Scientist R&D – Immunohistochemistry (IHC) & Histology

Natera • San Carlos, CA

7h • $125,000 - $140,000 • Remote

About The Position

Natera is seeking a highly motivated Scientist, R&D – Immunohistochemistry (IHC) & Histology to join the Oncology Product Development team. This role will focus on the development, optimization, verification, and validation of IHC and tissue-based workflows supporting oncology products and clinical assay development. The ideal candidate will have strong hands-on experience in IHC assay development and optimization, supported by a solid foundation in histology and FFPE tissue workflows. Experience with automated IHC/ISH staining platforms, particularly the Roche BenchMark ULTRA IHC/ISH System, is highly desirable. Experience with NGS and molecular biology workflows is an additional plus.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Pathology, Cancer Biology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field with a minimum of 2 years of relevant industry experience; or a Master's degree with a minimum of 5 years of relevant industry experience; or a Bachelor's degree with a 6-8+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Strong hands-on expertise in IHC assay development, optimization, and troubleshooting, with solid knowledge of histology and FFPE tissue workflows.
• Experience with antibody characterization/titration, antigen retrieval, staining optimization, controls, tissue morphology, and assay performance evaluation.
• Ability to independently design and execute experiments, interpret data, troubleshoot technical challenges, and determine appropriate next steps.
• Strong technical writing, communication, collaboration, and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced R&D environment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with automated IHC/ISH platforms is highly preferred; hands-on experience with the Roche BenchMark ULTRA IHC/ISH System is a strong plus.
• Experience with H&E staining, microtomy/tissue sectioning, microscopy, digital pathology, or image analysis is desirable.
• NGS and molecular biology experience is a plus, particularly with FFPE nucleic acid extraction, PCR/qPCR, NGS library preparation, or hybrid capture workflows.
• Experience with assay development and validation in a regulated clinical laboratory, molecular diagnostics, or LDT environment is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute development, optimization, verification, and validation studies for IHC, histology, and tissue-based workflows.
• Develop and optimize IHC assays, including antibody selection and titration, antigen retrieval, staining conditions, controls, and assay performance assessment.
• Evaluate and optimize histology and pre-analytical variables, including tissue fixation, FFPE processing, embedding, sectioning, H&E staining, and slide preparation.
• Develop and troubleshoot workflows on automated IHC/ISH staining platforms and investigate staining artifacts, reagent performance, tissue quality, and assay variability.
• Plan and execute moderate- to high-complexity experiments; analyze and interpret results using tools such as Excel, JMP, and image-analysis approaches.
• Collaborate with Pathology, Clinical Laboratory Operations, Quality, Automation, and other cross-functional teams to transfer R&D methods into robust clinical laboratory workflows.
• Author study protocols, development/validation reports, SOPs, and transfer documentation, and provide technical guidance and training during implementation.
• Communicate project progress, experimental findings, risks, and recommendations to project teams and stakeholders.

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

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