Senior Scientist R&D

natera; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 138,000 - 173,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual performance incentive bonus

Long-term equity awards

Comprehensive health benefits

401(k) with company match

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Natera is a global leader in cfDNA testing, seeking a Senior Scientist to advance assay development within the R&D department. You will lead cross-functional teams, plan and execute high-precision molecular assays, and drive studies under design control to improve product portfolios for oncology, women's health, and organ health.

You will mentor junior scientists, leverage automation, and contribute to data-driven decision-making with a focus on quality and regulatory readiness in a fast-paced

Qualifications

• Typically requires a university degree and a minimum of 8+ years of related experience or an MS degree with 6 years or a PhD with 4 years of related experience.
• Knowledge of high-throughput NGS workflows or genetic testing in clinical settings.
• Experience in developing and validating molecular assays for CLIA lab testing.
• Experience with automation of molecular workflows or assay transfer to automated platforms.
• Experience in managing projects.
• Very strong interpersonal, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical projects and timelines as a subject matter expert and represent the assay development group in cross-functional project teams.
• Drive planning, design, execution, and reporting of feasibility, development, verification and validation studies under the design control quality system.
• Collaborate with research scientists, automation engineers, biostatisticians and data scientists to develop new molecular assays.
• Communicate and document experimental data, scientific findings, and recommendations to R&D and other functions including Lab Operations, Scientific Affairs, Product Management, Quality, and Regulatory groups.
• May manage Research Associates.

Skills

NGS assay development

qPCR

ddPCR

multiplex PCR

Long-range PCR

Long-read sequencing

Automation of molecular workflows

Project management

Data analysis (Python, R)

JMP, Excel

Bioinformatics tools

Design verification/validation (US/EU)

Strong communication

Collaborative work

Education

MS in Molecular Biology or related field

PhD in a related field

BS in life sciences

Tools

Illumina sequencing platforms

Automated liquid handling systems

CLIA lab equipment

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

Natera is a global leader in cell-free DNA testing. We measure fetal, tumor, or donor cfDNA at the molecular level to help inform personalized health care decisions with a non-invasive test. The Natera R&D Department is looking for a highly motivated Senior Scientist to join the rapidly growing assay development team to help build the future of Natera. In this position, you will be an integral part of high-performing teams across functions to develop laboratory tests that positively impact the business and our patients. A successful candidate will have a deep understanding of molecular biology, strong scientific curiosity and high level of expertise of developing cfDNA assays through product development cycles. You will lead and support dedicated junior scientists and laboratory technicians to plan, execute and manage scientific studies under design control in a regulated environment to help improve and expand Natera's state-of-the-art product portfolios.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead technical projects and associated timelines and deliverables as a subject matter expert and represent the assay development group in cross-functional project teams.
• Drive the planning, design, execution, and reporting of feasibility, development, verification and validation studies under the design control quality system.
• Collaborate closely with research scientists, automation engineers, biostatisticians and data scientists within a dynamic R&D team to develop new and innovative molecular assays.
• Communicate and document experimental data, scientific findings, and recommendations to R&D and other functions including Lab Operations, Scientific Affairs, Product Management, Quality, and Regulatory groups.
• May manage Research Associates.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Typically requires a university degree and a minimum of 8+ years of related experience or a MS degree and 6 years of related experience or a PhD and 4 years of related experience
• Knowledge of high throughput NGS workflows or other genetic testing applications in clinical settings.
• Experience in developing and validating molecular assays for CLIA lab testing.
• Experience with automation of molecular workflows or assay transfer to automated platforms.
• Experience in managing projects.
• Must possess very strong interpersonal, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

DESIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Advanced technical proficiency in:
• NGS assay development using Illumina sequencing platforms.
• qPCR, ddPCR, and multiplex PCR.
• Experience in long-range PCR techniques and long-read sequencing technologies is a plus.
• Hands-on experience with high-throughput sample processing and automated liquid handling systems in a CLIA-regulated lab.
• Advanced data analysis skills utilizing tools such as JMP and Excel, comfort with programming languages like Python and R, and proficiency with bioinformatics tools and platforms.
• Knowledge of design verification/validation processes compliant with the U.S. and E.U. regulatory standards.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• A proactive, solutions-oriented mindset and demonstrated success in collaborative and individual projects.

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-terms 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

$138,100 - $172,600 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 an