Research Associate 1

Natera; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 27,552 - 34,440; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans

Free testing for employees and families

401k benefits

Generous employee referral program

Job summary

Natera is looking for a Research Associate I to manage biological samples and support research projects. You'll oversee sample integrity, quality control, and collaborate with research teams to ensure compliance with regulations.

The ideal candidate has a background in biological sciences, proper handling of biological specimens, and experience with data management tools. A competitive benefits package is offered, with a pay range of $20 – $25 per hour in Austin, TX.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, or a related field (preferred).
• 0–2 years of experience in a laboratory or biorepository setting.
• Familiarity with biorepository software and data management tools is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the collection, preparation, and processing of biological samples.
• Ensure proper storage conditions for various biological samples.
• Manage and update the sample database, ensuring accuracy.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Work closely with research teams to understand sample requirements.
• Assist in the design and execution of research projects.

Skills

Biological sample management

Data analysis

Regulatory compliance knowledge

Attention to detail

SQL

Python

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences, Biotechnology, or related field

Tools

FreezerPro

LabArchives

LIMS

Job description

POSITION DURATION:

Six-month contract role with potential to extend or convert to FTE based on performance and business needs.

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Research Associate I to join our dynamic team in the sample management. In this role, you will be responsible for the management of biological samples, ensuring their integrity, overseeing quality control, and supporting research projects that rely on biological specimens. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in bio sample management, research methodologies, and data analysis, with an interest in contributing to cutting‑edge scientific research.

Primary Responsibilities

• Sample Collection and Processing
  • Oversee the collection, preparation, and processing of biological samples (e.g., blood, tissue, saliva, DNA) in accordance with established protocols and best practices.
  • Maintain proper documentation and labeling of samples, ensuring traceability from collection to storage.
• Sample Storage and Management
  • Ensure proper storage conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity) for various types of biological samples, including cryopreservation and ambient storage.
  • Implement inventory management procedures to track and organize samples, utilizing database systems and laboratory management software (e.g., FreezerPro, LabArchives).
  • Ensure the samples are appropriately cataloged and accessible to researchers in a timely manner.
• Database Management and Data Analysis
  • Manage and update the sample database, ensuring accuracy and compliance with sample tracking and research needs.
  • Assist in data analysis and reporting, including the creation of sample inventory reports and performance metrics.
  • Collaborate with the research team to retrieve and prepare data for research publications or grant proposals.
• Regulatory Compliance and Quality Control
  • Monitor and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, including HIPAA, IRB guidelines, and biorepository‑specific SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures).
  • Implement quality control procedures to ensure sample integrity and that all processes meet accreditation standards (e.g., CAP, ISO, CLIA).
  • Assist in preparing for audits and inspections, ensuring documentation and records are up to date.
• Collaboration with Researchers
  • Work closely with internal and external research teams to understand sample requirements, providing expert guidance on sample availability, quality, and suitable use.
  • Support researchers by preparing and distributing biological samples for experiments and studies.
  • Provide expertise in biorepository protocols, best practices for sample handling, and troubleshooting of issues related to sample collection or storage.
• Research Support
  • Assist in the design and execution of research projects involving the biorepository’s sample collection and management processes.
  • Contribute to scientific publications, presentations, and other research outputs, providing data and insights from biorepository‑managed samples.
• Continuous Improvement and Training
  • Proactively identify areas for process improvement in sample management and recommend strategies to enhance operational efficiency.
  • Stay current with advancements in biorepository management, biosample storage technology, and related regulatory guidelines.
  • Mentor and train junior staff or technicians on best practices in sample handling and database management.

Qualifications

• Education:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, or a related field (preferred).
• Experience:
  • 0–2 years of experience in a laboratory or biorepository setting, with a focus on sample management, biospecimen processing, and quality assurance.
  • Familiarity with biorepository software and data management tools (e.g., FreezerPro, LabArchives, LabWare, snowflake‑based database, LIMS), is highly desirable.
• Skills:
  • Strong understanding of biological sample management, including tissue processing, cryopreservation, DNA/RNA extraction, and cell culture.
  • Knowledge of regulatory compliance (HIPAA, GxP, CLIA, IRB).
  • Proficiency in data analysis and database management (e.g., Excel, SPSS, R).
  • Excellent organizational skills with keen attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Ability to troubleshoot technical issues and provide practical solutions.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with researchers and other staff.
  • Experience with laboratory equipment (e.g., freezers, liquid nitrogen tanks, centrifuges) and ensuring proper calibration and maintenance.
  • Experience in SQL, Python is a plus.

Working Conditions

• This position involves working in a controlled laboratory environment with exposure to biological samples, chemicals, and laboratory equipment.
• Candidates must adhere to strict biosafety protocols and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.
• An occasional evening, weekend, or holiday hours may be necessary depending on project.

Compensation: The pay range is listed and actual compensation packages are based on a wide array of factors unique to each candidate, including but not limited to skill set, years & depth of experience, certifications and specific office location. This may differ in other locations due to cost of labor considerations. Austin, TX $20 – $25 USD

Benefits

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, 401k benefits, commuter benefits and much more. We also offer a generous employee referral program!

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.

For more information: please be advised that Natera will reach out to candidates with a @natera.com email domain ONLY. Email communications from all other domain names are not from Natera or its employees and are fraudulent. Natera does not request interviews via text messages and does not ask for personal information until a candidate has engaged with the company and has spoken to a recruiter and the hiring team. Natera takes cyber crimes seriously, and will collaborate with law enforcement authorities to prosecute any related cyber crimes.

For more information:

• BBB announcement on job scams
• FBI Cyber Crime resource page