Lab Assistant I

Natera; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company match

Generous paid time off

Wellness benefits

Fertility care benefits

Job summary

Natera is seeking a Laboratory Assistant I in San Francisco to support specimen handling and processing with attention to turnaround times. The role works with licensed staff, prepares samples, enters data into LIMS, and maintains inventory and safety standards in a PHI‑rich environment.

You will participate in training, HIPAA/PHI compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives, with a focus on accuracy, teamwork, and professional conduct in a fast‑paced lab setting.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma required.
• Science-related degree preferred.
• Less than 1 year industry-related experience preferred.
• Post offer criminal background check required.
• HIPAA/PHI privacy and security training due within 30 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Assist licensed staff in preparing specimens (blood tubes, tissue).
• Receive and deliver specimens to workflows and labs.
• Maintain organization of samples in physical and electronic storage.
• Enter patient data into LIMS accurately.
• Prepare samples for shipment.
• Maintain organization of lab inventory and supplies.
• Help clean lab equipment and benches.
• Stay updated on methods and role-specific knowledge.
• Complete training and deadlines on time.
• Escalate issues to lead/supervisor.
• Participate in Continuous Improvement Projects (TAG, 5S).

Skills

Team communication

Interpersonal skills

Attention to detail

Google Suite

Microsoft Office

Education

High School Diploma

Science-related degree

Tools

LIMS

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:

The role of a Laboratory Assistant I has the ability to receive specimens with an ability to exercise independent judgement in the performance of assigned laboratory tasks. This role ensures all workflow stations within the laboratory are given specimens in a timely manner, with turnaround time in consideration.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist licensed/certified staff in preparing specimen (i.e. blood tubes, tissue) to be processed for testing
• Receive and deliver specimens to the appropriate workflows and/or labs
• Maintain organization of samples through physical and electronic sample storage and/or disposal.
• Accurately enter patient data into the Laboratory Inventory Management System (LIMS).
• Prepares samples for shipment
• Maintains organization of inventory, materials, and supplies within the lab
• Assists in cleaning lab equipment and benches
• Responsible for maintaining an updated understanding and knowledge of methods pertaining to the role
• Completes training and other deadlines on time.
• Recognizes and escalates issues to the lead/supervisor
• Participate in Continuous Improvement Projects (TAG, 5S)
• Conducts himself/herself in a professional manner
• Adheres to Departmental Expectations
• This role works with PHI on a regular basis both in paper and electronic form and has access to various technologies to access PHI (paper and electronic) in order to perform the job
• Must maintain a current status on Natera training requirements.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma required
• Science - related degree preferred
• Less than 1 year industry related experience preferred
• Employee must pass post offer criminal background check
• Employee 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

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Communicating in a team setting
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills; both written and oral
• Positive attitude and ability to work well with others
• High level of attention to detail with strong organizational skills
• Proficient with Google Suites and Microsoft Office

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds regularly
• This position requires the ability to use a computer keyboard, communicate over the telephone and read printed material
• Repetitive hand motion may be necessary

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 skills considerations.

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

• 401(k) with company match
• Generous paid time off and company holidays
• Additional wellness and work‑life benefits

Compensation Range

$23.49 - $25 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, 401(k) benefits, commuter benefits and much more. We also offer a generous employee referral program!

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

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.

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