Manager of Bioinformatics (Oncology Product Development)

Natera•San Carlos, CA

12d•$154,000 - $192,500

About The Position

Natera is seeking a Bioinformatics Manager for its Oncology Product Development team. The role manages Bioinformaticians and Data Scientists and provides technical leadership in designing, developing, and validating ctDNA-based diagnostic tests. It involves extensive collaboration with biostatistics, molecular biology, software engineering, and commercial departments. The ideal candidate has a strong background in bioinformatics and data science, preferably including experience in LDT assay development, and a record of project and technical leadership. The manager leads bioinformatics contributions to product development from initial work through validation and commercial launch; optimizes workflows, tools, and diagnostic analysis pipelines; and supervises the technical contributions and professional development of team members. The role also contributes to experiment design and interpretation, intellectual property, rigorous data-analysis standards, and high-quality documentation. Natera describes itself as a global leader in cell-free DNA testing focused on oncology, women’s health, and organ health, with a mission to make personalized genetic testing and diagnostics part of standard care.

Requirements

Master’s degree or Ph.D. in a quantitative discipline such as bioinformatics, engineering, applied mathematics, or statistics.
4–8 years of post-graduate experience in a data science and/or bioinformatics role.
1–3 years of experience as a technical lead in diagnostics or a related field.
Experience moving algorithm-based products through commercialization and launch in a medical or biological application, such as diagnostic testing, medical imaging, or biotechnology.
1–2 years of management experience leading a technical team, with demonstrable leadership and team-management skills.
Experience using Python or R for scientific data analysis and visualization.
Strong foundation in statistical modeling and machine learning, including probability theory and estimation/classification methods.
Experience analyzing next-generation sequencing data.
Ability to apply mathematical principles to solve real estimation problems and implement practical solutions.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, including the ability to exercise independent judgment and find creative solutions to moderately complex problems.
Experience leading technical projects, including defining and meeting milestones, delegating tasks to more junior team members, and ensuring the quality of technical deliverables.
Excellent communication skills and willingness to work in a dynamic, collaborative environment.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience analyzing cancer-associated variant detection data.
Experience in LDT assay development.
Next-generation sequencing analysis experience that includes algorithm development or optimization.

Responsibilities

Represent the bioinformatics team in cross-functional product-development work and provide technical leadership to move products through development, validation, and commercial launch.
Optimize workflows and tools, and pressure test analysis pipelines for diagnostic tests, including cancer-associated variant detection and evidence-based quality-control thresholds.
Supervise bioinformatics scientists and data scientists; manage their technical contributions, prioritize resources, and support their technical and professional development.
Provide input on experiment design, analysis, and interpretation based on knowledge of Natera’s technology and relevant mathematical principles.
Carry out assignments with a high degree of independence and responsibility.
Contribute to the company’s intellectual property portfolio.
Set standards for rigorous data analysis and lead production of high-quality documentation.