Scientist R&D

Natera•San Carlos, CA

10h•$116,800 - $146,000

About The Position

Natera is seeking a Scientist to join its Molecular Biology Research Team, which develops assays for next-generation cancer diagnostics. The Scientist will design and conduct epigenomics-based research and biomarker discovery studies to expand Natera’s oncology product portfolio. The role involves leading individual projects and driving key components of larger programs, collaborating with bioinformatics and statistics partners, and translating experimental results into progress toward patient-focused diagnostics. The Scientist will develop and optimize assay workflows, including planning, testing, protocol development, and troubleshooting. They will contribute to study design, independently address problems of moderate-to-complex scope, manage timelines and deliverables, analyze and quality-check experimental data, and communicate findings through reports and presentations. Research progress must be documented under a Quality Management System. The position requires a Ph.D. in a relevant field with at least two years of relevant industry experience, or an M.S. with at least five years of industry experience in assay development. Compensation is listed at $116,800–$146,000 USD. The position is also eligible for additional compensation and benefits through Natera’s Total Rewards program.

Requirements

Ph.D. in molecular biology, genomics, biochemistry, or a closely related field, with at least 2 years of relevant industry experience; alternatively, an M.S. with at least 5 years of industry experience in assay development.
Strong foundation in nucleic acid techniques and molecular biology.
Hands-on NGS experience, including sample preparation, library preparation, target enrichment such as multiplex PCR or hybrid capture, and sequencing.
Ability to independently design experiments and troubleshoot, demonstrating independent thought and scientific creativity.
Sound scientific judgment and ability to weigh alternative approaches.
Proficiency with analysis tools such as Excel, JMP, R, or Python.
Clear, organized writing for experimental plans, reports, and SOPs, with strong record-keeping habits.

Nice To Haves

Experience with cell-free DNA or liquid biopsy.
Background in oncology or cancer biomarker research.
Familiarity with bioinformatics workflows.
Experience with lab automation or assay development in a regulated environment.

Responsibilities

Lead projects and drive substantial components of larger programs to develop and optimize assay workflows, including planning, testing, protocol development, and troubleshooting.
Independently address problems of moderate-to-complex scope, identify when alternative methods are needed, and recommend options with their tradeoffs.
Contribute hypotheses and proposed next steps to study design for assigned projects.
Manage timelines and deliverables, anticipate obstacles, and adjust direction as needed.
Analyze and quality-check experimental data using tools such as R, JMP, and Excel, and use results to guide subsequent experiments.
Partner with statistics and bioinformatics teams on complex analyses and help define relevant experimental metrics.
Communicate findings to peers and leadership through written reports and meeting presentations.
Document research progress under a Quality Management System.