Clinical Lab Operator I

Natera • Austin, TX

4d

About The Position

The Clinical Lab Operator I assists with analyzing patient specimens and maintains laboratory equipment in good working condition. The role follows standard operating procedures and good laboratory practices, supports daily laboratory operations, and contributes to continuous improvement projects. It involves regular access to protected health information (PHI) in paper and electronic form, requiring completion of privacy, compliance, and security training within the first 30 days of hire and maintenance of current Natera training status. The employee must pass a post-offer criminal background check and may perform other duties as assigned.

Natera is a global leader in cell-free DNA (cfDNA) testing focused on oncology, women’s health, and organ health. The company aims to make personalized genetic testing and diagnostics part of standard care, enabling earlier and more targeted interventions. Natera describes its team as comprising professionals across scientific, medical, business, and technology disciplines, and emphasizes growth, challenge, and collaboration.

Natera offers eligible employees and their dependents comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life, and disability plans. Employees and their immediate families also receive free testing, alongside fertility care benefits. Other benefits include pregnancy and baby bonding leave, 401(k) benefits, commuter benefits, and an employee referral program. Natera is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Requirements

• BS/BA in a biological science or a related field.
• 0–2 years of industry-related experience.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, computer, and technical skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Word processing and data management skills.
• Ability to work well in a group.
• Ability to discern color visually, or evaluate cellular morphology when applicable, and pass the applicable screening assessment.
• Must pass a post-offer criminal background check.

Responsibilities

• Assist in testing patient samples according to standard operating procedures.
• Meet applicable performance metrics for the role.
• Maintain an updated understanding and knowledge of laboratory methods performed.
• Provide guidance to new team members.
• Follow good laboratory practices by maintaining a clean and organized workspace.
• Complete training and other deadlines on time.
• Recognize, escalate, and troubleshoot equipment malfunctions and common processing errors according to laboratory standard operating procedures.
• Recognize, document, and escalate laboratory protocol deviations to the lead or supervisor.
• Communicate with the team and other departments using various platforms, including email.
• Provide feedback to the lead or supervisor on daily schedules and tasks.
• Assist teammates in completing daily tasks.
• Maintain equipment and instruments in good operating condition, including attention to calibration and expiration dates.
• Maintain sufficient inventory of laboratory materials, supplies, and equipment needed to perform duties.
• Participate in continuous improvement projects, including TAG and 5S.
• Conduct oneself professionally and adhere to departmental expectations.
• Complete HIPAA/PHI privacy, General Policies and Procedure Compliance, and security training within the first 30 days of hire, and maintain current status on Natera training requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life, and disability plans for eligible employees and their dependents.
• Free testing for employees and their immediate families.
• Fertility care benefits.
• Pregnancy and baby bonding leave.
• 401(k) benefits.
• Commuter benefits.
• Employee referral program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level