Research Associate

HAYA Therapeutics; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

HAYA Therapeutics is seeking a scientist to develop and execute cutting-edge cell and molecular biology assays in immunology models. You will maintain primary immune cells and perform multi-color flow cytometry, ELISA/MSD cytokine profiling, and ASO/siRNA screenings, with library prep for various NGS modalities to map chromatin and transcriptomic changes.

The role requires B.S./M.S. in Immunology or Molecular Biology, hands-on experience with primary immune cells, qRT‑PCR, and data

Qualifications

• Educational background in Immunology or Molecular Biology (B.S./M.S.).
• Hands-on experience with primary immune cells and differentiation models.
• Proficiency in RNA/DNA isolation and qRT‑PCR data analysis.
• Experience with multi-color flow cytometry for immunophenotyping.
• Experience performing ELISA or MSD assays for cytokine profiling.
• Familiarity with ASO/siRNA workflows and library preparation for NGS.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute cell/molecular assays in immunology models.
• Maintain and differentiate primary immune cells and cell lines.
• Conduct FACS to monitor cell identity markers and phenotype.
• Perform cytokine profiling using ELISA/MSD.
• Screen ASO/siRNA in primary immune cells and assess knockdown by qPCR/NGS.
• Prepare libraries for RNA-seq, snRNA-seq, snATAC-seq, ChIP-seq/HiC and analyze data.
• Extract RNA/DNA and proteins; compile and present data packages to R&D.

Skills

Immunology techniques

Molecular biology

qRT‑PCR

Flow cytometry

Education

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

Tools

qPCR machine

Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)

ELISA/ MSD plate reader

Job description

At HAYA Therapeutics, we are revolutionizing RNA-guided genome-targeting therapies to treat fibrosis, heart failure, and other serious diseases associated with aging. Our innovative platform leverages long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs)—key regulators within the “dark matter” of the genome—to develop first-in-class, highly specific therapies that modulate gene expression and restore cellular function.

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