Research Associate 1

Natera; San Carlos (CA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Natera in San Carlos, CA is seeking a Research Associate I for a six-month contract on the RUO Accessioning team. You will receive, catalog, and accession biological samples, perform safe handling, and help prepare shipments for ongoing studies.

You will work with multidisciplinary teams, use LIMS and Sheets to track inventory, ensure HIPAA/PHI compliance, and support SOP-driven improvements. Onsite shifts are required, with potential extension or conversion based on performance.

Qualifications

• BS/BA in a biological science or equivalent required.
• 0-2 years of related laboratory experience.

Responsibilities

• Receive, catalog, and process incoming shipments of biological samples following established protocols
• Perform safe and proper handling of biological samples
• Track sample inventory and status using LIMS and/or Google Sheets; perform periodic inventory reconciliation
• Identify and promptly elevate manifest or sample discrepancies to the supervisor or manager
• Coordinate incoming and outgoing biospecimen shipments to and from CROs, partners, and collaborators
• Perform routine laboratory equipment maintenance per SOPs; recognize and elevate instrument malfunctions to the R&D equipment support team and relevant team members
• Adhere to all applicable SOPs and work instructions; participate in periodic SOP reviews
• Contribute to process improvement initiatives by applying hands-on knowledge of routine accessioning activities
• Ensure accurate, ethical, and compliant sample management in accordance with all applicable federal regulations
• Handle PHI in paper and electronic formats as required; complete HIPAA/PHI and General Compliance training within the first 30 days of hire and maintain current training status
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor or manager
• Schedule note: onsite work in San Carlos, CA, with flexibility to work shifted schedules (e.g., 7am-4pm, 11am-8pm, 7pm-3am); weekend shifts may be required based on operational demand

Skills

Pipetting techniques

Laboratory automation

LIMS

SQL

Excel

Google Sheets

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Education

BS/BA in biological science

Tools

LIMS

Google Sheets

Excel

SQL

Job description

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 1performs routine activities on the RUO Accessioning team. Works with multidisciplinary teams and performs sample receipt, accessioning, and send out for ongoing research and development studies as part of the Signatera RUO team.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Receive, catalog, and process incoming shipments of biological samples following established protocols
• Perform safe and proper handling of biological samples
• Track sample inventory and status using LIMS and/or Google Sheets; perform periodic inventory reconciliation
• Identify and promptly elevate manifest or sample discrepancies to the supervisor or manager
• Coordinate incoming and outgoing biospecimen shipments to and from CROs, partners, and collaborators
• Perform routine laboratory equipment maintenance per SOPs; recognize and elevate instrument malfunctions to the R&D equipment support team and relevant team members
• Adhere to all applicable SOPs and work instructions; participate in periodic SOP reviews
• Contribute to process improvement initiatives by applying hands-on knowledge of routine accessioning activities
• Ensure accurate, ethical, and compliant sample management in accordance with all applicable federal regulations
• Handle PHI in paper and electronic formats as required; complete HIPAA/PHI and General Compliance training within the first 30 days of hire and maintain current training status
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor or manager
• Schedule note: This role requires onsite work in San Carlos, CA, with flexibility to work shifted schedules (e.g., 7am-4pm, 11am-8pm, 7pm-3am); weekend shifts may be required based on operational demand

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Hands-on experience with pipetting techniques, including single and multi-channel micropipettes and serological pipettes, in academic or professional settings
• Experience with laboratory automation is a plus
• Working knowledge of LIMS and database query tools
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and SQL highly preferred
• Strong command of Google Drive applications (Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Forms)
• Able to work independently under general supervision with a high degree of accuracy
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Creative and analytical thinker with strong troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities
• Collaborative team player with demonstrated interpersonal skills and the ability to build effective working relationships across functional areas
• Thrives in a fast-paced, evolving environment with the ability to manage competing priorities

QUALIFICATIONS:

• BS/BA in a biological science or equivalent required
• 0-2 years of related laboratory experience

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Duties are typically performed in an office and laboratory setting
• 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 50lbs

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.

WHAT WE OFFER:

Competitive Benefits. Generous Employee Referral program. Healthy catered lunches everyday, and premium snacks! Additionally, we offer complimentary premium coffee drinks and teas, and other beverages.

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.

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.

Remote USA

$25 - $33 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, 401k benefits, commuter benefits and many more. We also offer a generous employee referral program!

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.

If you are based in California, we encourage you to read this important information for California residents.

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.