Sample Management Manager

Natera; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 99,500 - 124,400; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health benefits

401k benefits

Employee referral program

Fertility care benefits

Pregnancy and baby bonding leave

Job summary

Natera is seeking a Sample Management Manager to join its R&D operations in Austin, Texas. This role involves directing biobanking, cold chain logistics, and ensuring the full lifecycle of clinical diagnostic samples is meticulously managed. You will lead a talented team, developing procedures and overseeing compliance with stringent regulatory standards.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in laboratory practices, project management, and team leadership. Natera offers a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, and family benefits, along with opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of related experience with a bachelor's degree.
• Minimum 3 years of team management experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement standardized procedures for sample management.
• Manage Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
• Lead, train, and develop the Sample Management team.
• Oversee training for new hires and build an execution-focused culture.
• Prepare reports and audits to support quality assurance.

Skills

Team management in regulated environment

Data management

Project management

Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)

Molecular Biology

Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)

Data analysis skills

Pipetting skills

Education

BS/BA degree in Medical Technology or Biological Sciences

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Excel

Data analysis tools

LIMS software

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

Join Natera’s R&D operations as the Sample Management Manager. You will direct biobanking, cold chain logistics, and the full lifecycle of clinical diagnostic samples. Every sample represents a real person, and you will ensure that tracking, storage, and distribution meet the rigorous standards required to advance cell‑free DNA testing. You will lead a high‑performing team, optimizing workflows and using data to maintain accuracy and regulatory adherence in a high‑stakes clinical environment.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and implement standardized procedures for sample intake, storage, tracking, and distribution
• Treat regulatory guidelines (e.g., GMP, GLP, ISO) and company policies as the foundation of your work, ensuring strict compliance
• Manage Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) to maintain sample integrity and traceability
• Lead, train, and develop the Sample Management team to operate with pace and precision
• Think team by partnering directly with R&D, Quality, Supply Chain, and external partners to align sample management practices without needing translation layers
• Use data to troubleshoot discrepancies, root‑cause logistical issues, and resolve quality concerns
• Use data to pressure‑test workflows and implement technology enhancements that improve precision and scale
• Prepare rigorous reports and audits to support quality assurance and regulatory inspections

Operational Responsibilities

• Take ownership of sample management operations, proactively allocating resources and designing workflows to meet rigorous clinical timelines
• Provide clear guidance to the team, establishing policies and removing operational bottlenecks without relying on heavy hierarchy
• Take ownership of operational challenges, relying on data rather than opinion to resolve workflow and capability gaps
• Manage scheduling, performance requirements, and operational budgets
• Act as an advisor to the team, directly stepping in to assist with issue resolution and technical troubleshooting

Team & Performance Management

• Direct team members to ensure precise execution of SOPs and safety procedures
• Oversee training for new hires and build an execution‑focused culture
• Conduct regular 1:1 meetings to deliver unvarnished, data‑backed performance evaluations and discuss goals
• Plan and lead shift meetings, fostering team alignment and professionalism
• Approve timecards, PTO requests, and ensure consistent staffing coverage
• Prioritize workloads dynamically, delegate responsibilities, and elevate issues without hesitation

Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Treat quality as part of performance by ensuring all regulatory agency requirements are met through proper documentation, audits, and corrective actions
• Maintain strict compliance with HIPAA/PHI privacy policies and complete required training within 30 days of hire
• Oversee sample processing, ensuring accurate documentation and adherence to departmental expectations
• Support R&D leadership in initiating and executing new projects to enhance operational efficiency

QUALIFICATIONS

• BS/BA degree (Master’s degree preferred) in Medical Technology, Biological Sciences, or a related field
• 8+ years of related experience with a bachelor’s degree
• Minimum 3 years of team management experience

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrated team management experience in a fast‑paced, regulated environment
• Ability to manage projects independently with an ownership mindset
• Clear, direct communication and troubleshooting skills
• Excellent pipetting, data analysis, and wet lab operations abilities
• Proficiency in Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and data analysis tools
• Experience with Molecular Biology, Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), and Quality System Regulation (QSR)
• Strong Excel and data management software experience
• Ability to analyze and improve operational processes for efficiency and compliance using data
• Experience with biorepository sample management is a plus
• Strong knowledge of regulatory requirements in sample handling is preferred

Pay range: $99,500 – $124,400 USD. (Austin, TX)

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.

Equal Opportunity 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.

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

Link: https://www.natera.com/notice-of-data-collection-california-residents/

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

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