Scientist/Senior Scientist - Oligonucleotides ADME/PK & Bioanalytics

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 a Scientist or Senior Scientist with expertise in oligonucleotide therapeutics and preclinical DMPK to play a key role in advancing RNA-based drug programmes.

This position will lead PK, biodistribution and bioanalytical strategies to understand drug exposure, tissue distribution and pharmacological activity, generating critical translational data to support candidate selection and progression into IND-enabling studies.

The successful candidate will bring strong scientific expertise in oligonucleotide therapeutics alongside hands-on experience in PK/PD, biodistribution and bioanalytical sciences within a preclinical drug development environment.

KEY RESPONSILITIES

• Lead the design, execution and interpretation of preclinical pharmacokinetic (PK), ADME and biodistribution studies for novel oligonucleotide therapeutics.
• Develop and implement translational DMPK strategies to support candidate selection, dose optimisation and progression into IND-enabling studies.
• Generate and integrate PK/PD, biodistribution and target engagement data to assess therapeutic performance and inform development decisions.
• Design and oversee studies evaluating tissue distribution and delivery of oligonucleotide therapies, including extrahepatic targets such as muscle and adipose tissue.
• Develop, validate and apply bioanalytical methods including qPCR, hybridisation-based assays and LC-MS/MS to quantify oligonucleotide exposure in biological samples.
• Establish and utilise biomarker strategies to measure target knockdown, protein modulation and pharmacological response.
• Lead preclinical proof-of-concept activities for next-generation oligonucleotide platforms and targeted delivery technologies.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams spanning discovery biology, oligonucleotide chemistry, bioconjugation and translational sciences.
• Contribute scientific expertise to regulatory submissions, IND-enabling studies and broader development strategy.
• Manage external CRO partnerships, ensuring high-quality scientific execution, timely delivery and alignment with programme objectives.
• Present findings and recommendations to project teams and senior stakeholders, driving data-driven decision making across development programmes.
• Maintain awareness of emerging advances in RNA therapeutics, bioanalytical technologies and translational sciences to support innovation and strategic planning.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

Must-Haves

• PhD in Pharmacokinetics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Molecular Biology, Drug Metabolism, DMPK or a related discipline.
• 4+ years' experience (Scientist) or 8+ years' experience (Senior Scientist) within oligonucleotide therapeutics.
• Strong expertise in ADME, DMPK, Pharmacokinetics (PK) and PK/PD analysis.
• Hands-on experience designing and interpreting preclinical PK and biodistribution studies in rodent and/or non-rodent models.
• Experience with oligonucleotide modalities such as ASOs, siRNA, RNAi or related nucleic acid therapeutics.
• Proven experience with bioanalytical assay development and oligonucleotide quantification using techniques such as qPCR, RT-PCR, hybridisation assays and/or LC-MS/MS.
• Experience linking biodistribution, target engagement, PK/PD and functional outcomes to support candidate selection.
• Experience contributing to IND-enabling studies and interacting with external CRO partners.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration and scientific leadership skills.

Highly Desirable

• Experience with Antibody-Oligonucleotide Conjugates (AOCs) or targeted oligonucleotide delivery platforms.
• Expertise in extrahepatic delivery, particularly to skeletal muscle, adipose tissue or other non-liver tissues.
• Experience generating preclinical proof-of-concept (POC) data for oligonucleotide programmes.
• Background in metabolic disease research.
• Experience working within fast-paced biotech or translational research environments.
• Previous project leadership or scientific ownership of oligonucleotide development programmes.

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