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.
Recognized for our innovation, HAYA received the prestigious Innosuisse Certificate for Sustainable Growth and has been nominated as TOP Innovative Companies in Switzerland 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.
Position Summary:
We are seeking a highly motivated Research Associate to support our preclinical research activities focused on musculoskeletal biology and cell culture. This role is critical in maintaining operational continuity and research efficiency. The successful candidate will play a key role in executing and optimizing laboratory workflows involving preclinical samples, with a strong emphasis on tissue handling, histology, and spatial transcriptomic.
The Research Associate will provide hands-on expertise in core laboratory techniques, including cell culture, particularly in primary cells, as well as ASO screening (including GapmeRs and siRNA), multi-omics assays, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies. A particular focus will be on developing and standardizing protocols for processing samples from preclinical models, such as RNA isolation from diverse tissues, tissue sectioning and staining, immunohistochemistry (IHC) for fibrosis quantification, immunofluorescence (IF), and spatial transcriptomic.
This position offers the opportunity to contribute to high-impact research through the generation of high-quality, cost-effective data, and to help drive the success of Haya's therapeutic pipeline through scientific rigor and operational excellence.
What's in it for me?
This opportunity is a launchpad. You'll have the unique opportunity to deepen your scientific expertise, especially in advanced genomics and lab techniques, while working alongside some of the industry's most experienced and respected scientists. Whether you're refining your skills in spatial transcriptomics or multi-omics technologies, you'll be continuously challenged and supported to grow.
We are a collective of scientific professionals who thrive on curiosity, collaboration, and the relentless pursuit of progress. We're committed to making Haya the best place you'll ever work - where your growth is just as important as our shared mission. We take pride in seeing our colleagues learn, evolve, and reach new levels of professional excellence.
You'll also be based in a newly constructed building designed specifically for science - with brand-new laboratory spaces that promote innovation and efficiency. The campus is equipped with a range of amenities, including a free and impressive gym, on-site restaurants, gardens, and social and collaborative spaces, creating an environment where your work and well-being go hand in hand.
You'll be amazed at what you can accomplish here in a short period of time. This opportunity is only for those who aspire to be on a critical path toward developing a stronger, sharper scientific mind - and you will achieve that at Haya.
Key Responsibilities:
By now, you probably have a solid idea of what we're looking for-and what you'll need to bring to the lab. But here are a few more details to give you a clearer picture of what your day-to-day might look like:
- Isolation and culture of primary cells or cell lines, such as fibroblasts from various organs, C2C12 cells, myoblasts, and satellite cells from various species, such as human and mouse.
- Test multiple compounds on primary cells to help us uncover what works (and what doesn't).
- Extract RNA, DNA, or proteins from cells and prep them for downstream assays. Precision is key.
- Generate, analyze, and present data to the R&D team and senior leadership. Your voice will be heard.
- Maintain a detailed and up-to-date electronic lab notebook; we believe thorough documentation is essential for good science.
- Support in vivo studies by assisting with sample collection from mouse models, such as skeletal mouse models, including dissection and processing of muscle tissues. You'll be comfortable working in a vivarium setting and contributing to preclinical research at its source.
- Work with FFPE (formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded) samples, including sectioning and preparing tissues for downstream analysis. Your attention to detail will make all the difference.
- Utilize fluorescence microscopy to capture and analyze images from immunofluorescence and spatial transcriptomics experiments. Your keen eye for detail will help transform complex data into valuable scientific insights.
Education & Experience:
- A degree in molecular or cellular biology (or something equivalent that makes you love being in the lab). We appreciate a Master's degree, but it's not a dealbreaker.
- You pick up new techniques fast. You can be absolutely certain this will come up in your interview.
- Demonstrated expertise in culturing and differentiating various cell types. Bonus points for experience with cell types essential for studying skeletal muscle biology.
- Experience preparing libraries for a range of next-generation sequencing technologies, like RNA-seq and single-cell sequencing. If you've worked on this before, great; if not, but have everything else we're looking for, we can teach you this. We believe in learning by doing, especially with the support of great mentors.
- Got experience with RNA biology or fibrosis? That's a huge plus.
- Bonus points if you have publications or patents to your name. Tell us about them.
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.