Director I&I Program Lead

About the role

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 BioSpace's NextGen 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.

Responsibilities

• 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 Immunology and Inflammation (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

Requirements

Essential Qualifications & Technical Capabilities

• 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

Desirable Experience & Specialized Expertise

• 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 management tools for tracking critical path activities, resources, and budgets
• Proven ability to act as a scientific bridge between experimental biology and computational teams, to ensure the delivery of scientifically meaningful data

Leadership Profile

• Strategic Vision: The ability to independently run discovery workstreams and identify novel causal targets in I&I
• Collaborative Mindset: High emotional intelligence and self-awareness to thrive in a multicultural environment across various time zones
• Adaptability: Capability to manage multiple high-stakes projects and shifting priorities within a fast-paced, clinical-stage biotechnology company