Research Associate 1

Natera • San Carlos, CA

6h

About The Position

The Research Associate 1 performs laboratory procedures of varying complexity contributing to cross functional activities as part of the Oncology Team, a multidisciplinary team within the research and development department.

Requirements

• BS/BA in a biological science or equivalent required
• 1-2 years of related laboratory experience
• Extremely familiar with good pipetting practices (single and multi-channel micropipettes, serological pipettes)
• Hands-on experience with nucleic acid techniques (purification, quantification, amplification, etc.)
• Able to operate independently in lab under general supervision with minimal human error
• Knowledge of LIMS/database software
• Excellent with Microsoft Office programs
• Excellent with Google Drive including Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Forms
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to think creatively and analytically with strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
• Team player with demonstrated strong interpersonal skills with an ability to build effective working relationships within functional area
• Ability to thrive in a fast paced, evolving environment, and manage competing priorities efficiently

Nice To Haves

• Hands-on experience with library preparation and next generation sequencing platforms highly preferred (NovaSeq, NextSeq, iSeq, etc.)
• Experience with laboratory automation is a plus

Responsibilities

• Normalize plasma samples
• Extract nucleic acids from whole blood or plasma using automated and manual extraction methods
• Perform library preparation for NextGen sequencing using automated and manual methods
• Determine quantity and/or quality of nucleic acids using Quant-IT, Qubit, Nanodrop, BioAnalyzer, and qPCR
• Load libraries onto next generation sequencing platforms (NextSeq, NovaSeq, iSeq, etc)
• Interpret data and determine appropriate next steps per outlined requirements
• Perform routine laboratory equipment maintenance as defined in standard operating procedures
• Recognize equipment and instrument malfunctions and escalate to R&D equipment support team and relevant team members
• Track sample inventory and status using Laboratory Information Management Software or Google Sheets
• Maintain accurate records of lab work using a variety of software including Google Sheets, Microsoft Excel, and internal databases
• Periodically review standard operating procedures (SOP) and other work instructions
• Suggest process improvements to subject matter experts as needed
• Ensure accurate, ethical, and appropriate management of samples in compliance with all applicable federal regulation
• Perform other tasks as specified by the manager/director
• This role occasionally works with PHI both in paper and electronic form and has access to various technologies to access PHI (paper and electronic) in order to perform the job
• Employees must complete training relating to HIPAA/PHI privacy, General Policies and Procedure Compliance training and security training as soon as possible but not later than the first 30 days of hire
• Must maintain a current status on Natera training requirements
• Employee must pass post offer criminal background check

Benefits

• Competitive Benefits - Employee benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life and disability plans for eligible employees and their dependents.
• Additionally, Natera employees and their immediate families receive free testing in addition to fertility care benefits.
• Other benefits include pregnancy and baby bonding leave, 401k benefits, commuter benefits and much more.
• We also offer a generous employee referral program!

What This Job Offers

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