Senior Research Associate, NGS & IVD Process Optimization

Natera, Inc.; San Carlos, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 109,000 - 136,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company match

Generous paid time off

Health, dental, vision benefits

Fertility care benefits

Job summary

Natera, Inc. is seeking a meticulous Senior Research Associate to optimize processes and verify product development for our oncology cfDNA portfolio.

You will design and validate automated high‑throughput NGS assays, collaborating with cross‑functional teams to meet CLIA/CAP quality standards and to prepare submissions to the FDA. You will lead verification activities, write protocols and SOPs, and mentor lab staff while driving continuous improvement in production workflows to shorten

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, cell biology, or related field with 4+ years in industry or MS with 2+ years in industry
• Experience with IVD product development and design controls

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and validate automated high‑throughput NGS assays for FDA submission
• Implement technical projects with timelines and deliverables
• Design and execute moderate to high complexity experiments and perform data analysis
• Collaborate with assay development scientists on assay specifications, reagents, equipment, and quality metrics
• Coordinate with clinical and QA to meet quality standards
• Write protocols, reports and SOPs; train lab staff
• Plan and execute verification activities
• Identify areas for continuous improvement to shorten TAT and improve workflows

Skills

NGS assay design

Data analysis (JMP, Excel)

Python or R

CLIA/CAP

High-throughput automation

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in molecular biology / related field

MS in molecular biology or related field

Tools

JMP

LIMS

Job description

Natera, Inc. is seeking a meticulous Senior Research Associate to optimize processes and verify product development for our oncology cfDNA portfolio.

You will design and validate automated high‑throughput NGS assays, collaborating with cross‑functional teams to meet CLIA/CAP quality standards and to prepare submissions to the FDA. You will lead verification activities, write protocols and SOPs, and mentor lab staff while driving continuous improvement in production workflows to shorten