Lead Bioinformatics & Machine Learning Scientist

Natera

12h • $146,000 - $182,000 • Remote

About The Position

Natera is seeking a Lead Bioinformatics & Machine Learning Scientist to join its Bioinformatics Research team. The role develops machine learning models for Natera's tissue-free, methylation-based assay, aimed at detecting cancer in the minimal residual disease (MRD) setting and informing treatment selection. The position calls for expertise in algorithm development, genomics, sequencing data processing, and applied machine learning.

The scientist will lead research analyses from initial ideas through implementation and evaluation, while working across computational and experimental science teams. They will help translate wet-lab experimental design into computational analysis, adapt to evolving assay requirements, and maintain quality across high-volume sequencing data from multiple cohorts, vendors, and clinical protocols. The role also involves communicating results to technical and cross-functional audiences and contributing to standards for code quality and reproducibility.

Requirements

• PhD in Computer Science, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, or a related quantitative field, with a strong emphasis on cancer epigenomics/genomics.
• 4 to 8+ years of experience post-PhD.
• Deep theoretical and practical understanding of high-throughput DNA sequence data analysis, including mapping, sequence alignment, and variant calling workflows.
• Experience in algorithm development and data analysis, including applying and evaluating statistical methods.
• Demonstrated experience developing core machine learning models, including generalized linear models, kernel methods, tree-based algorithms, and neural networks, with a focus on biological data such as DNA sequencing data.
• Strong quantitative reasoning and data analysis skills, with the ability to apply them to relevant scientific problems.
• Experience with Python and Linux command-line tools, including writing shell scripts.
• Strong computational and programming skills, including thorough experience with Python statistical packages such as NumPy, Matplotlib, and Pandas.
• Ability to visualize findings and summarize results orally and in writing for technical and non-technical audiences.
• High scientific rigor and eagerness to teach and learn new computational methods and biology.
• Ability to work collaboratively on a cross-functional team with computational and experimental scientists.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with public databases such as TCGA, COSMIC, or OncoKB.

Responsibilities

• Develop, train, and evaluate machine learning models, and drive algorithm design decisions supporting cancer detection in the MRD setting.
• Own research analyses end to end, from ideation through implementation using scripts and notebooks, troubleshooting, and performance evaluation.
• Develop new features within existing pipelines.
• Translate between wet-lab experimental design and computational analysis as assay requirements evolve.
• Maintain rigorous quality control across high-volume sequencing data spanning multiple cohorts, vendors, and clinical protocols.
• Communicate findings and model performance to technical and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Contribute to standards for code quality and reproducibility.

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: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree