Senior Scientist, R&D Assay Development

Natera • Austin, TX

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Natera is a global leader in cell-free DNA testing, measuring fetal, tumor, or donor cfDNA at the molecular level to inform personalized health care decisions with a non-invasive test. The R&D Department is seeking a highly motivated Senior Scientist to join the rapidly growing assay development team. This role involves being an integral part of high-performing, cross-functional teams to develop laboratory tests that positively impact the business and patients. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of molecular biology, strong scientific curiosity, and a high level of expertise in developing and validating assays through product development cycles. This position will lead and support junior scientists and laboratory technicians in planning, executing, and managing scientific studies under design control in a regulated environment to enhance Natera's product portfolios.

Requirements

• Typically requires a university degree and a minimum of 8+ years of related experience or a MS degree and 6 years of related experience or a PhD and 4 years of related experience.
• Knowledge of high throughput NGS workflows or other genetic testing applications in clinical settings.
• Experience in developing and validating molecular assays for CLIA lab testing.
• Experience with automation of molecular workflows or assay transfer to automated platforms.
• Experience in managing responsibilities across more than 1 project.
• Must possess very strong interpersonal, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• A proactive, solutions-oriented mindset and demonstrated success in collaborative and individual projects.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced technical proficiency in: Standard and long-range PCR techniques, including primer design and optimization.
• NGS technologies (e.g., Illumina, PacBio).
• qPCR, ddPCR, and multiplex PCR.
• Knowledge of design verification/validation processes compliant with the U.S. and E.U. regulatory standards.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills with meticulous attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Design development, verification, and validation studies with stakeholder input and coordinate efforts to achieve milestones within established timelines.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, such as automation, engineering, R&D, bioinformatics, and lab operations, to develop robust, automated workflows.
• Lead the integration testing of automated workflows with software LIMS systems.
• Support the design and execution of integration testing to ensure data integrity between automation and digital systems.
• Plan, execute, analyze and present data for moderate to high complexity experiments with hands-on work on troubleshooting.
• Identify the root cause of problems and develop solutions to resolve problems effectively.
• Perform basic data analysis (e.g. Excel, JMP) and comfortable to utilize AI agents like Gemini and Claude.
• Coordinate the analysis of studies with biostatistics and bioinformatics teams.
• Provide regular updates at project team and departmental meetings on project progress, outcomes, and next steps to ensure alignment and transparency.
• Author and review SOPs, study reports, and transfer documents for production implementation.
• Train team members on new SOPs and automated workflows.
• Provide support to lab operations, including troubleshooting and providing technical guidance.
• Be flexible to handle multiple tasks and priorities, and perform other duties as assigned.

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