Territory: Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Jackson
Position SummaryNatera is seeking a highly specialized and detail-oriented
Associate Clinical Oncology Specialist (ACOS) to manage, service, and grow our Oncology product portfolio within the Ann Arbor territory. This is a unique, hybrid clinical support and account navigation role where approximately 80% of the territory's operational footprint is anchored within the
University of Michigan (UofM) Health System and its complex laboratory ecosystem.
The successful candidate will act as the primary operational linchpin between Natera and UofM oncology clinics, pathology departments, and core labs. This role demands an intense focus on
end-to-end case management, navigating nuanced institutional workflows, tracking serial test cadences (e.g., Signatera), and troubleshooting logistical bottlenecks within a major academic medical center to ensure seamless patient care and test fulfillment.
Primary Responsibilities- UofM Institutional Case Management (Core Focus): Manage the highly complex, longitudinal lifecycle of oncology test orders originating within the University of Michigan Health System. Act as a dedicated navigator to ensure tissue and blood samples move seamlessly through UofM pathology, central labs, and Natera's processing facilities.
- Workflow Optimization & Troubleshooting: Map and master the specific nuances of UofM's internal laboratory ordering systems, electronic health records (EHR) routing, and specimen release policies. Proactively resolve logistical hurdles, delayed pathology pull requests, and missing clinical data.
- Patient Cadence Adherence: Monitor and manage patient testing logs to ensure strict adherence to oncologist-prescribed serial testing cadences. Coordinate closely with clinic coordinators and nursing staff to prevent gaps in longitudinal monitoring.
- Account Service & Partnership: Partner with the local Clinical Oncology Specialist (COS) to support, maintain, and deepen relationships with UofM oncologists, mid-levels, nurse navigators, and pathology staff.
- Clinician Education: Educate UofM clinical teams and administrative staff on Natera's digital tools, order tracking systems, and specimen collection requirements to streamline the ordering process.
- Compliance & Logistics: Ensure all case management and field activities strictly adhere to both Natera's compliance policies and UofM's institutional guidelines regarding HIPAA, patient privacy, and laboratory data sharing.
Qualifications & Experience- Education: Bachelor's degree required (Background in medical sciences, biology, or healthcare administration highly preferred).
- Experience: Minimum of 2 years of experience in healthcare sales, clinical support, case management, or laboratory operations.
- Institutional Domain Knowledge (Crucial): Prior experience directly working within, selling to, or managing workflows inside the University of Michigan Health System (Michigan Medicine) is heavily preferred. Deep familiarity with UofM's laboratory layout, pathology requisition protocols, and clinic structures is a significant advantage.
- Strong Case Management Skills: Demonstrated track record of managing complex, multi-step logistical processes or patient navigation journeys in an oncology or complex laboratory setting.
- Technical Savvy: Quick to learn and navigate internal tracking databases, CRM tools, and hospital-facing portals.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities- Exceptional administrative and organizational skills; ability to juggle dozens of active patient cases simultaneously without losing track of details.
- High emotional intelligence and communication fluency, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders ranging from academic oncologists to laboratory technicians and administrative clerks.
- Strong problem-solving mindset with the resilience required to navigate bureaucratic or rigid academic institution workflows.
- Ability to work independently with an internal drive to eliminate delays in patient testing.
- Flexibility to balance field-based case management within the Ann Arbor campus and administrative territory planning.
Physical Demands & Work Environment:- Duties are typically performed in a medical office or hospital setting.
- This position requires the ability to use a computer keyboard, communicate over the telephone and read printed material.
- Duties may require working outside normal working hours (evenings and weekends) at times.
- 25-50% travel required
In addition to a base salary, we offer uncapped commission, a car allowance program, and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs).The compensation package listed is for 1st year OTE, which are based on a wide array of factors unique to each candidate, including but not limited to skill set, years & depth of experience, certifications and specific office location. On-target earnings (OTE) represent the total potential income an employee can earn by achieving 100% of their performance goals. It combines a base salary with commissions and serves as an estimated figure rather than a guaranteed amount, providing a guideline based on average performance outcomes.
On-target earnings (OTE)
$110,000-$130,000 USD
