About the Job
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 ...
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
Key Responsibilities
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
Required Skills & Abilities
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
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
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.
Austin, TX
$106,200—$132,700 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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