We are seeking an innovative Scientist to join Natera’s Platform Technologies team within the Research & Development organization. In this impactful role, you will conduct pre-product research to develop and advance cutting-edge NGS technologies and expand Natera’s growing technology portfolio by planning, designing, and executing laboratory research. Additionally, you will investigate the feasibility of applying a wide variety of scientific principles and concepts to potential products and problems, based on your broad knowledge of state-of-the-art principles and theories .The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in molecular biology and demonstrated experience in developing Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Contributes substantially and intellectually to research and development

• Leads research projects to design and demonstrate the feasibility of novel nucleic acid based diagnostic methods

• Defines project plans with stakeholder input and coordinates efforts to achieve milestones within established timelines

• Plans and executes complex laboratory experiments, analyzes data, and applies insights to guide and refine project direction

• Coordinates the execution and analysis of effective experiments with statistics and bioinformatics teams

• Proposes, investigates, and implements innovative solutions to advance research objectives and overcome technical challenges 

• Provides regular updates at project team and departmental meetings on project progress, outcomes, and next steps to ensure alignment and transparency

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. or equivalent in molecular biology, genomics, or a closely related discipline

• Minimum 2 years of industry experience post-Ph.D., or at least 1 year of industry experience following the completion of postdoctoral research

• Hands-on experience with Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies and sample preparation methods, including DNA/RNA extraction, library preparation, target enrichment (e.g. multiplex PCR, hybrid capture), and DNA sequencers 

• Experience conceptualizing, prototyping, and advancing NGS technologies from initial concept to product development 

• Strong research skills with a track record of designing and implementing innovative and scalable solutions

• Proficient in data analysis and statistical testing using tools such as Excel, JMP, R, or Python 

• Proven success in partnering with bioinformatics and data science teams to drive project advancement

• Demonstrated ability to write clear project plans, study protocols, and standard operating procedures

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: 

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)

Technical Program Manager (Bioinformatics Projects)

Location: Dallas or Austin, TX (hybrid)

Pay Range: $100,000–$115,000

We are so excited you are interested in joining our team! If you are excited to empower science through innovation and possess a deep background in bioinformatics and program execution, we want to hear from you.

About Form Bio

Form Bio provides award-winning software and AI solutions for cell and gene therapy leaders. By combining data, technology and expertise, Form’s solutions accelerate timelines from discovery to clinic by providing drug developers with rapid in silico characterization and optimization of their therapeutics. Form Bio’s proprietary, patent pending AI models are the first of their kind, purpose-built to solve the most complex challenges in genetic engineering and design for gene and nucleic acid-based therapies.

The Role

We're looking for a highly skilled Technical Program Manager (Bioinformatics Projects) to lead and manage a critical, multi-million-dollar software services engagement with an Enterprise Biotech customer. This role sits at the intersection of customer success, scientific delivery, and program execution. You will be the primary owner of the customer relationship, responsible for translating high-level scientific plans into executable timelines and professional deliverables.

Responsibilities

Program Management & Scoping

• Drafting Statements of Work (SOWs): Partner with customer stakeholders to elicit requirements and author detailed SOWs that define scope, deliverables, and timelines.
• Stakeholder Alignment: Manage multiple parallel projects and critical paths, ensuring cross-functional teams (Engineering, AI/ML, and Science) remain aligned on timelines.
• Reporting & Documentation: Build comprehensive customer reports and professional presentations to track progress and demonstrate value.
• Delivery Accountability: Ensure on-time, high-quality delivery of contracted services, tracking milestones and outcomes against contractual commitments.

Customer Relationship & Stakeholder Management

• Relationship Ownership: Own and manage the overall relationship with Enterprise Biotech for a multi-million dollar annual software services contract.
• Proven Success: Demonstrate a track record of managing demanding customers and deliverables with professionalism and focus.
• Communication Excellence: Proven ability to communicate clearly, objectively, and timely across business, scientific, and technical audiences.
• Escalation Management: Act as the primary escalation point for issues, risks, and conflicts, driving resolution and alignment.

Requirements & Product Definition

• Partner with customer stakeholders to elicit, document, and refine detailed requirements, acceptance criteria, and product/feature definitions.
• Ensure requirements are actionable, prioritized, and aligned with both customer goals and engineering constraints.
• Lead iterative review cycles with customers to validate deliverables and ensure expectations are met or exceeded.

Technical & Scientific Collaboration

• Scientific Communication: Translate high-level scientific plans into executable timelines and professional, board-ready slide decks.
• Bioinformatics Integration: Collaborate with life sciences, bioinformatics, and AI/ML specialists to understand domain-specific needs and constraints.
• Cross-Functional Delivery: Coordinate delivery of SaaS product features, cloud infrastructure projects (GCP), and custom data warehouse solutions.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Bioinformatics Expertise: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, or a related field is required.
• Experience: Proven experience managing complex, enterprise-scale software or technology services engagements.
• Customer Management: Strong executive presence with demonstrated success interacting directly with senior leaders and decision-makers.
• Agile Management: Exceptional project and program management skills, including experience working with agile software engineering teams.
• Resilience: Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in high-stress, high-visibility, and occasionally contentious environments.
• Technical Depth: Experience managing SaaS feature roadmaps and delivering custom software/data platform projects.
• Communication: Superior written and verbal communication skills; ability to translate between technical, scientific, and non-technical stakeholders.
• Location: Must be willing to work on-site in Dallas, TX (hybrid) and travel regularly to customer locations.
• Character: High emotional intelligence, integrity, and a deep understanding of confidentiality regarding proprietary biological data.

Nice-to-Have Qualifications

• Experience working in or with academic research or life sciences organizations.
• Familiarity with AI/ML workflows in scientific or research-driven environments.

At Form Bio, we strive to create an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and team members without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information (including characteristics and testing), military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Form Bio believes that diversity is paramount to our success, and we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.