Group Leader, Oligonucleotides Chemistry

Key Responsibilities

• Establish, optimise, and scale high-throughput SPOS workflows for small- and mid-scale synthesis of ASOs, siRNA, SSO, RNA editors, and emerging constructs including non-canonical chemistries and next-generation amidites
• Expand oligonucleotide platform capabilities beyond established modalities by evaluating, integrating, and validating new chemistries, scaffolds, conjugation strategies, and delivery-enabled formats
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for synthesis, processing, purification, and analytical characterisation to ensure high-quality and reproducible results
• Build, mentor, and manage a high-performing team of research associates and scientists; coach junior scientists across levels on experimental design, execution, data interpretation, and scientific thinking
• Serve as Lead Oligonucleotide Chemist on multidisciplinary project teams with responsibility for oligo design, synthesis strategy, manufacturability assessment, and optimisation toward drug candidate nomination
• Collaborate closely with bioconjugation chemists to develop a seamless workflow for generation of conjugated oligonucleotides (e.g., peptides, antibodies, lipids, sugars) for in vitro/in vivo studies
• Strategically leverage CRO partners for routine, non-IP-sensitive activities, while maintaining core IP-generating chemistry and novel construct design in-house
• Play a key role in expanding NATi's intellectual property (IP) portfolio through generation of new chemical compositions and drug candidates; support IP filing by preparing technical documentation, coordinating patent submission, and collaborating with legal teams to safeguard proprietary technologies
• Prepare appropriate summary reports and presentations to update NATi leadership and stakeholders