Scientist R&D

Natera; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 117,000 - 146,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Equity awards

Health benefits

401(k) matching

Paid time off

Wellness programs

Employee referral program

Job summary

Natera seeks a Scientist to advance epigenomics-based research and biomarker discovery in oncology. You will design and run studies, lead projects, and collaborate with bioinformatics and statistics teams to translate results into patient-focused diagnostics.

The role emphasizes hands-on NGS, molecular biology fundamentals, and independent problem solving, with plans to deliver high-quality data and actionable insights to drive product portfolio expansion.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. with 2+ years industry experience or M.S. with 5+ years in assay development.
• Strong foundation in nucleic acid techniques and molecular biology.
• Demonstrated ability to independently design experiments and troubleshoot.

Responsibilities

• Lead projects and drive components of programs to develop and optimize assay workflows.
• Tackle moderate-to-complex problems and propose tradeoffs.
• Design studies, propose next steps, and manage timelines and deliverables.
• Analyze and QC experimental data and guide next experiments.
• Collaborate with statistics and bioinformatics teams on analyses.
• Communicate findings through reports and presentations.
• Document progress under Quality Management System.

Skills

NGS experience

Molecular biology

Experiment design

Data analysis (R, Python)

Scientific writing

Project collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in molecular biology/genomics/biochemistry or related

M.S. with 5+ years in assay development

Tools

R

Python

Job description

Natera is seeking a Scientist to join our Molecular Biology Research Team, which develops the assays behind the next generation of cancer diagnostics. As a Scientist, you will design and run epigenomics-based research and biomarker discovery studies that help expand Natera’s oncology product portfolio. You will lead your own projects and drive key pieces of larger ones, working closely with bioinformatics and statistics partners to turn experimental results into real progress. This role is a great fit for someone with hands‑on NGS experience, a strong molecular biology foundation, and a drive to see their work reach patients.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead projects and drive substantial components of larger programs to develop and optimize assay workflows, including planning, testing, protocol development, and troubleshooting.
• Independently tackle problems of moderate-to-complex scope, recognizing when alternative methods are needed and recommending options with their tradeoffs.
• Contribute to study design for assigned projects, bringing hypotheses and proposed next steps.
• Own timelines and deliverables for your work, anticipating obstacles and adjusting direction as needed.
• Analyze and QC your own experimental data (e.g., R, JMP, Excel) and use the results to guide the next round of experiments.
• Partner with the statistics and bioinformatics teams on complex analyses and help define the metrics that matter for your experiments.
• Communicate findings clearly to peers and leadership through written reports and meeting presentations.
• Document research progress under a Quality Management System.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in molecular biology, genomics, biochemistry, or a closely related field, with 2+ years of relevant industry experience, or M.S. with a minimum of 5 years of industry experience in assay development.

Required Expertise

• Strong foundation in nucleic acid techniques and molecular biology.
• Hands‑on experience with NGS methods, including sample prep, library prep, target enrichment (e.g., multiplex PCR, hybrid capture), and sequencing.
• Demonstrated ability to independently design experiments and troubleshoot, with evidence of independent thought and creativity in science.
• Sound scientific judgment, including the ability to weigh alternative approaches.
• Proficiency with analysis tools such as Excel, JMP, R, or Python.
• Clear, organized writing for experimental plans, reports, and SOPs, with strong record‑keeping habits.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with cell‑free DNA or liquid biopsy
• Background in oncology or cancer biomarker research
• Familiarity with bioinformatics workflows
• Experience with lab automation or assay development in a regulated environment

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 internal equity considerations.

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

• Annual performance incentive bonus
• Long‑term equity awards
• Comprehensive health benefits (medical, dental, vision)
• 401(k) with company match
• Generous paid time off and company holidays
• Additional wellness and work‑life benefits

Compensation Range $116,800 — $146,000 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!

For more information, visit www.natera.com .

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.

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/