Administrative Specialist

AIRNA is a biotechnology company with a mission to be the leading RNA editing company delivering precision therapies to patients with rare and common diseases.
AIRNA is harnessing advances in genetics to develop transformative RNA-editing medicines that improve human health. Our proprietary platform is based on groundbreaking research by pioneers of the field and company co-founders Thorsten Stafforst (University of Tübingen) and Jin Billy Li (Stanford University) and enables optimal potency, safety, and delivery. AIRNA is advancing a robust pipeline of therapeutic candidates that are designed to provide functional cures for severe or chronic diseases by repairing harmful genetic variants or introducing beneficial variants promote optimal health.
AIRNA has raised $245 million in financing from a world-class syndicate of investors including Arch Venture Partners, Forbion, Venrock Healthcare Capital Partners, RTW Investments, Nextech Invest, and ND Capital. We value teamwork, resilience, excellence, human, and health, and have a diverse team at both our headquarters in Cambridge, MA and our research operations in Tübingen, Germany.
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Administrative Specialist & Executive Support role provides high-level administrative, operational, and HR support to the local management team, ensuring the efficient and professional operation of the AIRNA Tübingen site.
This position serves as a key coordination hub across Germany and the US, supporting leadership in calendar and meeting management, travel logistics, purchasing, reporting, and selected human resources processes.
The successful candidate will bring strong organizational capabilities, discretion, and a proactive mindset to support a fast-growing, international biotech environment.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable managing multiple priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. The individual demonstrates strong communication and stakeholder management skills and builds effective cross-functional relationships across Germany and the US, actively fostering the ONE AIRNA culture.
A high level of professionalism, service orientation, and confidentiality is essential. The candidate thrives in a hands-on role and proactively identifies opportunities to improve administrative and HR workflows.
Tasks
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
* Executive & Administrative Support to the local leadership team.
* Manage complex calendars, schedule meetings, and coordinate logistics across time zones (Germany/US).
* Coordinate domestic and international travel arrangements, including visas where applicable.
* Track and manage key organizational data (budgets, travel spend, equipment inventories).
* Support internal communication and document management.
* Welcome visitors and coordinate onsite meeting logistics.
* Office & Operations Coordination.
* Organize team events (all-hands meetings, offsites, workshops, celebrations).
* Identify and implement process improvements to enhance operational efficiency.
* Give support as local HR administrative liaison for the Tübingen site.
* Support onboarding and offboarding processes, including:
* Maintain and update employee records in compliance with GDPR and company policies.
* Administer and support TimeButler time-tracking and absence management.
* Coordinate with US HR and external German HR/payroll providers.
* Support recruitment coordination, including:
* Assist with HR reporting and personnel data tracking.
* Support implementation of HR policies, trainings, and employee communications.
* Foster and model the ONE AIRNA culture.
* Build strong working relationships across functions and geographies.
* Perform responsibilities with tact, diplomacy, and high discretion.
Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS
* Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.
* Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, SharePoint).
* Experience with HRIS and time-tracking systems (TimeButler experience is a plus).
* Fluent German and English (written and spoken) strongly preferred.
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE
Relevant experience in executive assistance, office management, or HR administration. Experience supporting senior leadership in an international environment. Prior exposure to HR processes in Germany (highly desirable). Experience in a fast-paced biotech or life sciences start-up. Background supporting globally distributed teams (US/EU).
Benefits
* An exciting role in a promising, high-impact research field.
* The opportunity to contribute to the development of future medicines.
* Work within a fast-growing startup that values innovation and scientific excellence.
* Collaborate with a diverse, enthusiastic and international team.
* Be part of the ONE AIRNA culture.
* Attractive compensation and additional benefits.
* The position has a 1 year-fixed-term contract.
The position is based in Tübingen, Germany, and requires 100% presence on site..
We look forward to your application and to shaping the future of medicine together!
Are you interested? Please forward your application.