Director, Clinical Trials Lead, Rare Disease & CKD

Position Summary

We are seeking a visionary leader to serve as our Director, Clinical Trials, joining a high-visibility team at the intersection of clinical science and commercial strategy. In this pivotal role, you will be the primary architect for our clinical trial support services, directly influencing how we connect life-saving treatments to patients in need. This is a strategic leadership position that offers substantial exposure to executive leadership, providing you with a unique platform to scale our clinical programs and define the future of our oncology and rare disease initiatives.

Why Join Us

At Natera, you will play a central role in driving innovation. You will collaborate with cross-functional experts in data science, product, and marketing to shape the clinical trial landscape, directly impacting patient outcomes while advancing your career in a dynamic, high-growth environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Clinical Leadership: Champion our site engagement strategy to maximize clinical trial participation and serve as the executive escalation point for critical partnerships.
• Orchestration of Cross-Functional Networks: Lead a high-performing, cross-functional team (BD, Data Science, Product, Marketing) to translate partner needs into scalable, data-driven program opportunities.
• Pharma Partner Relationship Management: Act as the principal medical point of contact for Pharma Partners. Apply clinical and operational expertise to lead contract negotiation and cultivate long-term, high-impact relationships with key stakeholders.
• Driving Patient Impact: Lead provider outreach and patient engagement efforts, leveraging deep clinical interpretation to optimize patient identification and trial enrollment.
• Organizational Strategy & Growth: Proactively identify opportunities for process optimization and contribute to organizational growth through the development and implementation of operational strategy and best practices.

Core Skills & Competencies

• Visionary Leadership: Ability to set strategic direction, anticipate market needs, and inspire diverse, high-performing teams.
• Clinical Expertise: Advanced medical knowledge, preferably within Rare Disease or Chronic Kidney Disease.
• Influence & Stakeholder Management: Exceptional executive presence with the ability to influence and align diverse stakeholders internally and externally.
• Operational Excellence: Proven track record in managing complex programs, delivering scalable solutions, and driving process improvements in fast-paced environments.

Qualifications

• Advanced clinical or scientific degree (e.g., Master’s degree in Genetic Counseling or related medical field).
• Minimum 10 years of industry experience (pharmaceutical, biotech, or diagnostics).
• Minimum 5 years of direct experience working on clinical trials.
• Experience in standing up clinical trial services and health system engagement is strongly preferred.
• Previous pharmaceutical client engagement experience is strongly preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Ability to travel up to 25% is required.
• Employment is contingent upon a successful background check and completion of all required training (including HIPAA/PHI and security protocols) within 30 days of hire.

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.