Staff Scientist R&D

Natera; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 157,000 - 197,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus associated with performance

Equity awards

Health benefits

401(k) with company match

Paid time off & holidays

Wellness benefits

Job summary

Natera is seeking a Staff Scientist in Molecular Biology R&D to lead and drive development of novel nucleic acid tests and multiomic approaches for early cancer detection. You will mentor junior scientists, coordinate with bioinformatics and product teams, and deliver projects on timelines.

The role emphasizes independent experimental design, data analysis, risk management, and proactive communication with leadership. On-site in California with a strong focus on innovation.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in molecular biology or closely related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of industry experience or 2+ years of post-doctoral research and 6+ years of industry experience.
• Extensive experience designing, executing, analyzing data and problem solving of next generation sequencing (NGS) and molecular biology experiments.
• Track record of innovating and scientific accomplishment including, developing novel nucleic acid and multiomic techniques and tests.
• Demonstrated success in thinking creatively and independently in experimental design and analysis.
• Experience leading complex research projects to completion.
• Must have excellent communication, organizational, record-keeping, planning, time management and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Independently lead projects to create and develop novel nucleic acid based diagnostic tests; including planning, feasibility testing, protocol development, and optimization
• Contribute to the overall success of projects
• Responsible for executing projects to associated timelines and deliverables
• Work cross functionally with other groups such as bioinformatics, development, product, and project management teams
• Mentor, direct and assist junior scientific staff setting an example for good scientific practices and rigor
• Write experimental reports, summaries and protocols
• Communicate progress regularly to stakeholders, including departmental meetings and senior leadership
• Assist with strategy, risk management, documentation, and improvement of processes, as needed

Skills

NGS design & analysis

Multiomic techniques

Experiment design & problem solving

Scientific leadership

Communication & documentation

Education

PhD in molecular biology

Job description

STAFF SCIENTIST, Molecular Biology R&D

Location: San Carlos, CA

Department: Molecular Biology, Informatics, and Statistics

POSITION SUMMARY:

Natera is looking for a highly motivated and creative Staff Scientist to be a key member of our Molecular Biology Research Team. As a successful candidate, you will work on initiating, directing and driving to completion pre-product scientific research to expand Natera's state-of-the-art product portfolio in early cancer detection. Candidates with a proven track record developing NGS and multiomic assays will be considered, with a preference for oncology experience.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Independently lead projects to create and develop novel nucleic acid based diagnostic tests; including planning, feasibility testing, protocol development, and optimization
• Contribute to the overall success of projects
• Responsible for executing projects to associated timelines and deliverables
• Work cross functionally with other groups such as bioinformatics, development, product, and project management teams
• Mentor, direct and assist junior scientific staff setting an example for good scientific practices and rigor
• Write experimental reports, summaries and protocols
• Communicate progress regularly to stakeholders, including departmental meetings and senior leadership
• Assist with strategy, risk management, documentation, and improvement of processes, as needed

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ph.D. in molecular biology or closely related field
• Minimum of 8 years of industry experience or 2+ years of post-doctoral research and 6+ years of industry experience

REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Must have extensive experience designing, executing, analyzing data and problem solving of next generation sequencing (NGS) and molecular biology experiments
• Track record of innovating and scientific accomplishment including, developing novel nucleic acid and multiomic techniques and tests
• Demonstrated success in thinking creatively and independently in experimental design and analysis
• Experience leading complex research projects to completion
• Must have excellent communication, organizational, record-keeping, planning, time management and analytical skills

PREFERRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:

• Cancer research experience is desired
• Experience with approaches including: epigenetic/methylation analysis, target capture/enrichment, WGS, proteomics
• cfDNA experience is a significant plus
• Experience with automation is a plus
• Experience managing and providing basic leadership to research associates and junior scientists
• Skilled at writing clear plans, reports and SOPs

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 $157,300 - $196,600 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 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!

For more information, visit www.natera.com .

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