Research Associate New Austin, TX

Natera, Inc.; Austin, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 62,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

Natera, Inc. in Austin, TX is seeking an IVD Product Development Research Associate 1 to assist with study forecasting, planning, and routine lab tasks under SOPs. You will observe, analyze data, interpret results, and help develop streamlined methods to sustain workflows and advance projects.

A BS/BA in biology with at least 1 year of molecular biology lab experience is required. You will perform DNA isolation, PCR/qPCR, NGS library prep, and manage sample tracking using advanced Excel and

Qualifications

• BS/BA in biology or equivalent field.
• Minimum 1 year of Molecular Biology lab experience.
• Experience with DNA isolation and nucleic acid extraction.

Responsibilities

• Independently execute simple experiments.
• Assist with SOP development.
• Receive and process laboratory specimens with high attention to detail.
• Track samples with database queries and advanced Excel techniques.
• Maintain equipment and instruments in good condition and troubleshoot as needed.
• Maintain and forecast lab inventory of reagents and consumables.
• Complete routine preventive maintenance on instruments and equipment.
• Maintain updated knowledge of laboratory methods.
• Perform DNA isolation and extraction from various sample types.
• Process samples through PCR library preparation and NGS techniques.
• Adapt to multiple tasks and priorities; perform other duties as assigned.
• Complete HIPAA/PHI privacy and policy training within 30 days of hire.
• Maintain current status on Natera training requirements.

Skills

DNA isolation

Molecular biology

PCR/qPCR

NGS library prep

Sample tracking

Data analysis

Excel advanced

Database querying

Troubleshooting

Communication skills

Education

BS/BA in Biological Science

Tools

PCR/qPCR equipment

NGS platforms

Excel

Job description

The IVD Product Development Research Associate 1 will assist with various development tasks such as study forecasting and planning, general lab maintenance, and execute experiments following guidelines outlined by an SOP. In collaboration with others you will be expected to make detailed observations, analyze data, and interpret results. You will develop new streamlined methods that will help to maintain all workflows in the lab and with project advancement, as well as maintain a high level of professional expertise through familiarity with scientific literature related to IVD products and regulation.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Independently execute simple experiments.
• Assist with SOP development.
• Receive and process laboratory specimens following the standard methods and procedures with superb attention to detail.
• Track samples with use of database queries, and advanced excel techniques; verify that correct specimens are being processed and analyzed.
• Maintain equipment and instruments in good operating condition, recognize any malfunctions and troubleshoot as needed.
• Maintain and track lab inventory of reagents and consumables and proactively forecast general laboratory needs routinely
• Complete routine preventive maintenance and troubleshooting on instruments and equipment.
• Responsible for maintaining updated understanding and knowledge of the methods employed in the laboratory.
• Perform DNA isolation and extraction from various sample types
• Process samples through PCR library preparation and Next-Generation Sequencing techniques
• Adapt to handle multiple tasks and priorities, and perform other duties as assigned.
• 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.
• Must maintain a current status on Natera training requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• BS/BA in a biological science or equivalent.
• Minimum of 1 year of Molecular Biology laboratory experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• DNA isolation from biological samples (preferred).
• Must have proven, hands-on experience utilizing molecular biology techniques, including pipetting, PCR/qPCR, and nucleic acid extraction
• Experience with PCR library preparation for Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) and running sequencing platforms
• Practical knowledge sample databases and in sample tracking
• Demonstrated experience handling delicate biological materials and following rigorous research protocols
• Excellent oral and written communication skills to actively share precise data and help the broader team troubleshoot
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel is required; advanced Excel skills (e.g., nested formulas, macros, pivot tables) and database querying capabilities are highly desired
• Experience with sample analysis and QC, including DNA quantification techniques
• Ability to investigate and create new methods or technologies to advance project timelines
• Strong troubleshooting skills with the ability to recognize subtle malfunctions and resolve issues

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

$61,800 - $77,300 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 much 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.

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Voluntary Self-Identification

For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self-identification survey.Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiringprocess or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in aconfidential file.

As set forth in Natera’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy,we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.

If you believe you belong to any of the categories of protected veterans listed below, please indicate by making the appropriate selection.As a government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), we request this information in order to measurethe effectiveness of the outreach and positive recruitment efforts we undertake pursuant to VEVRAA. Classification of protected categoriesis as follows:

A "disabled veteran" is one of the following: a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.

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