leadership with hands-on laboratory expertise, driving the design, synthesis and optimisation of novel oligonucleotide modalities across multiple therapeutic programmes.

Working in a highly collaborative, translational environment, you will play a key role in advancing innovative RNA-based drug candidates from early discovery through candidate selection, while building platform capabilities, mentoring scientific teams and contributing to intellectual property generation.

KEY RESPONSIBILITES

• 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 a range of RNA therapeutic modalities, including ASOs, siRNA and emerging oligonucleotide technologies.
• Drive the development and implementation of next-generation oligonucleotide chemistries, novel scaffolds, conjugation approaches and differentiated therapeutic formats.
• Provide scientific leadership whilst remaining hands-on, guiding experimental design, troubleshooting and programme execution across multiple discovery projects.
• Lead oligonucleotide design, synthesis strategy and optimisation activities to support progression towards drug candidate nomination.
• Build, mentor and develop a high-performing team of scientists and research associates in a collaborative, innovation-driven environment.
• Partner closely with cross-functional teams spanning biology, delivery, bioanalytics, preclinical development and bioconjugation to advance therapeutic programmes.
• Manage external CRO collaborations and outsourced activities, ensuring high-quality delivery and alignment with programme objectives.
• Contribute to the generation of intellectual property through the development of novel oligonucleotide technologies and therapeutic candidates.
• Present scientific findings, programme updates and strategic recommendations to senior leadership and key stakeholders.
• Drive the generation of intellectual property through the development of novel chemistries, oligonucleotide constructs and therapeutic candidates, supporting patent strategy and scientific disclosures.
• Present scientific updates, strategic recommendations and programme progress to senior leadership and key stakeholders.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

Must-Haves

• PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Biology, Organic/Medicinal Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
• Significant industry experience in oligonucleotide synthesis, purification and analytical characterisation within biotechnology or pharmaceutical environments.
• Extensive hands-on expertise in modern synthetic chemistry methods, particularly relating to nucleosides, nucleotides and oligonucleotide therapeutics.
• Strong experience with solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis (SPOS) technologies and associated purification and analytical platforms.
• 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, oversight and outsourced scientific activities.
• Strong leadership, mentoring and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and projects.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative and highly translational research environment.

Highly Desirable

• Experience with next-generation oligonucleotide chemistries, novel scaffolds, conjugation technologies and emerging RNA therapeutic modalities.
• Experience with specialised oligonucleotide synthesis, purification and analytical instrumentation, including platforms such as MerMade, ÄKTA, UPLC, LC-MS and HRMS.
• Track record of scientific innovation demonstrated through publications, patents, IND contributions or other notable achievements.
• Prior experience in therapeutic oligonucleotide discovery programmes targeting metabolic, cardiovascular, muscle or retinal diseases.
• Experience contributing to intellectual property generation and development of novel therapeutic constructs.

RELOCATION TO SINGAPORE

This position is based in Singapore.

Candidates must be genuinely committed to international relocation. Comprehensive relocation support is available, alongside access to one of the world's leading biomedical innovation ecosystems.

ABOUT PLANET PHARMA

Planet Pharma is an American parented Employment Business/Agency that provides global staffing services with its head-quarters in Chicago and our EMEA regional office located in Central London. We have invested significantly in creating a robust international platform that enables us to work compliantly in 30+ countries with a current network of 2500+ active contractors globally as well as a very strong permanent / direct hire recruitment offering.

Our specialist knowledge and close relationships with our clients and the wider industry really makes us unique in our field. Just recently we were recognised by FORBES as the 17th best professional staffing firm, and have won multiple awards from industry accredited bodies for our commitment to excellence and service delivery. We have extensive functional expertise including: Regulatory Affairs, Pharmacovigilance, QA, QC, Submissions experts, Clinical development, Quality, Biostatistics, and Medical Affairs / Writing.

We are an equal opportunities Recruitment Business and Agency. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age.

www.planet-pharma.com

TO APPLY

Please click ‘apply’ or contact Naziat Khan (Recruitment Consultant) at Planet Pharma for more information:

E: nkhan@planet-pharma.co.uk

T: : +44 20 3953 1459

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/naziat-khan-669866238