Senior Scientist, R&D Assay Development

natera; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 106,000 - 133,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits

Job summary

Natera is seeking a Senior Scientist for the R&D assay development team in Austin, TX. You will lead development, verification, and validation studies for cfDNA assays in a regulated environment, guiding junior scientists and technicians through design controls.

The role emphasizes collaboration across automation, engineering, R&D, bioinformatics, and lab operations to build robust automated workflows and ensure high data integrity, with opportunities to influence product portfolios.

Qualifications

• University degree and 8+ years of related experience or MS with 6+ years or PhD with 4+ years.
• 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 across more than one project; strong interpersonal, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proactive, solutions-oriented mindset with track record of collaboration and independent work.

Responsibilities

• Design development, verification, and validation studies with stakeholder input and coordinate milestones within established timelines.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop robust, automated workflows.
• Lead integration testing of automated workflows with software LIMS systems and ensure data integrity between systems.
• Plan, execute, analyze and present data for moderate to high complexity experiments; hands-on troubleshooting.
• Identify root causes and develop effective solutions.
• Perform data analysis using Excel and JMP; coordinate study analysis with biostatistics and bioinformatics teams.
• Provide regular project updates to ensure alignment and transparency.
• Author and review SOPs, study reports, and transfer documents for production implementation.
• Train team members on new SOPs and automated workflows.
• Provide support to lab operations, troubleshooting and technical guidance.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Team collaboration

Project management

Education

MS/PhD in a related field

PhD in related field

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Excel

JMP

LIMS automation

Gemini AI

Claude AI

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 and validating 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:

• Design development, verification, and validation studies with stakeholder input and coordinate efforts to achieve milestones within established timelines
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, such as automation, engineering, R&D, bioinformatics, and lab operations, to develop robust, automated workflows
• Lead the integration testing of automated workflows with software LIMS systems. Support the design and execution of integration testing to ensure data integrity between automation and digital systems
• Plan, execute, analyze and present data for moderate to high complexity experiments with hands-on work on troubleshooting
• Identify the root cause of problems and develop solutions to resolve problems effectively
• Perform basic data analysis (e.g. Excel, JMP) and comfortable to utilize AI agents like Gemini and Claude. Coordinate the analysis of studies with biostatistics and bioinformatics teams
• Provide regular updates at project team and departmental meetings on project progress, outcomes, and next steps to ensure alignment and transparency
• Author and review SOPs, study reports, and transfer documents for production implementation
• Train team members on new SOPs and automated workflows
• Provide support to lab operations, including troubleshooting and providing technical guidance
• Be flexible to handle multiple tasks and priorities, and perform other duties as assigned

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 responsibilities across more than 1 project
• Must possess very strong interpersonal, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• A proactive, solutions-oriented mindset and demonstrated success in collaborative and individual projects

DESIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Advanced technical proficiency in:
• Standard and long-range PCR techniques, including primer design and optimization.
• NGS technologies (e.g., Illumina, PacBio).
• qPCR, ddPCR, and multiplex PCR.
• 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
• A proactive, solutions-oriented mindset and demonstrated success in collaborative and individual projects

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 pla

Austin, TX

$106,200 - $132,700 USD

The pay range is listed and actual compensation packages are based on a wide array of factors unique to each candidate, including but not limited to skill set, years & depth of experience, certifications and specific office location. This may differ in other locations due to cost of labor considerations.