Director I&I Program Lead

At HAYA Therapeutics, we are pioneering a new class of programmable RNA-guided therapeutics that target the regulatory genome to reprogram disease-driving cell states. By decoding the causal biology of pathological cell states and the long-noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) that regulate them, HAYA translates these insights into tractable therapeutic candidates designed to address disease at its source and restore cellular health. HAYA is advancing a broad pipeline of RNA-guided medicines for chronic, age-related diseases.

Recognized globally for our scientific innovation, HAYA has been named a 2025 Technology Pioneer by the World Economic Forum (WEF), selected for Bio Space's Next Gen Bio Class of 2026, recognized as a 2026 Disruptive Pioneer by IDEA Pharma, and celebrated as one of the Top Innovative Companies in Switzerland for 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.

To provide strategic and operational leadership for the Functional Genomic department while serving as the primary scientific lead for high-priority programs in Immunology and Inflammation (I&I), specifically focused on cell-state reprogramming of the inflammatory cells by targeting the regulatory genome.

• Lead the Functional Genomic department to ensure the delivery of high-quality multi-omic data and the continuous innovation of HAYA’s platform.
• Direct the scientific strategy and execution of I&I research, focusing on activation, differentiation, and plasticity of various inflammatory cells.
• Guide the establishment and optimization of complex in vitro and in vivo models in I&I, to identify and validate novel targets.
• Manage the attainment of objectives for strategic collaborations, ensuring all milestones are met.
• Coordinate cross-functional alignment between Biology, Data Science, and Functional Genomics teams to synchronize efforts on prioritized targets.
• Synthesize raw experimental data into sophisticated scientific narratives for presentations to internal and external stakeholders.
• Oversee the construction and curation of I&I-specific atlases builds to identify high-conviction therapeutic targets.
• Establish and nurture strategic relationships with external partners and vendors, acting as a primary scientific representative in the I&I space.
• Manage departmental resources, budgets, and personnel development to foster a high-performing research culture.

Essential Qualifications & Technical Capabilities (Must-Haves)

• Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) or equivalent in Immunology
  , Molecular Biology, or a related Health Sciences field.
• Deep technical fluency in I&I biology
  , including the molecular mechanisms of immune activation and differentiation.
• Advanced knowledge of functional genomic assays
  , such as single-cell/nucleus transcriptomics (snRNA-seq), chromatin state (snATAC-seq and ChIP-seq) and genomic interaction (HiC, MicroC).
• Demonstrated success in an industry setting (biotech or pharma), with experience managing collaborative scientific activities and corporate partnerships.
• Strong scientific communication skills
  , with the ability to transform raw experimental plots into decision dossiers for high-level stakeholders.
• Leadership experience managing cross-functional teams and third-party contractors (CROs) in a matrix organization.

• Prior exposure to RNA therapeutics research and development, including ASO or siRNA-based interventions.
• Translational or preclinical expertise
  , particularly in establishing disease-driving cell-state models for I&I conditions.
• Working knowledge of project…