Research Associate I

About the Role

At HAYA Therapeutics, we are pioneering a new class of programmable RNA-guided therapeutics. We focus on decoding the causal biology of pathological cell states and the long-noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) that regulate them to translate these insights into tractable therapeutic candidates. HAYA is advancing a broad pipeline of RNA-guided medicines for chronic, age-related diseases. 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.

Purpose

Execute preclinical cellular assays, tissue histology, nucleic acid extractions, and spatial transcriptomics protocols to generate high-quality experimental data supporting HAYA's functional genomics and lncRNA target validation pipelines.

Key Responsibilities

• Primary Cell Culture & ASO Screening Execution

• Execute primary cell isolation, tissue culture, and cell line maintenance (including human and mouse fibroblasts, C2C12 cells, myoblasts, and satellite cells) to establish robust in vitro disease models.

• Perform compound treatments and antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) screening protocols (including GapmeRs and siRNA) across primary cell platforms to evaluate target knocking-down efficiency and therapeutic potency.

• Isolate and process RNA, DNA, and proteins from cellular and tissue specimens using standardized extraction techniques to prepare high-integrity samples for downstream molecular profiling.

• Tissue Histology & Spatial Transcriptomics

• Perform tissue processing, FFPE embedding, sectioning, and staining protocols (including immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence) to quantify fibrotic markers and evaluate tissue morphology.

• Execute spatial transcriptomics and multi-omics assay workflows in alignment with functional genomics protocols to characterize spatial gene expression in target tissues.

• Capture and analyze fluorescence microscopy images across immunostained and spatial transcriptomic tissue sections to extract qualitative and quantitative cellular insights.

• Preclinical Model Support & Data Governance

• Support in vivo preclinical study workflows by assisting with tissue dissections and sample collection from skeletal mouse and disease models to supply downstream experimental workstreams.

• Maintain detailed, real-time Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN) records, SOPs, and experimental documentation to ensure absolute data traceability, reproducibility, and audit readiness.

• Synthesize, analyze, and present experimental dataset summaries to internal R&D project teams and scientific leadership to inform ongoing pipeline decision-making.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Essential Qualifications & Technical Capabilities (Must-Haves)

• Cell Culture & Primary Model Proficiency: Demonstrated capability in primary cell isolation, propagation, and differentiation, with specific expertise in mammalian cell lines or primary fibroblasts/myoblasts.

• Molecular Biology & ASO Screening Techniques: Practical experience performing nucleic acid extractions (RNA/DNA), PCR, and compound/ASO transfection screenings.

• Histology & Imaging Capabilities: Hands-on experience with tissue sectioning (FFPE/cryosectioning), histology staining, immunofluorescence (IF), or fluorescence microscopy.

• Preclinical Sample Handling: Comfortable handling animal tissue samples from vivarium studies and maintaining strict chain-of-custody documentation.

• Technical Agility & Documentation Rigor: Proven ability to rapidly adopt new laboratory protocols, operate digital ELNs, and maintain meticulous attention to experimental detail.

• Educational Foundation: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Molecular Biology, Cellular Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, or a related life sciences discipline.

• Desirable Experience & Specialized Expertise (Nice-to-Haves)

• Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) & Multi-Omics: Familiarity with NGS library preparation (RNA-seq, single-cell RNA-seq) or spatial transcriptomics platforms.

• Experience with automated liquid handling systems or other laboratory automation platforms.

• RNA Biology & Fibrosis Research: Background understanding of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) biology, oligonucleotide therapeutics, or fibrotic disease mechanisms.

Leadership Profile

The Successful Candidate Will Demonstrate

• Meticulous Precision & Rigor: Drives high quality and consistency in laboratory execution, maintaining absolute accuracy across extractions, assays, and notebooks.
• Adaptable Learning Mindset: Proactively seeks opportunities to master cutting-edge genomic techniques and workflow optimizations.
• Collaborative Team Orientation: Communicates transparently, supports peers across laboratory disciplines, and aligns daily tasks with broader company goals.

Salary Range

$70,000 to $90,000

Benefits (California)

• Health & Wellbeing

• Medical coverage through Anthem Blue Cross and Cigna, with HMO, PPO and high-deductible (HSA-eligible) plan options. Haya covers 91–95% of premiums for you and your dependents.

• Haya contributes to your Health Savings Account when you choose a high-deductible plan: $142/month for employee-only coverage, $284/month with dependents.

• Dental (Guardian, Basic and Premier plans) and vision coverage, with Haya covering 91% of premiums.

• Coverage begins on the first of the month after your start date.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential counselling and support.

• Access to One Medical and travel assistance through Guardian Assist America.

• Financial Protection & Security

• 401(k) through Empower, with Haya matching 100% of your contributions up to 4% of salary. You can join from day one and are fully vested in the match immediately.

• Eligibility for discretionary bonus and stock option programs.

• Company-paid life and AD&D insurance ($50,000).

• Company-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance (60% income replacement).

• Pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts (healthcare, limited-purpose and dependent care) and commuter benefits.

• Optional Coverage

• Supplemental life, accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, legal services, identity theft protection and pet insurance.

• Financial wellness resources, including mortgage, budgeting and student loan support.

• Time Off

• 15 days of paid vacation per year.

• 10 paid company holidays, including the day after Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve.

• 5 days of paid sick leave, available in full at the start of each year.

• 5 days of paid bereavement leave.