Lead Bioinformatics Scientist (Oncology)

Natera•San Carlos, CA

About The Position

Natera is seeking a Lead Bioinformatics Scientist to join its Oncology Bioinformatics team and support the development, validation, and clinical application of NGS-based assays. The role focuses on NGS data analysis for wet-lab support and oncology applications. The scientist will shape analytical validation strategy, design and analyze feasibility and performance studies, and generate real-world evidence demonstrating clinical utility. The position works with interdisciplinary teams to translate complex, multi-source data into actionable recommendations supporting research, product development, validation, regulatory submissions, clinical studies, and scientific publications.

Requirements

Master’s degree in bioinformatics or a related field with 10 years of post-graduate experience, or a PhD with 5 years of post-graduate experience.
Expert knowledge of NGS bioinformatics tools, including sequencing quality control and secondary analysis such as variant calling.
Experience with WES, WGS, or targeted sequencing of tissue and cfDNA, and somatic variant calling for SNVs, indels, CNVs, and fusions.
Working knowledge of statistical methods for assay performance evaluation and ability to collaborate with biostatisticians on study design.
Strong programming and scripting skills in Python, R, and shell.
Fluency in exploratory data analysis and visualization of complex datasets, and ability to turn observations into actionable recommendations.
Deep understanding of NGS workflows from sample extraction through sequencing, including ability to link bioinformatic findings to wet-lab root causes.
Ability to communicate effectively with wet-lab groups and cross-functional partners and explain technical concepts clearly.
Ability to work independently while managing multiple objectives and timelines.
Ability to adapt when experimental results change plans and to work in a fast-paced, high-impact small-team environment.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting regulated or clinical-grade assay development, such as CLIA/CAP or FDA submissions, including analytical validation studies.
Familiarity with clinical genomics, including oncogenic drivers, actionable biomarkers, targeted therapies, and oncology variant interpretation.
Experience with translational or real-world data analysis, including integration of clinical and genomic data.

Responsibilities

Lead analytical validation strategy for an NGS-based assay, including designing, analyzing, and troubleshooting feasibility and performance evaluation studies such as PPA and LoD with bench scientists and biostatisticians.
Drive real-world evidence studies demonstrating clinical utility for therapy selection and patient management, from cohort selection through analysis of plasma mutation calls.
Build rapid prototypes and pipelines for custom analyses integrating data from multiple Natera products.
Develop algorithms and tools to support new products, including contributions to the production bioinformatics pipeline.
Act as an internal technical consultant on bioinformatics methodology for other functional groups.
Collaborate with assay development, engineering, biostatistics, clinical, commercial, regulatory, and lab operations teams.
Contribute to regulatory submissions, clinical study reports, and scientific publications.