Research Associate

Haya Therapeutics SA; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

HAYA Therapeutics is seeking a hands-on immunology scientist to develop and execute cell-based assays in immunology models. You will culture and differentiate primary immune cells, perform multi-color flow cytometry, and run immunoassays to assess cytokine production and target engagement.

The role also includes ASO/siRNA screening in primary immune cells, followed by qPCR and NGS data analysis, and preparing NGS libraries to map transcriptional and chromatin changes.

Qualifications

• Educational background in Immunology or Molecular Biology (B.S./M.S.).
• Hands-on experience with primary immune cells and immunology models.
• Strong molecular biology skills: RNA/DNA isolation and qRT‑PCR.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and differentiate primary immune cells to model immunology systems.
• Perform multi-color flow cytometry to characterize cell states.
• Execute immunoassays (ELISA/MSD) for cytokine profiling.
• Screen ASO/siRNA in primary immune cells and measure knockdown by qPCR/NGS.
• Prepare libraries for NGS and map genome-wide changes.
• Generate data packages and present results to R&D teams.

Skills

Immunology expertise

Flow cytometry

qRT‑PCR & data analysis

RNA/DNA isolation

Education

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

Tools

FACS (Flow Cytometry)

ELISA / MSD

NGS library preparation

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.

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.