Senior Scientist R&D

Location: San Carlos, CA

Department: Molecular Biology, Informatics, and Statistics

POSITION SUMMARY:

We are looking for a Senior Scientist to join our highly collaborative Molecular Biology Research team. The Senior Scientist, will plan, design, and execute laboratory research to advance Natera’s growing liquid biopsy-based early cancer detection product portfolio. For this role, we require a candidate with experience developing NGS assays, with the ideal candidate having a demonstrated track record of creatively applying multiomic approaches to oncology applications.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Contributes intellectually and creatively to research and development planning and innovation
• Advances novel nucleic acid based diagnostic tests including, planning, feasibility testing, protocol development, optimization, and transfer to Development
• Responsible for project-associated timeline and deliverable planning and management
• Thoroughly comprehends the objectives and vision of the work
• Independently develops generates and advances new ideas
• Independently designs and executes high complexity experiments
• Coordinates the execution and analysis of experiments with statistics and bioinformatics teams
• Actively interacts and communicates with interdepartmental teams such as Operations, Program Management, Bioinformatics, Data Science, Engineering, Translational Science, and Product
• Documents research progress under a Quality Management System
• Communicates progress directly with manager and colleagues.
• Performs basic data analysis (e.g. R, JMP, Excel)
• May manage research associates
• Employee must complete training relating to HIPAA/PHI privacy, General Policies and Procedure 
• Compliance training and security training as soon as possible but not later than the first 30 days of hire
• Must maintain a current status on Natera training requirements
• Perform other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ph.D. in molecular biology, genomics, biochemistry or a closely related field
• Minimum of 5 - 8 years of industry experience or 2+ years post-doctoral research and 3+ years of industry experience

REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Must have extensive experience designing, executing, analyzing data and problem solving of next generation sequencing (NGS) and DNA molecular biology experiments
• 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.
• Must have excellent communication, organizational, record-keeping, planning, time management and analytical skills
• Demonstrated success in applying independent scientific judgment in experimental design and analysis

PREFERRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:

• Cancer research experience is desired
• Experience with approaches such as: epigenetic/methylation analysis, target capture/enrichment, WGS, proteomics
• cfDNA experience is a significant plus
• Experience with automation is a preferred
• Skilled at writing clear plans, reports and SOPs

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.