Senior Scientist R&D

Natera•San Carlos, CA

1d•$116,800 - $146,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Scientist will join Natera’s collaborative Molecular Biology Research team and plan, design, and execute laboratory research advancing the company’s liquid biopsy-based early cancer detection product portfolio. The role requires experience developing next-generation sequencing (NGS) assays; experience applying multiomic approaches to oncology is ideal. The scientist contributes to research and development planning and innovation, advances nucleic acid-based diagnostic tests from feasibility testing and protocol development through optimization and transfer to Development, and manages project timelines and deliverables. The role involves independently generating ideas, designing and executing complex experiments, coordinating with statistics and bioinformatics teams, and collaborating across departments. The position documents research under a Quality Management System, communicates progress to the manager and colleagues, performs basic data analysis, and may manage research associates. The employee must complete and maintain required privacy, compliance, security, and other Natera training. Natera describes itself as a global leader in cell-free DNA testing focused on oncology, women’s health, and organ health. The position is based in San Carlos, California. The stated compensation range is $116,800–$146,000 USD, with eligibility for additional compensation and benefits.

Requirements

Ph.D. in molecular biology, genomics, biochemistry, or a closely related field.
Minimum 5–8 years of industry experience, or 2+ years of postdoctoral research and 3+ years of industry experience.
Extensive experience designing, executing, and analyzing next-generation sequencing (NGS) and DNA molecular biology experiments, including problem-solving.
Track record of originating, developing, and/or productizing novel nucleic acid and multiomic workflows and tests.
Strong research skills with a history of innovation and scientific accomplishment.
Excellent communication, organizational, record-keeping, planning, time-management, and analytical skills.
Demonstrated success applying independent scientific judgment in experimental design and analysis.

Nice To Haves

Cancer research experience.
Experience with epigenetic or methylation analysis, target capture or enrichment, whole-genome sequencing (WGS), or proteomics.
Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) experience.
Experience with automation.
Skill in writing clear plans, reports, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Responsibilities

Contribute intellectually and creatively to research and development planning and innovation.
Advance novel nucleic acid-based diagnostic tests through planning, feasibility testing, protocol development, optimization, and transfer to Development.
Plan and manage project-associated timelines and deliverables.
Understand the objectives and vision of the work.
Independently develop, generate, and advance new ideas.
Independently design and execute high-complexity experiments.
Coordinate experiment execution and analysis with statistics and bioinformatics teams.
Interact and communicate with Operations, Program Management, Bioinformatics, Data Science, Engineering, Translational Science, Product, and other interdepartmental teams.
Document research progress under a Quality Management System.
Communicate progress directly with the manager and colleagues.
Perform basic data analysis using tools such as R, JMP, and Excel.
May manage research associates.
Complete required HIPAA/PHI privacy, general policies and procedures compliance, and security training within the stated timeframe, and maintain current status on Natera training requirements.
Perform other duties as assigned.