Scientist R&D

Natera is seeking a Scientist to join our Molecular Biology Research Team, which develops the assays behind the next generation of cancer diagnostics. As a Scientist, you will design and run epigenomics-based research and biomarker discovery studies that help expand Natera’s oncology product portfolio. You will lead your own projects and drive key pieces of larger ones, working closely with bioinformatics and statistics partners to turn experimental results into real progress. This role is a great fit for someone with hands-on NGS experience, a strong molecular biology foundation, and a drive to see their work reach patients.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Lead projects and drive substantial components of larger programs to develop and optimize assay workflows, including planning, testing, protocol development, and troubleshooting.
• Independently tackle problems of moderate-to-complex scope, recognizing when alternative methods are needed and recommending options with their tradeoffs.
• Contribute to study design for assigned projects, bringing hypotheses and proposed next steps.
• Own timelines and deliverables for your work, anticipating obstacles and adjusting direction as needed.
• Analyze and QC your own experimental data (e.g., R, JMP, Excel) and use the results to guide the next round of experiments.
• Partner with the statistics and bioinformatics teams on complex analyses and help define the metrics that matter for your experiments.
• Communicate findings clearly to peers and leadership through written reports and meeting presentations.
• Document research progress under a Quality Management System.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in molecular biology, genomics, biochemistry, or a closely related field, with 2+ years of relevant industry experience, or M.S. with a minimum of 5 years of industry experience in assay development.

Required Expertise:

• Strong foundation in nucleic acid techniques and molecular biology.
• Hands-on experience with NGS methods, including sample prep, library prep, target enrichment (e.g., multiplex PCR, hybrid capture), and sequencing.
• Demonstrated ability to independently design experiments and troubleshoot, with evidence of independent thought and creativity in science.
• Sound scientific judgment, including the 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.

Preferred Skills:

• 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

Natera™ is a global leader in cell-free DNA (cfDNA) testing, dedicated to oncology, women’s health, and organ health. Our aim is to make personalized genetic testing and diagnostics part of the standard of care to protect health and enable earlier and more targeted interventions that lead to longer, healthier lives.

The Natera team consists of highly dedicated statisticians, geneticists, doctors, laboratory scientists, business professionals, software engineers and many other professionals from world-class institutions, who care deeply for our work and each other. When you join Natera, you’ll work hard and grow quickly. Working alongside the elite of the industry, you’ll be stretched and challenged, and take pride in being part of a company that is changing the landscape of genetic disease management.