Natera

Senior Program Manager

Natera$119K — $148K *
US-AnywhereRemote in United States
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 3-5+ years in program management or related experience in biotechnology, diagnostics, or life sciences.
  • Experience in product development within regulated environments (IVD, medical device, etc.).
  • Knowledge of NGS diagnostics, including assay and software components.
  • Familiarity with design controls (ISO 13485) and software lifecycle processes (IEC 62304).
  • Experience in regulatory submissions (IDE, 510(k), PMA, etc.) is preferred.

Responsibilities

  • Drive execution of product development programs, managing planning, scheduling, and resource coordination.
  • Support regulatory activities, ensuring compliance with design control and quality system processes.
  • Coordinate readiness for regulatory submissions including IDEs and global filings.
  • Lead alignment across cross-functional teams to clarify requirements and priorities.
  • Translate product strategy into actionable program roadmaps with timelines and milestones.
  • Extract user needs from stakeholders to focus on valuable deliverables.
  • Manage relationships with external biopharma and CDx partnerships, coordinating joint plans.

Benefits

  • Professional development opportunities.
  • Collaborative work environment.
  • Flexible work schedule including onsite engagement.
  • Engagement in impactful product innovation.
  • Opportunity to influence cross-functional projects.
Full Job Description
Location: Remote or On-Site in Boulder, CO (Foresight Dx business unit, a Natera company)

Foresight Diagnostics is a molecular diagnostics company pioneering non-invasive cancer detection through highly sensitive, cell-free DNA-based liquid biopsy technologies. Our proprietary methods - originally developed at Stanford University - are designed to detect smaller tumors earlier and enable more personalized treatment strategies for patients with cancer.

We sit at the intersection of molecular biology, bioinformatics, and next-generation sequencing (NGS), and we translate rigorous science into clinically meaningful solutions. Following our acquisition by Natera, we now combine the agility of a mission-driven startup with the scale and resources of a global leader in cell-free DNA testing. It's an exciting moment to join us.

Headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, our team operates in a high accountability, collaborative environment where quality and continuous improvement aren't just values - they're how we work every day.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Senior Program Manager to lead complex diagnostic and medical device product development programs from early development through clinical trial launch, regulatory submission, and product lifecycle activities.

This individual will serve as a senior cross-functional leader, bringing the program leadership, technical understanding, and judgment needed to move complex product development programs forward in a highly regulated environment. They will lead core teams across R&D, Software, Quality, Regulatory, Clinical, and Operations, helping teams make decisions, resolve issues, manage risk, and stay focused on delivering key milestones.

This is a hands-on role. In addition to leading programs, the Senior Program Manager will work directly with development teams on key deliverables, including Design and Development Plans (DDPs), design reviews, DHF documentation, change orders, and regulatory submission activities. Programs may span new product development, mature products, research programs, and clinical trial assay activities.

The role will also support IDE, IVDR, and 510(k) activities and drive program readiness through First Patient In (FPI). For CDx programs, this individual will partner with the CDx development and biopharma partnership teams to support the clinical trial assay and IDE/IVDR aspects of the program and ensure alignment between the clinical trial assay and CDx strategy.

What you will do
  • Lead complex, cross-functional product development programs and serve as the program leader for core teams across R&D, Software, Quality, Regulatory, Clinical, and Operations.
  • Drive programs through key development milestones, design reviews, phase exits, clinical trial launch, FPI, and regulatory submission.
  • Translate product goals and regulatory requirements into clear plans, priorities, and decisions that enable teams to execute.
  • Bring cross-functional teams together to resolve technical, operational, and organizational issues and keep programs moving forward.
  • Identify and manage program risks, dependencies, and trade-offs, escalating issues and driving decisions through a formal portfolio governance process when needed. Communicate program progress, risks, decisions, and recommendations to functional and senior leadership.
  • Partner with development teams to ensure product requirements, design controls, risk management, verification/validation, and documentation are appropriately planned and executed.
  • Author and review key product development deliverables, including DDPs, DHF documentation, design review materials, change orders, and other development documentation.
  • Support preparation and execution of IDE, IVDR, 510(k), and other regulatory submissions by coordinating cross-functional deliverables and submission readiness.
  • For CDx programs, partner with CDx development and biopharma partnership teams to align clinical trial assay activities with the broader CDx strategy.
  • Apply strong knowledge of ISO 13485, IEC 62304, design controls, and regulated product development to identify gaps, anticipate risks, and help teams make sound decisions.


What you will bring
  • 5-7+ years of experience in program management, product development, or a relevant combination of program leadership and functional experience in diagnostics, medical devices, biotechnology, clinical laboratories, or life sciences.
  • Significant experience leading complex, cross-functional product development programs in a regulated environment.
  • Deep practical understanding of ISO 13485, IEC 62304, design controls, and medical device/IVD development processes.
  • Experience leading teams through design reviews, phase exits, development milestones, and regulatory readiness activities.
  • Hands-on experience with product development documentation, including DDPs, DHF documentation, change orders, requirements, risk documentation, and design review materials.
  • Experience supporting regulatory submissions such as IDE, IVDR, 510(k), PMA, or equivalent.
  • Experience supporting clinical trial execution and readiness through FPI preferred.
  • Experience with assay, software, and systems development; NGS diagnostics and/or MRD experience strongly preferred.
  • Demonstrated ability to influence without authority, challenge assumptions, drive decisions, and resolve issues across functional boundaries.
  • Strong judgment, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced and sometimes ambiguous environment.
  • A hands-on, execution-oriented mindset and willingness to personally contribute to critical program and product development deliverables.
  • PMP certification or equivalent preferred.


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:
  • 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

$$119,000.00 - $148,700.00

About Natera

Natera is a biotechnology company that focuses on genetic testing and diagnostics. The company's products are designed to help diagnose and treat genetic diseases, cancer, and other conditions. Natera's pipeline includes products for reproductive health, oncology, and organ transplantation. The company was founded in 2003 and is headquartered in San Carlos, California.
Learn more about Natera
Size
2,670 employees
Market Cap
$4.5 billion
Industry
Net Income
-$229.7 million
Founded
2004
5 Year Trend
+24.1%
Revenue
$391 million
NASDAQ

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