Director I&I Program Lead

Haya Therapeutics SA; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 250,000 - 350,000; Full time

Job summary

HAYA Therapeutics seeks a strategic leader to head the Functional Genomic department, guiding high-priority Immunology & Inflammation programs and cell-state reprogramming efforts. You will shape scientific strategy, coordinate cross-functional teams, and drive collaboration with external partners to advance RNA-guided therapeutics.

The role requires a PhD in Immunology or related field, deep I&I biology expertise, and proven leadership in a biotech/pharma setting.

Qualifications

• Essential PhD in Immunology, Molecular Biology, or related Health Sciences field.
• Deep fluency in I&I biology and immune activation mechanisms.
• Advanced knowledge of functional genomic assays (snRNA-seq, snATAC-seq, ChIP-seq).
• Proven success in an industry biotech/pharma setting with collaboration management.
• Strong scientific communication for stakeholder decision dossiers.
• Leadership experience managing cross-functional teams and CROs.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Functional Genomic department to deliver high-quality multi-omic data and drive platform innovation.
• Direct scientific strategy and execution of Immunology & Inflammation programs focusing on cell-state reprogramming.
• Establish and optimize in vitro and in vivo models to identify/validate targets.
• Oversee milestones for strategic collaborations and manage resources/budgets.
• Coordinate cross-functional alignment between Biology, Data Science, and Functional Genomics.
• Synthesize experimental data into narratives for internal/external stakeholders.
• Build I&I atlases to identify high-conviction therapeutic targets.
• Foster external partnerships and manage scientific representation in I&I space.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Cross-functional leadership

Scientific communication

Leadership experience

Collaborative mindset

Biotech/pharma experience

Education

PhD in Immunology

Molecular Biology or related field

Job description

At HAYA Therapeutics, we are pioneering a new class of programmable RNA-guided therapeutics that target the regulatory genome to reprogram disease-driving cell states. By decoding the causal biology of pathological cell states and the long-noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) that regulate them, HAYA translates these insights into tractable therapeutic candidates designed to address disease at its source and restore cellular health. HAYA is advancing a broad pipeline of RNA-guided medicines for chronic, age-related diseases.

Recognized globally for our scientific innovation, HAYA has been named a 2025 Technology Pioneer by the World Economic Forum (WEF), selected for BioSpace's NextGen Bio Class of 2026, recognized as a 2026 Disruptive Pioneer by IDEA Pharma, and celebrated as one of the Top Innovative Companies in Switzerland for 2025. As a fast-growing biotech, we offer an entrepreneurial, science-driven environment where you’ll have a direct impact on shaping our pipeline and advancing RNA medicine.

1. Purpose:

To provide strategic and operational leadership for the Functional Genomic department while serving as the primary scientific lead for high-priority programs in Immunology and Inflammation (I&I), specifically focused on cell-state reprogramming of the inflammatory cells by targeting the regulatory genome.

2. Accountabilities

• Lead the Functional Genomic department to ensure the delivery of high-quality multi-omic data and the continuous innovation of HAYA’s platform.
• Direct the scientific strategy and execution of I&I research, focusing on activation, differentiation, and plasticity of various inflammatory cells.
• Guide the establishment and optimization of complex in vitro and in vivo models in I&I, to identify and validate novel targets.
• Manage the attainment of objectives for strategic collaborations, ensuring all milestones are met.
• Coordinate cross-functional alignment between Biology, Data Science, and Functional Genomics teams to synchronize efforts on prioritized targets.
• Synthesize raw experimental data into sophisticated scientific narratives for presentations to internal and external stakeholders.
• Oversee the construction and curation of I&I-specific atlases builds to identify high-conviction therapeutic targets.
• Establish and nurture strategic relationships with external partners and vendors, acting as a primary scientific representative in the I&I space.
• Manage departmental resources, budgets, and personnel development to foster a high-performing research culture.

1. Required Knowledge and Experience

Essential Qualifications & Technical Capabilities (Must-Haves)

• Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) or equivalent in Immunology, Molecular Biology, or a related Health Sciences field.
• Deep technical fluency in I&I biology, including the molecular mechanisms of immune activation and differentiation.
• Advanced knowledge of functional genomic assays, such as single-cell/nucleus transcriptomics (snRNA-seq), chromatin state (snATAC-seq and ChIP-seq) and genomic interaction (HiC, MicroC).
• Demonstrated success in an industry setting (biotech or pharma), with experience managing collaborative scientific activities and corporate partnerships.
• Strong scientific communication skills, with the ability to transform raw experimental plots into decision dossiers for high-level stakeholders.
• Leadership experience managing cross-functional teams and third-party contractors (CROs) in a matrix organization.

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

• Prior exposure to RNA therapeutics research and development, including ASO or siRNA-based interventions.
• Translational or preclinical expertise, particularly in establishing disease-driving cell-state models for I&I conditions.
• Working knowledge of project management tools for tracking critical path activities, resources, and budgets.
• Proven ability to act as a scientific bridge between experimental biology and computational teams, to ensure the delivery of scientifically meaningful data.

2. Leadership Profile:

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Strategic Vision: The ability to independently run discovery workstreams and identify novel causal targets in I&I.
• Collaborative Mindset: High emotional intelligence and self-awareness to thrive in a multicultural environment across various time zones.
• Adaptability: Capability to manage multiple high-stakes projects and shifting priorities within a fast-paced, clinical-stage biotechnology company.

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.

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 therapeutics.