Lead Bioinformatics Scientist (Oncology)

Natera

6d • $130,900 - $163,600 • Remote

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 data analysis for wet lab support and NGS data, particularly solutions for oncology applications. The scientist will shape analytical validation strategy, design and analyze feasibility and performance evaluation studies, and generate real-world evidence demonstrating clinical utility. The role works with interdisciplinary teams to turn complex, multi-source data into actionable recommendations that support research, product development, validation, regulatory submissions, clinical studies, and scientific publications.

The position is remote in the USA. Natera is a global leader in cfDNA testing focused on oncology, women’s health, and organ health, with the aim of making personalized genetic testing and diagnostics part of standard care.

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 bioinformatics tools for NGS, including sequencing QC and secondary analysis such as variant calling.
• Experience with WES, WGS, and 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 distill observations into actionable recommendations.
• Deep understanding of NGS workflows from sample extraction to sequencing, and 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.
• Comfort adapting quickly when experimental results change plans, and interest in working in a fast-paced, high-impact small team.

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 variant interpretation in oncology.
• Experience with translational or real-world data analysis, including integrating clinical and genomic data.

Responsibilities

• Lead the 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 contributing to the production bioinformatics pipeline.
• Act as an internal technical consultant on bioinformatics methodology for other functional groups.
• Work closely with assay development, engineering, biostatistics, clinical, commercial, regulatory, and lab operations teams.
• Contribute to regulatory submissions, clinical study reports, and scientific publications.

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree