Sr Research Associate

Natera, Inc.; San Carlos (CA); On-site; USD 82,000 - 104,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading diagnostics firm in California is seeking a dedicated candidate for assay development. The role involves designing laboratory experiments, optimizing methodologies, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. A Bachelor’s degree in molecular biology and 3-4 years of relevant experience is required, alongside proficiency in molecular techniques like nucleic acid extraction. Competitive compensation packages are available, reflecting individual qualifications and experience.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical and dental plans

401k benefits

Paid maternity and bonding leave

Qualifications

• 3-4 years experience in assay development for the life science industry.
• Hands-on experience with molecular biology techniques.
• Experience developing or executing assays using automated liquid handlers.

Responsibilities

• Design experimental plans and execute complex laboratory experiments.
• Collaborate with assay development team to design and validate assays.
• Write protocols, document results, and present findings.

Skills

Molecular biology techniques

Nucleic acid extraction

Data analysis using Excel

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in molecular biology or closely related field

Tools

Automated liquid handlers

Python programming

Job description

Overview

We are looking for a meticulous and dedicated candidate with hands-on laboratory experience in assay development that can work effectively in a fast-paced environment to ensure that the highest quality clinical assays are developed and launched for our patients. The right candidate maintains a broad knowledge of state-of-the-art principles and theories and can work well in an exciting, stimulating, and creative environment.

Responsibilities

• Design experimental plans and execute complex end-to-end laboratory experiments including nucleic acid extraction from FFPE tissue, NGS library preparation, hybrid capture and sequencing.
• Collaborate with assay development team to design, develop, and validate assays for commercial launch.
• Communicate and discuss results with a multidisciplinary group of bioinformaticians, statisticians, automation engineers, and reagents/quality control scientists.
• Write protocols, document results, make data driven decisions, and present findings at scientific meetings.
• Creatively contribute to development activities and advance the assay through design control processes to meet product requirements and project milestones.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, or closely related field with 3-4 years experience in assay development for the life science industry

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Must have hands-on experience with molecular biology techniques, including nucleic acid extraction and quantitation, PCR/qPCR, library fabrication, sample quality control, hybrid capture, and sequencing.
• Proficiency working with FFPE tissue and RNA specifically is highly desired.
• Must be able to handle manual work/pipetting involving high throughput sample testing.
• Experience in optimizing laboratory methodologies and addressing complex problems that are unique when working with FFPE tissue.
• Demonstrated success in applying independent scientific judgment in experimental design and analysis.
• Experience in writing clear experimental designs, reports, and operating protocols.
• Must have excellent communication, organizational, record-keeping, planning, attention to detail, and time management skills.
• Experience developing or executing assays using automated liquid handlers is preferred.
• Experience in data analysis using Excel and/or other data analysis tools; proficiency in programming languages such as Python is a plus.

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.

$82,700 - $103,400 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.

WHAT WE OFFER

Competitive benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life and disability plans for eligible employees and their dependents. We offer pregnancy and baby bonding leave, 401k benefits, commuter benefits, fertility care benefits, an employee referral program, and more.

Natera is 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. All qualified applicants 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.

Please be advised that Natera will reach out to candidates with a @natera.com email domain ONLY. Email communications from all other domain names are not from Natera or its employees and are fraudulent. Natera does not request interviews via text messages and does not ask for personal information until a candidate has engaged with the company and has spoken to a recruiter and the hiring team. Natera takes cyber crimes seriously, and will collaborate with law enforcement authorities to prosecute any related cyber crimes.

Are you legally authorized to work in the United States? Do you now or will you in the future require sponsorship? Have you signed a non-compete with your current employer?

Voluntary Self-Identification

For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self-identification survey. Completion of the form is voluntary. Your information will be kept confidential and will not be considered in the hiring process. Information may be used to measure equal opportunity statistics in compliance with applicable law.