Staff Scientist R&D

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

Benefits offered by this job

Annual incentive bonus

Long-term equity awards

401(k) with match

Generous PTO & holidays

Wellness programs

Job summary

Natera is seeking a Staff Scientist to join the assay development team in California. You will lead high-impact projects, plan feasibility and validation studies, and collaborate with R&D, automation, biostatistics, and data science teammates to advance cfDNA testing platforms.

You will guide junior scientists, manage priorities in a CLIA-regulated environment, and contribute to continuous improvement of Natera’s genomic assays and products.

Qualifications

• PhD/MS/BS with relevant lab experience in genetics or molecular biology.
• Experience developing and validating molecular assays for clinical testing.
• Strong project leadership and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a regulated lab.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional assay development projects and timelines.
• Plan and report feasibility, development, verification, and validation studies.
• Collaborate with research, automation, biostatistics and data science teams.
• Document data and recommendations to R&D, Quality, and Regulatory groups.
• Mentor scientists and research associates as needed.

Skills

NGS workflows

Project management

Data analysis (Python/R)

Communication

Laboratory automation

Molecular biology

Education

PhD in genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry

MS in related field

BS in related field

Tools

Illumina sequencing

PacBio long-read sequencing

qPCR

ddPCR

Automation platforms

Job description

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 Staff 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 Scientists or Research Associates.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• BS, MS. or PhD Degree in genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry or a closely related field. PhD with a minimum of 6 years relevant experience, or a MS degree and minimum 8 years of relevant 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 and direct reports.
• Must possess very strong interpersonal, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Advanced technical proficiency in:
  • Long-range PCR techniques, including primer design and optimization.
  • Long-read sequencing technologies (e.g., PacBio).
  • NGS assay development using Illumina sequencing platforms.
  • qPCR, ddPCR, and multiplex PCR.
• 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 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-term equity awards
• 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!

Natera is proud to be 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. Inclusive collaboration benefits our employees, our community and our patients, and is critical to our mission of changing the management of disease worldwide.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply, and 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.

If you are based in California, we encourage you to read this important information for California residents.

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.