POSITION SUMMARY:

Join Natera’s R&D team as a Senior Research Associate specializing in Oncology Assay Development. You will design, execute, and optimize next-generation sequencing (NGS) and cell-free DNA (cfDNA) workflows to build liquid biopsy tests that directly impact patient care. Every sample represents a real person, and your analytical rigor will ensure the highest standards for clinical implementation.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design, plan, and execute experiments to support the development, optimization, and validation of oncology assays
• Independently execute experimental workflows, including cfDNA extraction, library preparation, target enrichment, and sequencing
• Develop and pressure-test new methods to improve the performance and precision of our clinical assays
• Analyze and interpret experimental data using appropriate statistical and analytical tools
• Maintain precise documentation in electronic laboratory notebooks, protocols, study plans, and technical reports
• Think team by partnering directly with bioinformatics, biostatistics, automation engineering, software, and operations teams without translation layers
• Communicate findings clearly through presentations and technical reports, ensuring unvarnished, data-backed updates
• Support technology transfer to Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) regulated operations, driving protocol improvements, training, and troubleshooting
• Troubleshoot assays by identifying root causes and implementing data-driven improvements
• Manage multiple projects with pace and precision, prioritizing tasks based on data to meet established milestones
• Handle protected health information (PHI) in paper and electronic formats as required to perform duties
• Complete required HIPAA/PHI privacy and security training within the first 30 days of hire and maintain current status on all training

QUALIFICATIONS:

• B.S. degree in molecular biology, a related field, or equivalent
• Minimum of 3 to 4 years of industry experience in an assay development department

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Direct hands-on experience with nucleic acid techniques, including DNA manipulation, PCR, qPCR, and DNA quantitation and analysis tools such as LabChip, BioAnalyzer, and Tapestation
• Experience with Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) workflows, spanning library preparation, target enrichment, sequencing platforms, and associated quality control metrics
• Experience running automation platforms, such as Hamilton, Bravo, BioMek, or KingFisher
• Ability to interpret NGS data outputs, including Q30 scores, pass filter rates, coverage, on-target rates, and error rates
• Ability to manage multiple experiments and priorities simultaneously while operating with operational rigor
• Apply scientific literature and data to pressure-test assumptions and drive continuous improvement

#LI-DNI

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 LabVantage, 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

POSITION SUMMARY:

Natera is seeking an experienced Senior Manager, R&D, to join the Oncology Product Development team. This role will lead development and optimization of NGS-based oncology diagnostic assays and support product lifecycle management post-launch. The ideal candidate will drive cross-functional initiatives, provide strong technical leadership, and partner with Operations to ensure robust and scalable product performance.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead and execute technical development of NGS-based oncology assays, including project planning, execution, and cross-functional coordination
• Contribute to assay development from feasibility through verification and validation in a regulated (CLIA) environment
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Research, Informatics, Stats, Software, Regulatory, Quality, and Commercial teams to support product development and launch
• Support post-launch activities, including process improvements, troubleshooting, and collaboration with Operations for commercialized assays
• Prepare and review technical documentation, including study protocols, reports, and validation documentation, to support product development and regulatory compliance
• Manage and mentor team members
• Perform and guide data analysis using statistical tools

QUALIFICATIONS:

• PhD in Molecular Biology or a related field with 8+ years of industry experience, or BS/MS with 10+ years of relevant biotech industry experience, including at least 2 years of management experience
• Experience in NGS-based assay development in a regulated environment (CLIA experience preferred)
• Familiarity with CLIA laboratory workflows and assay implementation in a production setting
• Demonstrated experience leading projects and collaborating cross-functionally; prior people management experience preferred
• Experience with high-throughput workflows or automation is a plus

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Technical expertise in oncology diagnostics and NGS technologies
• Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking
• Technical writing and documentation skills in a regulated environment
• Understanding of regulatory requirements and design control processes in a regulated environment (e.g., LDT, CAP/CLIA, product development lifecycle, change management)
• Strong cross-functional collaboration, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to build effective working relationships
• Team leadership and development

POSITION SUMMARY:

We are looking for a highly motivated Staff Scientist within the Molecular Biology product development team to join a cross-functional team of scientists who are tasked with developing and advancing Natera’s oncology product portfolio.

The Staff Scientist will be working with internal cross functional teams and investigating the feasibility of applying a variety of scientific principles and concepts to oncology diagnostics and monitoring space. The ideal candidate is a driven professional who maintains broad knowledge of state-of-the-art principles and theories with an in-depth understanding of applicability to oncology research.

We are looking for a meticulous and dedicated scientist with experience in both NGS assay development and high throughput automation that can work effectively in a fast-paced environment to ensure that the highest quality clinical assays are developed and launched for our patients.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead technical projects and associated timelines and deliverables in NGS-based assays as a subject matter expert. Represent the biodevelopment group in cross-functional project teams
• Design, develop, and validate automated high-throughput NGS assays that will be run in a commercial CLIA laboratory
• Mentor junior employees
• Design and execute high complexity experiments and perform data analysis (e.g. JMP, Python, R, Excel)
• Collaborate with assay development scientists on the specifications of assay, reagent, equipment and quality metrics for existing and future production assays
• Work with Clinical Laboratory directors and Quality Assurance to ensure that developed methods meet Natera’s rigorous quality standards
• Coordinate with multiple internal groups (automation engineering, laboratory operations, bioinformatics, statistics, project and product management) and serve as point person to ensure the successful identification and timely execution of projects
• Write documentation and SOPs, and train lab operations operators on protocols. Oversee validation activities
• Participate in post-launch surveillance by troubleshooting production issues, performing root cause analysis on automation, reagent, peripheral equipment and assay failures
• Identify areas for continuous improvement and actively contribute to the effort of introducing better practices to improve production workflows and shorten TAT for patient samples

QUALIFICATIONS:

• MS with 10 years or PhD with at least 7+ years of experience in assay development and automation for the life science industry
• Demonstrated track record of development and validation of automated protocols for CLIA labs

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Experience developing, implementing, optimizing, and troubleshooting high-throughput automated assays utilizing liquid handler robots
• Strong understanding of the chemistry underlying nucleic acid extraction, NGS library preparation, and hybrid capture technologies
• Strong individual contributor as well as dedicated team player
• Experience designing and executing studies including stability, guard banding, reproducibility and repeatability, and validation
• Experience working in a regulated laboratory environment under CLIA/CAP, NYSDOH, IVD is a plus
• Data analysis (JMP) required, coding skills (Python or R), and liquid handler programming experience are a plus
• Excellent communication, organizational, record-keeping, planning, attention to detail and time management skills
• Ability to collaborate cross-functionally with other groups (CLIA, LIMS, lab operations QA, Automation, Research)

POSITION SUMMARY:   

Natera is seeking an innovative Scientist, R&D to join Natera’s Oncology Product Development Team. We are looking for a meticulous and dedicated candidate with experience in next generation sequencing (NGS) assay development, validation, and troubleshooting to ensure that the highest quality clinical assays are developed and launched for our patients. 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Design development, verification, and validation studies with stakeholder input and coordinate efforts to achieve milestones within established timelines
• Lead the integration of automated workflows with digital systems, such as LIMS and LabVantage (LV). Support the design and execution of integration testing
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to identify the root cause of problems and develop solutions to resolve problems effectively
• Plan and execute moderate to high complexity experiments
• Perform basic data analysis (e.g. Excel, JMP). Coordinate the analysis of studies with biostatistics and bioinformatics teams
• Provide regular updates at project team and departmental meetings on project progress, outcomes, and next steps to ensure alignment and transparency
• Author and review SOPs, study reports, and transfer documents for production implementation
• Train team members on new SOPs and automated workflows
• Provide support to lab operations, including troubleshooting and providing technical guidance
• Be flexible to handle multiple tasks and priorities, and perform other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS: 

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

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Strong understanding of the chemistry underlying nucleic acid extraction, PCR, NGS library preparation, and hybrid capture technologies
• Must be able to independently design and execute experiments, interpret results, and decide on next steps
• Must have extensive hands-on experience with various molecular biology techniques including but not limited to: NGS, PCR/qPCR, and nucleic acid extraction and quantification
• Experience with the development of automated workflows is highly desired
• LDT product development and validation experience is highly desired
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Proficient in data analysis using tools such as Excel or JMP
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills with meticulous attention to detail
• A proactive, solutions-oriented mindset and demonstrated success in collaborative and individual projects
• Demonstrated ability to write clear project plans, study protocols and reports, and SOPs

POSITION SUMMARY: 

The Associate Scientist within the Molecular Biology product development team will join a cross-functional team of scientists who are tasked with developing and advancing Natera’s oncology product portfolio.

The Associate scientist will be working with internal cross functional teams and investigating the feasibility of applying a variety of scientific principles and concepts to oncology diagnostics and monitoring space. The ideal candidate is a driven professional who maintains broad knowledge of state-of-the-art principles and theories with an in-depth understanding of applicability to oncology research. This position requires flexibility to work outside standard business hours, including some evenings and weekends, to address urgent issues, support high-priority projects, and maintain uninterrupted lab operations.

We are looking for a meticulous and dedicated scientist with experience in both assay development and high throughput automation that can work effectively in a fast-paced environment to ensure that the highest quality clinical assays are developed and launched for our patients.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design, develop, and validate automated high-throughput NGS assays that will be run in a commercial CLIA laboratory
• Participate in post-launch surveillance by troubleshooting production issues, performing root cause analysis on automation, reagent, peripheral equipment and assay failures
• Independently design and execute moderate to high complexity experiments
• Collaborate with assay development scientists on the specifications of assay, reagent, equipment and quality metrics for existing and future production assays
• Work with Clinical Laboratory and Quality Assurance to ensure that developed methods meet Natera’s rigorous quality standards
• Coordinate across multiple internal groups (automation engineering, laboratory operations, bioinformatics, statistics, project and product management) and serve as point person to ensure the successful identification and timely execution of projects
• Write documentation and SOPs, and train lab operations operators on protocols
• Oversee validation activities
• Identify areas for continuous improvement and actively contribute to the effort of introducing better practices to improve production workflows and shorten TAT for patient samples

QUALIFICATIONS:

• BA/BS with 6 years experience or MS with 3 years experience in assay development and automation for the genomics
• Demonstrated track record of development and validation of automated protocols for CLIA

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Strong understanding of the chemistry underlying nucleic acid extraction, PCR, NGS library preparation, and hybrid capture technologies
• Hands-on experience in reagent preparation and quality control for NGS-based assays
• Experience implementing, optimizing, and troubleshooting high-throughput automated assays utilizing liquid handler robots
• Data analysis (JMP) required, coding skills (Python or R) are a plus
• Strong individual contributor as well as dedicated team player
• Experience designing and executing studies including stability, guard banding, reproducibility and repeatability, and validation
• Experience working in a regulated laboratory environment under CLIA/CAP, NYSDOH, IVD is a plus
• Excellent communication, organizational, record-keeping, planning, attention to detail and time management skills
• Ability to collaborate cross-functionally with other groups (CLIA, lab operations QA, Automation, Research)

POSITION SUMMARY: 

Natera is a global leader in cell-free DNA testing. We measure fetal, tumor, or donor cfDNA at the molecular level to help inform personalized health care decisions with a non-invasive test.

We are looking for a highly motivated Staff Scientist to join Natera’s Oncology Product Development Team. We are looking for a seasoned candidate with experience in next generation sequencing (NGS) assay development who enjoys solving challenging and complex problems in a fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate is self-motivated and effectively works around unknowns to move the needle in the development, launch, and support of the highest quality clinical assays for our patients.

The Staff Scientist will be working with internal cross functional teams to develop, launch, and support LDT products. The ideal candidate is a driven professional who maintains broad knowledge of molecular biology and chemistry, and applies statistical principles to experiment design and analysis. The candidate should have an in-depth understanding of product development and support in a CLIA environment, and experience with current NGS oncology diagnostics devices. 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design, develop, and validate automated high-throughput NGS assays that will be run in a commercial CLIA laboratory
• Provide production support to automated high-throughput NGS assays currently run in commercial CLIA laboratories
• Manage assigned technical projects and associated timelines and deliverables in NGS-based assays. Mentor and manage the functional activities of junior employees
• Design and execute moderate to high complexity experiments and perform data analysis (e.g. JMP, R, Python, Excel)
• Work with Clinical Laboratory and Quality Assurance to ensure that developed methods meet Natera’s rigorous quality standards
• Coordinate with multiple internal groups (automation engineering, laboratory operations, bioinformatics, statistics, project and product management) and serve as point person/technical lead to ensure the successful and timely execution of projects
• Write study protocols, reports, and SOPs, train lab operations operators on protocols
• Identify areas for continuous improvement and actively contribute to the effort of introducing better practices to improve production workflows and shorten TAT for patient samples
• Ability to manage Scientists and Research Associates

 QUALIFICATIONS:

• MS with 11+ years or PhD with 8+ years experience in assay development and automation for the life science industry.
• Demonstrated track record of development and validation of automated protocols for CLIA labs
• Well able to perform first-pass data analysis; strong ability to interpret experimental data
• Deep technical knowledge of NGS biology and processes

 KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Strong understanding of the chemistry underlying nucleic acid extraction, PCR, NGS library preparation, and hybrid capture technologies
• Experience implementing, optimizing, and troubleshooting high-throughput automated assays utilizing liquid handler robots
• Strong individual contributor as well as dedicated team player
• Experience designing and executing studies including stability, guard banding, reproducibility and repeatability and QC method development
• Data analysis (JMP, Python, or R) required
• Excellent communication, organization, record-keeping, planning, attention to detail and time management skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and to collaborate cross-functionally with other groups (regulatory, CLIA, LIMS, automation, research, product)
• Able to travel to Natera’s Austin site up to 20% of time

POSITION SUMMARY: 

Natera is a global leader in cell-free DNA testing. We measure fetal, tumor, or donor cfDNA at the molecular level to help inform personalized health care decisions with a non-invasive test.

We are looking for a highly motivated Staff Scientist with a strong focus on reagent and process optimization to join the Early Cancer Detection product development team, joining a group of scientists who are tasked with developing and advancing Natera’s oncology product portfolio.

The Staff Scientist will be working with internal cross functional teams to develop IVD products. The ideal candidate is a driven professional who maintains broad knowledge of molecular biology and chemistry, and applies statistical principles to experiment design and analysis. The Scientist should have an in-depth understanding of design control methods and experience with current NGS oncology diagnostics devices. 

We are looking for a meticulous and proactive scientist with experience in NGS-based assay development under design control and meant for submission to FDA and other regulatory bodies and who can work effectively in a fast-paced environment to ensure that the highest quality clinical assays are developed and launched for our patients.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design, develop and validate automated high-throughput NGS assays that will be run in a commercial CLIA laboratory
• Manage assigned technical projects and associated timelines and deliverables in NGS-based assays. Mentor and manage the functional activities of junior employees
• Design and execute moderate to high complexity experiments and perform data analysis (e.g. JMP, R, Excel)
• Collaborate with other assay development scientists on the specifications of assay, reagent, equipment and quality metrics for future production assays
• Work with Clinical Laboratory and Quality Assurance to ensure that developed methods meet Natera’s rigorous quality standards
• Coordinate with multiple internal groups (automation engineering, laboratory operations, bioinformatics, statistics, project and product management) and serve as point person to ensure the successful and timely execution of projects
• Write study protocols and reports and SOPs and train lab operations operators on protocols
• Lead verification activities
• Identify areas for continuous improvement and actively contribute to the effort of introducing better practices to improve production workflows and shorten TAT for patient samples
• Ability to manage Scientists and Research Associates

QUALIFICATIONS:

• MS with 11+ years or PhD with 8+ years experience in assay development and automation for the life science industry.
• Demonstrated track record of development and validation of automated protocols for CLIA labs
• Experience with IVD product development and design controls
• Deep technical knowledge of NGS biology and processes

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Strong understanding of the chemistry underlying nucleic acid extraction, PCR, NGS library preparation, and hybrid capture technologies
• Hands-on experience in reagent preparation and quality control for NGS-based assays
• Experience implementing, optimizing, and troubleshooting high-throughput automated assays utilizing liquid handler robots
• Strong individual contributor as well as dedicated team player
• Experience designing and executing studies including stability, guard banding, reproducibility and repeatability and QC method development
• Data analysis (JMP) required, coding skills (Python or R), and liquid handler programming experience are a plus
• Excellent communication, organizational, record-keeping, planning, attention to detail and time management skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and to collaborate cross-functionally with other groups (regulatory affairs, CLIA, LIMS, lab operations, QA, automation, research)

POSITION SUMMARY: 

Natera is a global leader in cell-free DNA testing. We measure fetal, tumor, or donor cfDNA at the molecular level to help inform personalized health care decisions with a non-invasive test.

We are looking for a highly motivated Senior Scientist with a strong focus on reagent and process optimization to join the Early Cancer Detection product development team, joining a group of scientists who are tasked with developing and advancing Natera’s oncology product portfolio.

The Senior Scientist will be working with internal cross functional teams to develop IVD products. The ideal candidate is a driven professional who maintains broad knowledge of molecular biology and chemistry, and applies statistical principles to experiment design and analysis. The Scientist should have an in-depth understanding of design control methods and experience with current NGS oncology diagnostics devices. 

We are looking for a meticulous and proactive scientist with experience in both NGS-based assay development under design control and meant for submission to FDA and other regulatory bodies and who can work effectively in a fast-paced environment to ensure that the highest quality clinical assays are developed and launched for our patients.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design, develop and validate automated high-throughput NGS assays that will be run in a commercial CLIA laboratory
• Manage assigned technical projects and associated timelines and deliverables in NGS-based assays. Mentor and manage the functional activities of junior employees
• Design and execute moderate to high complexity experiments and perform basic data analysis (e.g. JMP, R, Excel)
• Collaborate with other assay development scientists on the specifications of assay, reagent, equipment and quality metrics for future production assays
• Work with Clinical Laboratory and Quality Assurance to ensure that developed methods meet Natera’s rigorous quality standards
• Coordinate with multiple internal groups (automation engineering, laboratory operations, bioinformatics, statistics, project and product management) and serve as point person to ensure the successful identification and timely execution of projects
• Write project protocols, reports and SOPs and train lab operations operators on protocols.
• Lead verification activities
• Identify areas for continuous improvement and actively contribute to the effort of introducing better practices to improve production workflows and shorten TAT for patient samples
• May manage Research Associates

QUALIFICATIONS:

• BA/BS with 8+ years experience, MS with 5+ years or PhD with 3+ years experience in assay development and automation for the life science industry
• Demonstrated track record of development and validation of automated protocols for CLIA labs
• Experience with IVD product development and design controls

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Strong understanding of the chemistry underlying nucleic acid extraction, PCR, NGS library preparation, and hybrid capture technologies
• Hands-on experience in reagent preparation and quality control for NGS-based assays
• Experience implementing, optimizing, and troubleshooting high-throughput automated assays utilizing liquid handler robots
• Strong individual contributor as well as dedicated team player
• Experience designing and executing studies including stability, guard banding, reproducibility and repeatability and QC method development
• Data analysis (JMP) required, coding skills (Python or R), and liquid handler programming experience are a plus
• Excellent communication, organizational, record-keeping, planning, attention to detail and time management skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and to collaborate cross-functionally with other groups (regulatory affairs, CLIA, LIMS, lab operations QA, automation, research)