Scientist - Biomarkers in Liquid biopsies - R&D

Conditions of employment:

• Eligible to work in U.S. (U.S. citizenship or work permit/authorization)

Why us

• Be part of a team pioneering cutting-edge research at the forefront of precision medicine
• Collaborate with a dynamic and innovative team of scientists in a fast-paced biotech environment
• Competitive benefits package

If you believe you are a strong fit for this position, please apply today!

To Apply: Please apply directly through LinkedIn or below on our website.

Attach your CV and Cover Letter and use the "SCI-BM" identifier in your email subject line.

About the job

We are seeking highly motivated candidates to join our R&D team in San Diego, where you will work at the bench to develop cutting-edge technologies aimed at identifying and validating novel biomarkers (RNAs, proteins, and metabolites) to diagnose and predict disease progression. The ideal candidate needs a strong background in the isolation, quantification, and characterization of RNA from liquid biopsy samples, including whole blood, serum, and plasma, for use as biomarkers in early disease detection, prognosis, and treatment monitoring. This role will focus particularly on isolating various RNA forms, including cell-free RNA (cfRNAs) and RNA carried by extracellular vesicles (EVs) such as exosomes.

At HAYA, you will be part of a highly collaborative, cross-functional team, applying your expertise in biomarkers, RNA and molecular biology to design and execute experiments essential in driving our biomarker discovery efforts, supporting our drug development programs from preclinical stages through clinical trials and validation. As an integral early member, you will also develop high-throughput methodologies to test pioneering hypotheses, driving novel platform and therapeutic applications.

This role offers not only the opportunity to make a significant impact on our projects but also carries potential career progression opportunities within the company. We are looking for creative, scientifically bold, independent, and goal-oriented scientists. Strong communication skills, a willingness to learn, and the ability to collaborate in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment are essential.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Development and optimization of protocols for the isolation of various RNA forms including cfRNAs and enclosed in EVs, obtained from whole blood, plasma, and other biofluids.
• Apply your scientific knowledge, critical thinking skills and creativity to design and execute advanced molecular techniques to identify and validate lncRNA biomarkers for use in liquid biopsy applications.
• Optimize protocols for use in the lab and in the clinic to assess the quality, yield, and integrity of RNA and bring new ideas to improve workflows.
• Develop and implement assays for the detection and quantification of lncRNA biomarkers and analyze gene expression profiles using techniques such as qPCR, digital PCR, and next-generation sequencing (NGS).
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including bioinformatics, clinical, and diagnostic groups, to integrate findings into broader biomarker discovery strategies aligned with HAYA's therapeutic focus on lncRNAs and the regulatory genome.
• Generate, interpret, and present biomarker data analysis to the R&D teams, senior managers and external stakeholders.
• Maintain an up-to-date electronic notebook record of performed studies.

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate for this position needs:

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a related field, with a strong background in Biomarker R&D, RNA biology and molecular biology. Industrial experience of 2 years or more in Biomarker R&D is a strong plus. Good laboratory practice is essential.
• Proven experience with RNA isolation, purification, and characterization of RNA, including cfRNA and RNA carried by EVs, from liquid biopsies like whole blood, serum and plasma.
• Hands-on experience in optimizing RNA isolation and assay protocols for both research and clinical applications.
• Proficiency in nucleic acid quantification methods, including qPCR, digital PCR, droplet digital (ddPCR) and NGS platforms (RNA-seq, Long-reads seq).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to generate new ideas for improving workflows.
• Industry/academic experience in biomarker discovery programs throughout pre-clinical and clinical development stages.
• Familiarity with bioinformatic tools for RNA biomarker data analysis is a plus.

HAYA Therapeutics is a precision RNA-based therapeutics company that discovers and develops innovative genomic medicines for the treatment of fibrosis and other serious health conditions associated with aging. The company’s discovery engine focuses on long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) within the “dark matter” of the human genome -- key tissue and cell-specific drivers of multiple disease processes including fibrosis -- to identify novel targets and drug candidates with the potential for greater efficacy and safety than existing treatments.

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