Research Associate

HAYA Therapeutics is a precision therapeutics company based at the life sciences park Biopôle SA in Lausanne, Switzerland, and JLABS, San Diego, USA. Haya Therapeutics is developing novel tissue-specific antisense oligonucleotide drugs targeting long noncoding RNAs in fibrotic diseases including heart, lungs, kidney, liver, and cancers.

1. Purpose of the role:

Develop and execute cutting-edge cell and molecular biology assays in immunology models to identify novel long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) targets and advance pioneering therapeutic applications.

Requirements

1. Accountabilities

• Maintain and differentiate primary immune cells and cell lines (including T-cells, NK cells, Macrophages, and B cells) to establish robust in vitro immunology models.
• Execute multi-color flow cytometry (FACS) runs to monitor immune cell identity markers and perform phenotypic characterization.
• Conduct immunoassays (ELISA/MSD) for cytokine profiling to evaluate cellular immune responses and target engagement.
• Execute ASO/siRNA compound screenings in primary immune cells to measure on-target gene knockdown efficiency via qPCR and Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS).
• Perform high-quality library preparation for NGS platforms (including bulk RNA-seq, single-cell/nucleus snRNA-seq/snATAC-seq, and ChIP-seq/HiC) to map genome-wide chromatin and transcriptomic changes.
• Perform nucleic acid (RNA/DNA) and protein extractions to supply downstream molecular and biochemical analysis workstreams.
• Generate, analyze, and present experimental data packages to R&D teams and senior management to drive hit-to-lead program decisions.
• Maintain meticulous, real-time electronic lab notebook (ELN) records to ensure complete traceability, data integrity, and intellectual property protection.

2. Required Knowledge and Experience

Essential Qualifications & Technical Capabilities (Must-Haves)

• Scientific Foundation: Educational background (B.S. or M.S.) in Immunology, Molecular Biology, or a closely related biological science discipline.
• In Vitro Immune Cell Expertise: Practical, hands-on proficiency in culturing and manipulating primary immune cell populations, with specific expertise in human or mouse primary T-cell differentiation models.
• Molecular Biology Depth: Demonstrated capability in RNA/DNA isolation and the execution and data analysis of quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR).
• Flow Cytometry Proficiency: Practical experience performing multi-color flow cytometry (FACS) for immunophenotyping and cell-state analysis.
• Immunoassay Capability: Proven technical ability to execute and analyze standard biochemical assays (ELISA or MSD) for protein quantification.
• Operational Agility: Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively, adapt quickly, and deliver results within a fast-paced biotech environment.

Desirable Experience & Specialized Expertise (Nice-to-Haves)

• RNA Therapeutics & lncRNAs: Prior technical exposure to RNA-based modalities (ASOs or siRNAs) or long non-coding RNA biology.
• Advanced Genomics & NGS: Technical experience in library construction across single-cell transcriptomics or epigenetic profiling technologies.
• Transfection Protocol Development: Exposure to non-viral delivery methods (transfection or electroporation) within primary immune cell populations.

Conditions of Employment

• Legal authorization to work in the United States (U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, or valid work authorization).
• Requirement for full-time, on-site presence at the San Diego laboratory facility.

Leadership Profile

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Scientific Rigor & Execution: Focuses on generating high-quality, reproducible data while maintaining meticulous laboratory documentation standards.
• Local Problem-Solving & Autonomy: Proactively addresses technical assay challenges and optimizes experimental workflows independently.
• Collaborative Communication: Communicates experimental outcomes clearly across matrixed R&D teams and contributes positively to team goals

HAYA Therapeutics is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where all individuals feel valued and empowered. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression), national origin, ancestry, age, marital or familial status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind and are committed to ensuring fair and equitable treatment in all aspects of recruitment, hiring, promotion, compensation, benefits, training, and career development.

At HAYA, we believe that diversity of thought, experience, and background drives innovation and strengthens our mission to transform patient care through cutting-edge RNA-based therapeutic

Notice to Recruitment Agencies & Search Firms:

HAYA Therapeutics operates a Preferred Supplier List (PSL) and manages all recruitment directly through our Human Resources team. We do not accept unsolicited resumes or speculative CVs from third-party agencies, search firms, or recruiters. Any unsolicited candidates or CVs submitted through non-approved channels, directly to HAYA employees, or without a fully executed recruitment agreement in place will be considered property of HAYA Therapeutics. HAYA Therapeutics will not pay any fee, liability, or finder's fee for candidates submitted under these circumstances.

Benefits

Salary Range $70k - $90k

What we offer (California)

Health & Wellbeing

• Medical coverage through Anthem Blue Cross and Cigna, with HMO, PPO and high-deductible (HSA-eligible) plan options. Haya covers 91-95% of premiums for you and your dependents.
• Haya contributes to your Health Savings Account when you choose a high-deductible plan: $142/month for employee-only coverage, $284/month with dependents.
• Dental (Guardian, Basic and Premier plans) and vision coverage, with Haya covering 91% of premiums.
• Coverage begins on the first of the month after your start date.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential counselling and support.
• Access to One Medical and travel assistance through Guardian Assist America.

Financial Protection & Security

• 401(k) through Empower, with Haya matching 100% of your contributions up to 4% of salary. You can join from day one and are fully vested in the match immediately.
• Eligibility for discretionary bonus and stock option programs.
• Company-paid life and AD&D insurance ($50,000).
• Company-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance (60% income replacement).
• Pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts (healthcare, limited-purpose and dependent care) and commuter benefits.

Optional Coverage

• Supplemental life, accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, legal services, identity theft protection and pet insurance.
• Financial wellness resources, including mortgage, budgeting and student loan support.

Time Off

• 15 days of paid vacation per year.
• 10 paid company holidays, including the day after Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve.
• 5 days of paid sick leave, available in full at the start of each year.
• 5 days of paid bereavement leave.