Associate Scientist R&D

Natera; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 89,900 - 112,350; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual performance incentive bonus

Long-term equity awards

401(k) with company match

Generous paid time off

Wellness and work-life benefits

Job summary

Natera is seeking an Associate Scientist to join the R&D Platform team, focusing on building scalable assays to advance our product portfolio. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with NGS technologies and automated platforms, applying their expertise to assess new scientific opportunities and contribute to developing state-of-the-art genomic tests for oncology treatment and monitoring.

Key duties include designing experimental plans, developing and validating assays for commercial

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 4–6 years assay development experience in life sciences.
• Master’s degree with 2+ years industry experience in assay development.
• NGS experience and DNA/RNA handling required or preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design experimental plans and execute lab experiments of defined scope.
• Collaborate to design, develop, and validate assays for commercial launch.
• Contribute insights and troubleshoot experimental processes.
• Perform basic data analysis.
• Communicate results within a multidisciplinary team.
• Document protocols and SOPs under QMS.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

NGS expertise

DNA/RNA extraction

Library preparation

Hybrid capture

qPCR

Multiplex PCR

R/Excel data analysis

Independent judgment

Lab optimization

Documentation

Communication

High-throughput handling

Automation experience

Programming (Python/R)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, or closely related field

Master’s in molecular biology, biochemistry or closely related field

Tools

None

Job description

Natera is seeking a skilled and motivated Associate Scientist to join the R&D Platform team, focusing on building scalable assays to advance our product portfolio. The ideal candidate will possess hands‑on experience with NGS technologies and automated platforms. Candidates will apply their expertise to assess new scientific opportunities and contribute to developing state‑of‑the‑art genomic tests for oncology treatment and monitoring applications.

Primary Responsibilities

• Independently design experimental plans and execute laboratory experiments of a defined scope such as analyte extractions, next‑generation library preparation, hybrid capture and sequencing.
• Collaborate with project teams to design, develop, and validate assays for commercial launch.
• Contribute insights toward experimental findings and troubleshoot laboratory processes and protocols.
• Perform basic data analysis.
• Communicate and discuss results with a multidisciplinary team including biologists, bioinformaticians, statisticians, software engineers and managers.
• Document protocols, SOPs, and scientific reports under a Quality Management System.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, or closely related field with 4‑6 years experience in assay development for the life science industry.
• Master’s in molecular biology, biochemistry or closely related field, with 2+ years of industry experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Expertise in next‑generation sequencing (NGS) and DNA/RNA molecular biology, including DNA/RNA extraction from tissue and biofluids, library preparation, hybrid capture, qPCR, and multiplex PCR.
• Proficiency in basic data and statistical analysis using tools such as R, JMP, or Excel.
• Demonstrated success in applying independent scientific judgment in experimental design and analysis.
• Experience in optimizing laboratory methodologies and troubleshooting complex problems.
• Strong communication, organizational, record‑keeping, planning, and time management skills.
• Must be able to handle manual work/pipetting involving high throughput sample testing.
• Experience in writing clear plans, reports and SOPs.
• Experience in oncology, solid tumor and liquid biopsy, transplant, or NIPT research is a plus.
• Experience in programming and operating liquid handlers is a plus.
• Experience in programming languages such as python or R is a plus.

Compensation & Total Rewards

This range reflects a good‑faith estimate of the base pay we reasonably expect to offer at the time of hire. 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
• 401(k) with company match
• Generous paid time off and company holidays
• Additional wellness and work‑life benefits

Compensation Range: $89,900 - $112,350 USD

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.

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.