POSITION SUMMARY:

Join Natera’s Oncology Product Development team as a Scientist focusing on Assay Development. You will build, validate, and troubleshoot next-generation sequencing (NGS) and cell-free DNA (cfDNA) assays used in liquid biopsy and Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) testing. Every sample represents a real person, and your work will directly impact patient care by ensuring our assays meet strict clinical diagnostic standards.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design development, verification, and validation studies using stakeholder input, driving milestones to completion within established timelines
• Integrate automated workflows with digital tracking systems, including Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) such as Lab Vantage, and execute integration testing
• Think team by partnering directly with biostatistics, bioinformatics, and lab operations to root-cause issues using data, communicating clearly without translation layers
• Plan and execute moderate to high complexity experiments, and perform primary data analysis using tools like Excel and JMP
• Provide unvarnished, data-backed updates at project and departmental meetings regarding progress, outcomes, and next steps
• Author clear Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), study reports, and transfer documents for production implementation
• Train team members on new SOPs and automated workflows, and provide troubleshooting support to lab operations
• Adapt to evolving science and operational needs, taking ownership of tasks that move the work forward

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ph.D. with a minimum of 2 years of industry experience, or a Master's degree with a minimum of 5 years of industry experience

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Deep technical understanding of chemistry underlying nucleic acid extraction, PCR, NGS library preparation, and hybrid capture technologies
• Ability to independently design experiments, interpret data, and determine the next scientific step
• Extensive hands-on experience with molecular biology techniques, specifically NGS, PCR/qPCR, and nucleic acid extraction and quantification
• Experience building automated workflows and executing Laboratory Developed Tests (LDT) under CLIA/CAP guidelines is highly desired
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while operating with pace and precision
• Clear, direct communication and presentation skills with strict attention to detail
• An ownership mindset that identifies gaps, tests assumptions with data, and executes without waiting for a finished playbook
• Proven ability to author clear, precise project plans, study protocols, reports, and SOPs

Compensation & Total Rewards

This range reflects a good-faith estimate of the base pay we reasonably expect to offer at the time of hire. Final compensation will vary based on experience, qualifications, and internal equity considerations.

This position is also eligible for additional compensation and benefits through Natera’s robust Total Rewards program, including:

• Annual performance incentive bonus

• Long-term equity awards

• Comprehensive health benefits (medical, dental, vision)

• 401(k) with company match

• Generous paid time off and company holidays

• Additional wellness and work-life benefits

Compensation Range:

$116,800—$140,000 USD

OUR OPPORTUNITY

Natera™ is a global leader in cell-free DNA (cfDNA) testing, dedicated to oncology, women’s health, and organ health. Our aim is to make personalized genetic testing and diagnostics part of the standard of care to protect health and enable earlier and more targeted interventions that lead to longer, healthier lives.

The Natera team consists of highly dedicated statisticians, geneticists, doctors, laboratory scientists, business professionals, software engineers and many other professionals from world-class institutions, who care deeply for our work and each other. When you join Natera, you’ll work hard and grow quickly. Working alongside the elite of the industry, you’ll be stretched and challenged, and take pride in being part of a company that is changing the landscape of genetic disease management.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Competitive Benefits
• Employee benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life and disability plans for eligible employees and their dependents. Additionally, Natera employees and their immediate families receive free testing in addition to fertility care benefits. Other benefits include pregnancy and baby bonding leave, 401k benefits, commuter benefits and much more. We also offer a generous employee referral program!

For more information, visit www.natera.com.

Natera is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to ensuring a diverse and inclusive workplace environment, and welcome people of different backgrounds, experiences, abilities and perspectives. Inclusive collaboration benefits our employees, our community and our patients, and is critical to our mission of changing the management of disease worldwide.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply, and will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, age, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with applicable laws.

If you are based in California, we encourage you to read this important information for California residents.

Link: https://www.natera.com/notice-of-data-collection-california-residents/

Please be advised that Natera will reach out to candidates with a @natera.com email domain ONLY. Email communications from all other domain names are not from Natera or its employees and are fraudulent. Natera does not request interviews via text messages and does not ask for personal information until a candidate has engaged with the company and has spoken to a recruiter and the hiring team. Natera takes cyber crimes seriously, and will collaborate with law enforcement authorities to prosecute any related cyber crimes.

For more information:

• BBB announcement on job scams
• FBI Cyber Crime resource page