POSITION DURATION:

This is a six-month contract role located in San Carlos with the potential to extend or convert to full-time based on performance and business needs.

POSITION SUMMARY: 

The Research Associate 2, performs laboratory procedures of varying complexity contributing to cross functional activities as part of the RUO Oncology Team, a multidisciplinary team within the research and development department.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Normalize plasma samples.
• Extract nucleic acids from whole blood, plasma, tissue blocks using automated and manual extraction methods 
• Perform library preparation for nextgen sequencing using automated and manual methods
• Determine quantity and/or quality of nucleic acids using Quant-IT, Qubit, Nanodrop, BioAnalyzer, and qPCR
• Load libraries onto next generation sequencing platforms ( NovaSeq, iSeq, Miseq, etc)
• Interpret data and determine appropriate next steps per outlined requirements 
• Perform routine laboratory equipment maintenance as defined in standard operating procedures
• Recognize equipment and instrument malfunctions and escalate to R&D equipment support team and relevant team members
• Track sample inventory and status using Laboratory Information Management Software or Google Sheets
• Maintain accurate records of lab work using a variety of softwares including Google Sheets, Microsoft Excel, and internal databases
• Periodically review standard operating procedures (SOP) and other work instructions
• Suggest process improvements to subject matter experts as needed 
• Ensure accurate, ethical, and appropriate management of samples in compliance with all applicable federal regulation
• Perform other tasks as specified by the manager/director 
• This role occasionally works with PHI both in paper and electronic form and has access to various technologies to access PHI (paper and electronic) in order to perform the job
• Employees must complete training relating to HIPAA/PHI privacy, General Policies and Procedure Compliance training and security training as soon as possible but not later than the first 30 days of hire
• Must maintain a current status on Natera training requirements
• Employee must pass post offer criminal background check 
• Additional requirement: This role requires onsite work in San Carlos and flexibility to work shifted schedules (e.g., 7am - 4pm, 11am - 8pm, 7pm - 3am)

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Masters degree or 3+ years of industrial/academic research experience

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Extremely familiar with good pipetting practices (single and multi-channel micropipettes, serological pipettes)
• Hands-on experience with library preparation and next generation sequencing platforms highly preferred (NovaSeq, MiSeq, iSeq etc.)
• Hands-on experience with nucleic acid techniques (purification, quantification, amplification, etc)
• Able to operate independently in lab under general supervision with minimal human error 
• Knowledge of LIMS/database softwares
• Experience with laboratory automation is a plus
• Excellent with Microsoft Office programs 
• Excellent with Google Drive including Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Forms
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to think creatively and analytically with strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
• Team player with demonstrated strong interpersonal skills with an ability to build effective working relationships within functional area
• Ability to thrive in a fast paced, evolving environment, and manage competing priorities efficiently

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

• Duties are typically performed in an office and laboratory setting daily
• This position requires the ability to perform repetitive motions during pipetting and sample processing
• This position requires the ability to use a computer keyboard, communicate over the telephone and read printed material
• May require lifting or moving items weighing up to 25lbs.

OUR OPPORTUNITY:

Driven by the passion for elevating the science and utility of genetic testing, Natera is committed to helping families identify and manage genetic diseases. Natera is a rapidly-growing diagnostics company with proprietary bioinformatics and molecular technology for analyzing DNA. Our complex technology has been proven clinically and commercially in the prenatal testing space and we are actively researching its applications in the liquid biopsy space for developing products with oncology applications.

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.