Research Associate/Senior Research Associate

Natera • Austin, TX

9h • Onsite

About The Position

As a Research Associate/Sr. Research Associate, you will play a pivotal role in a high-performance, cross-disciplinary team developing molecular and genetic diagnostic tests. This position provides an opportunity to work hands-on in the lab, contributing to the design, execution, and analysis of experiments supporting product development, verification, and validation.
Shift: Monday - Friday daytime.

Requirements

• Research Associate I: BS/BA in a biological science or equivalent; laboratory coursework or internship experience is a plus.
• Research Associate II: BS/BA in a biological science with a minimum of 2 years of molecular biology laboratory experience.
• Sr. Research Associate: BS/BA or MS in a biological science with at least 4 years of relevant experience or equivalent expertise.
• Hands-on experience with molecular techniques, such as DNA isolation, PCR, qPCR, and DNA quantitation.
• Familiarity with PCR library preparation for NGS and sequencing platforms (e.g., Illumina NovaSeq).
• Proficiency in laboratory automation platforms and relevant robotics systems.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and tasks.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel and Word.

Nice To Haves

• Research Associate I: BS/BA in a biological science or equivalent; laboratory coursework or internship experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Execute laboratory experiments using molecular biology and laboratory techniques to prepare samples for Next Generation Sequencing (NGS).
• For Levels I and II: Follow protocols to run experiments and assist in sample preparation under supervision.
• For Senior Level: Independently design and execute complex experiments, troubleshoot protocols, and lead project tasks.
• Analyze data, derive conclusions, and communicate findings with a multidisciplinary team of biologists, bioinformaticians, statisticians, and engineers.
• Maintain a detailed and organized lab notebook to record processes, results, and insights.
• Track samples via LIMS, perform database queries, and verify accuracy in sample processing and analysis.
• Perform standard laboratory procedures, escalating equipment or protocol issues to appropriate personnel when needed.
• For Senior Level: Write and refine standard operating procedures (SOPs) and other lab documentation.
• For Level I: Support lab maintenance tasks, manage inventory, and contribute to general organization.
• Adhere to laboratory safety guidelines and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP).

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
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees