Senior Bioinformatics Scientist

Natera•San Carlos, CA

1d•$130,700 - $163,400

About The Position

Natera is seeking a Senior Bioinformatics Scientist to lead the architecture, development, and automation of high-throughput genomic pipelines. This role is responsible for building production-grade software tools to analyze next-generation sequencing (NGS) data including variant calling, fusion detection, and data quality control. The ideal candidate combines a deep understanding of sequence alignment algorithms with strong object-oriented programming skills to design scalable computational workflows in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

Requirements

Ph.D. or Master's degree with a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in Bioinformatics, Computer Science, Engineering, Biochemistry, or a related quantitative field.
Deep theoretical and practical understanding of high-throughput DNA sequence data analysis, including mapping, sequence alignment, and variant calling workflows.
Advanced understanding of data structures, algorithm design, and computational complexity.
Strong software engineering proficiency in Java or C++ within a professional production environment.
Demonstrated scripting capability in Python or Perl for data manipulation, automation, and rapid prototyping.
Deep expertise navigating Linux environments, utilizing command-line tools, and writing efficient shell scripts.
Demonstrated technical autonomy and rigorous data discipline when troubleshooting high-complexity algorithmic challenges.
Excellent communication skills with a proven track record of explaining computational results clearly to cross-functional stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience working with relational databases, particularly MySQL, is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Analyze complex genomic datasets leveraging scaled in-house pipelines, partnering cross-functionally with wet-lab scientists and statisticians to rapidly deliver data-driven answers to critical research goals.
Architect, build, and deploy automated analysis pipelines for diagnostic tests, integrating robust capabilities for fusion detection, variant calling, and automated quality control metrics.
Engineer novel genomic analysis tools and proactively identify optimization pathways to enhance pipeline accuracy and efficiency.
Participate in code reviews, technical documentation, and the continuous improvement of core computational workflows.
Coordinate directly with downstream infrastructure teams to ensure R&D tools scale efficiently into production systems.