Scientist R&D

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

Benefits offered by this job

Annual performance incentive bonus

Long-term equity awards

Comprehensive health benefits (medical

Dental and vision

401(k) with company match

Job summary

Natera is seeking an innovative Scientist to join the Platform Technologies team within R&D. You will conduct pre-product research to develop and advance cutting-edge NGS technologies and expand Natera's technology portfolio by planning, designing and executing laboratory research.

The ideal candidate has a strong molecular biology foundation and hands-on NGS experience to work independently with minimal supervision.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or equivalent in molecular biology, genomics, or closely related field.
• Hands-on experience with NGS technologies and sample prep including DNA/RNA extraction, library prep, target enrichment (multiplex PCR, hybrid capture) and DNA sequencers.
• Experience designing and advancing NGS tech from concept to product development.
• Strong research skills and track record of implementing innovative, scalable solutions.
• Ability to exercise independent scientific judgment in experimental design and analysis.
• Proficient in data analysis and statistical testing (Excel, JMP, R, Python).
• Proven ability to collaborate with bioinformatics and data science teams to drive projects.
• Ability to write clear project plans, study protocols, and SOPs.

Responsibilities

• Contributes substantially to research and development.
• Leads projects to demonstrate feasibility of novel nucleic acid-based diagnostics.
• Develops plans and advances research objectives with minimal supervision.
• Plans and executes complex lab experiments, analyzes data, guides project direction.
• Defines project plans with stakeholders and coordinates milestones.
• Coordinates experiments with statistics and bioinformatics teams.
• Proposes and implements innovative solutions to overcome technical challenges.
• Communicates progress to colleagues and senior management with regular updates.

Skills

NGS technologies

Data analysis with Excel/JMP/R/Python

Independent scientific judgment

Experimental design and analysis

Bioinformatics collaboration

Study protocols and SOPs

Education

Ph.D. in molecular biology/genomics or related

Job description

We are seeking an innovative Scientist to join Natera's Platform Technologies team within the Research & Development organization. In this impactful role, you will conduct pre-product research to develop and advance cutting‑edge NGS technologies and expand Natera's growing technology portfolio by planning, designing, and executing laboratory research. Additionally, you will investigate the feasibility of applying a wide variety of scientific principles and concepts to potential products and problems, based on your broad knowledge of state‑of‑the‑art principles and theories. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in molecular biology, demonstrated experience in developing Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies, and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Primary Responsibilities

• Contributes substantially and intellectually to research and development
• Leads research projects to design and demonstrate the feasibility of novel nucleic acid based diagnostic methods
• Independently develops plans, generates ideas, and advances research objectives with minimal oversight
• Plans and executes complex laboratory experiments, analyzes data, and applies insights to guide and refine project direction
• Defines project plans with stakeholder input and coordinates efforts to achieve milestones within established timelines
• Coordinates the execution and analysis of effective experiments with statistics and bioinformatics teams
• Proposes, investigates, and implements innovative solutions to advance research objectives and overcome technical challenges
• Communicates progress directly with colleagues and senior management, providing regular updates on project outcomes and next steps

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. or equivalent in molecular biology, genomics, or a closely related discipline
• Minimum 2 years of industry experience post-Ph.D., or at least 1 year of industry experience following the completion of postdoctoral research
• Hands‑on experience with Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies and sample preparation methods, including DNA/RNA extraction, library preparation, target enrichment (e.g., multiplex PCR, hybrid capture), and DNA sequencers
• Experience conceptualizing, prototyping, and advancing NGS technologies from initial concept to product development
• Strong research skills with a track record of designing and implementing innovative and scalable solutions
• Demonstrated ability to exercise independent scientific judgment in experimental design and analysis
• Proficient in data analysis and statistical testing using tools such as Excel, JMP, R, or Python
• Proven success in partnering with bioinformatics and data science teams to drive project advancement
• Demonstrated ability to write clear project plans, study protocols, and standard operating procedures

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working within a CLIA lab environment or under a Quality Management System
• Experience with epigenetics/methylation, cfDNA/RNA, or digital PCR technologies
• Experience in transplant assessment, oncology, NIPT, or liquid biopsy applications
• Bioinformatics capabilities or programming experience (e.g., Python, R, SQL)

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!

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.