Group Leader, Antibody-Oligonucleotide Conjugates (Extrahepatic Delivery)

We are seeking an innovative and results-driven Group Leader to establish and lead NATi’s Antibody-Oligonucleotide Conjugates (AOC) platform for extrahepatic delivery. This role will drive the scientific strategy and execution of AOC programs, integrating antibody discovery, protein engineering, bioconjugation, analytics, and translational biology to advance next-generation RNA therapeutics. The successful candidate will build platform capabilities, lead a multidisciplinary team, and collaborate closely with discovery, DMPK, bioanalytics, and CMC functions.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and execute the scientific strategy for AOC-based therapeutics targeting extrahepatic tissues.
• Lead multidisciplinary project teams and drive program milestones from discovery through preclinical development.
• Guide antibody discovery, engineering, and developability activities, including target selection, optimization, and manufacturability assessment.
• Establish and oversee bioconjugation strategies, including linker design, oligonucleotide conjugation, and analytical characterization.
• Partner with oligonucleotide chemistry teams to optimize payload selection, modifications, and conjugation approaches.
• Develop analytical and bioanalytical workflows to assess conjugate quality, stability, purity, and functional performance.
• Oversee in vitro and in vivo studies evaluating binding, internalization, trafficking, oligonucleotide activity, PK/PD, and biodistribution.
• Collaborate with DMPK, Bioanalytics, and CMC teams to support translational development, scalability, and regulatory readiness.
• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing team across protein science, conjugation chemistry, and biology.
• Manage CROs and external collaborations to accelerate program delivery.
• Drive innovation, intellectual property generation, patent filings, and scientific publications.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations for leadership and key stakeholders.

Qualifications & Experience

• PhD in Protein Engineering, Chemical Biology, Bioconjugation Chemistry, Organic/Medicinal Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum 8 years (Senior Scientist) or 12 years (Principal Scientist) of relevant experience in pharmaceutical or biotechnology organizations.
• Proven track record in antibody discovery, engineering, and bioconjugation, with programs progressing toward development.
• Hands-on experience with conjugation technologies, linker design, and characterization of AOCs, ADCs, or related modalities.
• Strong understanding of antibody developability, protein engineering, and translational drug discovery.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams, set scientific strategy, and deliver program milestones.
• Track record of innovation through patents, publications, IND filings, or other scientific contributions.
• Excellent leadership, communication, organizational, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative, and translational research environment.
• This position is based in Singapore. Successful candidates must be willing to relocate to Singapore.