POSITION SUMMARY: Initiates and executes pre-clinical scientific research and development in the Molecular Biology Research team. Focuses on advancing Natera's transplant assessment portfolio and works within a research team inventing and evaluating new technologies for applications in transplant assessment, oncology, and NIPT. Investigates the feasibility of applying a wide variety of scientific principles and concepts to potential inventions, products and problems. Plans and executes laboratory research. Maintains broad knowledge of state-of-the-art principles and theories.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: - Contributes substantially and intellectually to research or development
- Performs duties largely independent from manager
- Leads in-lab efforts to create and develop novel nucleic acid based diagnostic tests
- Thoroughly comprehends the objectives and vision of the work
- Independently develops plans, generates and advances new ideas
- Independently designs and executes moderate to high complexity experiments
- Coordinates the execution and analysis of effective experiments with statistics and bioinformatics teams
- Performs basic data analysis (e.g. R, JMP, Excel)
- Documents research progress under a Quality Management System
- Interacts with on-site CLIA lab, Sequencing and Process Development groups
- Works with partners and outside collaborations
- Communicates progress directly with colleagues and senior management
- This role works with PHI on a regular basis both in paper and electronic form and has access to various technologies to access PHI (paper and electronic) in order to perform the job
- 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.
QUALIFICATIONS: - Degree in molecular biology, tissue or cellular biology, immunology or closely related field
- Associate Scientist level: Bachelor's degree or higher with a minimum of 6 years of industry experience
- Scientist level: M.S with a minimum of 6 years of industry experience; or Ph.D. with a minimum of 3 - 5 years of industry experience
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: - Must have experience with next generation sequencing (NGS) and DNA/RNA molecular biology.
- Experience with nucleic acid technologies relating to PCR, qPCR, multiplex PCR, digital PCR, NGS and microarrays
- Epigenetic/methylation, target enrichment, cfDNA/RNA and NGS data analysis experience is a plus
- Track record of originating, developing and productizing novel nucleic acid techniques and tests
- Strong research skills with a history of innovation
- Experience developing tests in transplant assessment, oncology, NIPT or liquid biopsy a plus
- Proven success in collaborative and individual projects
- Demonstrated success in applying independent scientific judgment in experimental design and analysis
- Very strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Adept with Excel and basic statistical analysis
- Bioinformatic capabilities, programming (e.g. PERL, python) and databases experience (SQL) are a plus
- Skilled at writing clear plans, reports and SOPs
Compensation & Total Rewards This range reflects a good-faith estimate of the base pay we reasonably expect to offer at the time of hire. Final compensation will vary based on experience, qualifications, and internal equity considerations.
This position is also eligible for additional compensation and benefits through Natera's robust Total Rewards program, including:
- Annual performance incentive bonus
- Long-term equity awards
- Comprehensive health benefits (medical, dental, vision)
- 401(k) with company match
- Generous paid time off and company holidays
- Additional wellness and work-life benefits
Compensation Range
$116,800-$146,000 USD
