Research Associate

Haya Therapeutics SA; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

HAYA Therapeutics is seeking a hands-on cell and molecular biologist to develop assays in immunology models and identify lncRNA targets for therapeutic applications. You will culture primary immune cells, perform multi-color flow cytometry, and run immunoassays to profile cytokines.

The role includes ASO/siRNA screenings, qPCR/NGS-based readouts, and library prep for bulk and single-cell sequencing. Responsibilities demand meticulous ELN records and collaboration with R&D teams in a fast-paced

Qualifications

• Educational background (B.S. or M.S.) in Immunology, Molecular Biology, or related bioscience.
• Hands-on proficiency with primary immune cells and T-cell differentiation models.
• RNA/DNA isolation and qRT-PCR data analysis experience.
• Flow cytometry (multi-color) for immunophenotyping and state analysis.
• Ability to perform ELISA or MSD assays for protein quantification.
• Capability to work in a fast-paced biotech environment.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and differentiate primary immune cells and lines (T-cells, NK cells, macrophages, B cells).
• Execute multi-color flow cytometry to monitor identity markers.
• Perform cytokine profiling via ELISA/MSD.
• Screen ASO/siRNA in primary immune cells and assess knockdown by qPCR/NGS.
• Prepare libraries for RNA-seq, scRNA-seq, snATAC-seq, ChIP-seq/HiC.
• Extract RNA/DNA and proteins for downstream analyses.
• Generate data packages and present to R&D teams and leadership.
• Maintain meticulous ELN records for traceability and IP protection.

Skills

Immunology

Cell culture

Flow cytometry

qRT‑PCR

Data interpretation

Education

B.S./M.S. in Immunology or Molecular Biology

Tools

FACS / Flow cytometer

ELISA/MSD

qPCR instruments

NGS library prep

Job description

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