Associate Scientist, R&D
About the role
Join Natera's Bio Development team as an Associate Scientist to design, optimize, and validate molecular assays for our market-leading non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) platform. This role bridges molecular biology with high-throughput liquid handling automation to directly impact patient care.
Primary Responsibilities
- Design, plan, and execute complex laboratory experiments autonomously to advance non-invasive prenatal test development
- Analyze experimental data using advanced analytical tools, providing data-driven insights and troubleshooting laboratory processes
- Own and document technical workflows, summarizing findings in research reports and laboratory presentations
- Partner cross-functionally with Clinical Laboratory Operations (CLIA), Quality Assurance (QA), and Automation Engineering to ensure methods meet rigorous quality and regulatory standards
- Write standard operating procedures (SOPs) and technical documentation to seamlessly transfer protocols to manufacturing and operations teams
- Train junior team members and operator teams on newly developed protocols
- Maintain deep professional expertise by staying current with scientific literature relevant to cell-free DNA and nucleic acid technologies
Qualifications
- BA/BS with 6+ years of experience OR MS with 3+ years of experience in assay development and automation within the life sciences industry
- Demonstrated track record of developing, optimizing, and validating manual and automated protocols
- Knowledgeable in nucleic acid extraction, PCR, NGS library preparation, and hybrid capture technologies
- Hands-on experience in reagent preparation and quality control for NGS-associated assays
- Direct experience implementing, optimizing, and troubleshooting high-throughput automated assays utilizing liquid handler robotics
- Prior experience operating within a regulated laboratory environment (CLIA, CAP, or FDA)
- Data analysis and scripting proficiency in Python or R, along with liquid handler programming experience
- Excellent cross-functional collaboration, organizational, and time management skills
Pay
The pay range is listed and actual compensation packages 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. This may differ in other locations due to cost of labor considerations.
Benefits
- Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life and disability plans for eligible employees and their dependents
- Pregnancy and baby bonding leave
- 401k benefits
- Commuter benefits
- Free testing and fertility care benefits
- Employee referral program
Schedule
Natera offers flexible schedules to accommodate your needs.
Benefits
- Employee benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life and disability plans for eligible employees and their dependents
- Pregnancy and baby bonding leave
- 401k benefits
- Commuter benefits
- Free testing and fertility care benefits
- Employee referral program
Our Opportunity
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.
What We Offer
- Competitive Benefits
- Employee referral program
Equal Opportunity Employer
Natera is committed to ensuring a diverse and inclusive workplace environment, and welcomes people of different backgrounds, experiences, abilities and perspectives. Inclusive collaboration benefits our employees, our community and our patients, and is critical to our mission of changing the management of disease worldwide.
For More Information
Link: Notice of Data Collection for California Residents