Senior Bioinformatics Scientist

Natera

6h • $117,400 - $146,800 • Remote

About The Position

Natera is seeking a Senior Bioinformatics Scientist to join our Bioinformatics Research team. This role will focus on building the machine learning models behind Natera's tissue-free, methylation-based assay, which are crucial for detecting cancer in the minimal residual disease (MRD) setting and informing treatment selection. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in algorithm development, genomics, sequencing data processing, and applied machine learning.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Bioinformatics, Computer Science, Engineering, Biochemistry, or a related field, with a strong focus on cancer epi/genomics with 0-3 years of professional experience.
• Master in Bioinformatics, Computer Science, Engineering, Biochemistry, or a related field, with a strong focus on cancer epi/genomics with 4-6 years of professional experience.
• Deep theoretical and practical understanding of high-throughput DNA sequence data analysis, including mapping, sequence alignment, and variant calling workflows.
• Experience in algorithm development and data analysis, including applying and evaluating statistical methods.
• Demonstrated experience in developing core ML models, including generalized linear models, kernel methods, tree-based algorithms, and neural networks, with a focus on biological data (e.g., DNA sequencing data)
• Strong quantitative reasoning and data analysis skills, with a demonstrated ability to apply them effectively to relevant scientific problems.
• Experience with Python and Linux command-line tools, including writing shell scripts.
• Strong computational and programming skills, including thorough experience with Python statistical packages (NumPy, Matplotlib, Pandas).
• Familiarity with public databases such as TCGA, COSMIC, or OncoKB.
• Ability to visualize findings and summarize results in oral and written form for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• High scientific rigor, with eagerness to teach and learn new computational methods and biology.
• Ability to work on a cross-functional team in a highly collaborative environment, partnering with both computational and experimental scientists.

Responsibilities

• Develop, train, and evaluate machine learning models, driving algorithm design decisions that support cancer detection in the MRD setting.
• Own end-to-end research analyses, from ideation through implementation (scripts and notebooks), troubleshooting, and performance evaluation, including developing new features within existing pipelines.
• Translate between wet-lab experimental design and computational analysis, navigating ambiguity as assay requirements evolve and maintaining rigorous quality control across high-volume sequencing data spanning multiple cohorts, vendors, and clinical protocols.
• Communicate findings and model performance to both technical and cross-functional stakeholders, and contribute to establishing standards for code quality and reproducibility.

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