Research Associate

About HAYA Therapeutics

HAYA Therapeutics is a precision therapeutics company discovering and developing innovative genomic medicines for fibrotic diseases and other serious conditions associated with aging.

Our discovery engine focuses on long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) within the “dark matter” of the genome, i.e. key tissue- and cell-specific regulators of pathological cell states, enabling identification of novel targets and therapeutic candidates with the potential for greater efficacy and safety than existing treatments.

Headquartered at Biopôle in Lausanne, Switzerland, with laboratories in San Diego, USA, HAYA is a rapidly growing company led by a world-class team and supported by a strong investor consortium.

Position Overview

We are seeking highly motivated Research Associates to join our R&D team in San Diego. In this role, you will contribute to the development and execution of multi-omics experimental workflows designed to uncover functional lncRNA regulatory networks and enable first-in-class therapeutic discovery.

You will operate in a collaborative, cross-functional environment working closely with platform, computational biology, and translational teams to generate and interpret data supporting target discovery and validation.

This role may be hired at the Research Associate I or Research Associate II level depending on experience, demonstrated independence, and technical depth. Research Associate II candidates are expected to show greater experimental ownership, troubleshooting capability, and familiarity with complex genomics workflows.

Key Responsibilities

• Independently perform cell culture, transfections, and differentiation of multiple primary cell lines from multiple species (BSL1 required, BSL2 preferred)
• Strong background working with RNA including RNA isolation from various cell lines and tissue types, RNA QC, qPCR
• Molecular biology techniques such as ASO transfections, lentiviral transduction, and related functional assays
• Perform RNA- and chromatin-based library preparation workflows across bulk and single-cell modalities (e.g., RNA-seq, snRNA-seq, ATAC-seq)
• Take ownership of experimental workflows from execution through analysis, including troubleshooting and optimization
• Generate, interpret, and present data to the R&D teams and senior managers
• Maintain an up-to-date electronic notebook record of performed studies
• Proactively identify workflow improvements and contribute ideas to platform innovation
• Collaborate closely with computational biology, translational, and platform teams to integrate experimental and analytical insights

Qualifications

Required

• M.S. in RNA biology or related field
• Strong background in molecular biology and cell biology
• Experience with in vitro models and assays, in particular cell culture with primary cells
• Experience performing molecular biology assays including nucleic acid extraction from cells and tissues, qRT-PCR, and ASO transfection
• Experience in library construction for next generation sequencing technologies
• Strong communication, organization, and collaborative skills

Preferred

• Experience with single-cell or chromatin accessibility workflows
• In vivo pharmacology experience
• Experience with renal cells and models, such as ADPKD cells
• Prior experience working in an industry or fast-paced research environment

Work Environment & Impact

• Opportunity to contribute as an early platform team member shaping emerging experimental standards and discovery workflows
• Exposure to cutting-edge RNA therapeutics research at the interface of genomics and drug discovery
• Collaborative, interdisciplinary environment spanning discovery, translation, and computational biology

Compensation & Benefits

The expected base salary range for this position is $75,000–$90,000 , depending on experience and level (Research Associate I or II), in addition to equity participation and a comprehensive benefits package.

Eligibility

Eligible to work in the U.S. (citizenship or work authorization)

Application Process

Please apply directly through LinkedIn or send your CV and Cover Letter to claire.roberts@hayatx.com and specify the position using the identifier RES-A in your subject line.