Principal Clinical Scientist, Real-World Evidence & Epidemiology

We are seeking a Principal Clinical Scientist/Associate Director, Real-World Evidence & Epidemiology to lead observational evidence strategy for our early cancer detection portfolio. Population-scale cancer screening requires more than strong test performance, it requires compelling real-world evidence demonstrating how testing is used in clinical practice and how it impacts patient care, clinical decision-making, and downstream outcomes.

In this highly cross-functional role, you will lead the design and execution of prospective and retrospective observational studies that generate evidence for physicians, payers, guideline bodies, and other external stakeholders. You will partner closely with Clinical Science, Medical Affairs, Product, Market Access, Biostatistics, and Data Science to translate complex population-level data into clear, actionable clinical insights.

This role is ideal for a scientifically rigorous epidemiologist who is excited to apply observational research to real-world clinical implementation and product adoption challenges in early cancer detection.

Primary Responsibilities:

Lead Epidemiology & Observational Research Strategy

• Lead the design and execution of prospective observational studies, registries, and retrospective database studies across the early cancer detection portfolio

• Shape evidence generation strategies by identifying key clinical utility and implementation questions that can be addressed through real-world evidence

• Translate clinical and business questions into rigorous, practical study designs, including definition of target populations, endpoints, and analytic approaches

• Ensure studies appropriately address potential sources of bias, confounding, and missing data common in real-world datasets

• Design studies that evaluate performance and clinical utility across diverse patient populations and care settings

Cross-Functional Scientific Leadership

• Partner across Clinical Science, Medical Affairs, Product, and Market Access to prioritize post-market evidence generation initiatives

• Collaborate with Biostatistics and Data Science to guide statistical analysis plans, interpretation of findings, and clinical contextualization of results

• Generate insights from early commercial and Laboratory Developed Test (LDT) populations to better understand adoption patterns, diagnostic follow-up, and real-world clinical workflows

• Help inform how real-world evidence supports product positioning, payer engagement, and future evidence generation priorities

Evidence Dissemination & External Engagement

• Translate complex epidemiological findings into clear, compelling scientific narratives for internal and external stakeholders

• Lead development of abstracts, posters, presentations, and peer-reviewed publications

• Engage with external experts, collaborators, and key opinion leaders to advance the role of real-world evidence in early cancer detection

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced degree (PhD, MPH, MS, PharmD, or equivalent) in epidemiology, health outcomes research, biostatistics, or related field

• 7+ years of experience in real-world evidence, observational research, or HEOR, ideally in industry

• Demonstrated experience leading the design and execution of observational studies across the full lifecycle (protocol through analysis and dissemination)

• Strong understanding of real-world data sources (claims, EHR, registries) and their application to clinical and business questions

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in early cancer detection

• HEOR experience

• Experience working cross-functionally with product, medical, and commercial teams

• Track record of translating analyses into business-relevant insights (not just publications)

Key Competencies:

• Strong scientific and operational judgment across the full clinical evidence lifecycle

• Ability to independently lead complex projects with limited oversight

• Skilled at balancing scientific rigor, speed, and resource constraints

• Effective at influencing cross-functional stakeholders and navigating ambiguity

• Clear and compelling communicator across technical and non-technical audiences

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.