Principal Scientist, Translational Oncology – Single Cell and Spatial Genomics, Solid Tumors

About the role

We are seeking a Principal Scientist to serve as a translational and strategic leader within our Oncology research organization. This role sits at the crossroads of reverse translation, biomarker science, and cutting-edge genomics technology — driving mechanistic insight from the clinic back into discovery to accelerate and de-risk our oncology pipeline. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in cancer biology, a track record of cross-functional leadership in a pharma or biotech environment, and hands-on experience building and deploying single cell and spatial omics capabilities.

What You'll Do

• Drive discovery and translational projects in collaboration with AI and internal research teams with a primary focus on integrating scRNA-seq and spatial biology into Natera’s pipeline.
• Collaborate with external translational teams on building single-cell and spatial biology workflows into their early phase clinical studies.
• Leverage novel technologies to inform collaborative reverse and forward translation efforts as well as internal target discovery and validation projects.
• Design and execute lab-based research programs that bridge clinical observations with mechanistic hypotheses, supporting asset progression and CDP expansion.
• Lead and contribute to technology area team focused on single cell genomics and spatial omics, building out multiomics capabilities to support foundational models and RWD efforts.
• Partner with internal and external collaborators to establish, optimize, and deploy cutting-edge platforms for translational applications.
• Serve as an internal expert and thought leader on emerging genomics technologies relevant to oncology drug discovery and development.
• Represent translational science on life cycle, RWD, and BioPharma BD teams.
• Collaborate with Clinical, Biomarker, Discovery, and Regulatory colleagues to shape clinical trial design and biomarker plans.
• Build and maintain external scientific partnerships and advisory relationships as appropriate.
• Lead and mentor a team of scientists and contractors, with a strong commitment to career development and scientific growth.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performance team culture with clear goals and accountability.

Position Requirements

• Ph.D. in Cancer Biology, Molecular/Cellular Biology, Immunology, Bioengineering, or a closely related field
• 6+ years of experience post-Ph.D. in oncology translational research within biotech or pharma, including demonstrated growth into senior or principal scientist roles
• Deep scientific expertise in at least one of the following: cancer cell biology, tumor immunology, cell engineering, or neoantigen biology
• Hands-on experience with single cell genomics, spatial transcriptomics, or multiomics platforms; experience building or scaling these capabilities in an organizational context is strongly preferred
• Strong publication and/or patent record reflecting independent scientific contribution
• Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional programs and influencing without authority across Research, Clinical, and Biomarker teams
• Prior experience managing and mentoring scientists at multiple career stages
• Exceptional scientific communication skills; ability to synthesize complex data and present compellingly to diverse audiences

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: $171,900 - $214,950 USD

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 benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life and disability plans for eligible employees and their dependents. Additionally, Natera employees and their immediate families receive free testing in addition to fertility care benefits. Other benefits include pregnancy and baby bonding leave, 401k benefits, commuter benefits and much more. We also offer a generous employee referral program!

For more information, visit www.natera.com/notice-of-data-collection-california-residents/.

If you are based in California, we encourage you to read this important information for California residents.

Link: https://www.natera.com/notice-of-data-collection-california-residents/

Please be advised that Natera will reach out to candidates with a @natera.com email domain ONLY. Email communications from all other domain names are not from Natera or its employees and are fraudulent. Natera does not request interviews via text messages and does not ask for personal information until a candidate has engaged with the company and has spoken to a recruiter and the hiring team. Natera takes cyber crimes seriously, and will collaborate with law enforcement authorities to prosecute any related cyber crimes.

For more information:

• BBB announcement on job scams
• FBI Cyber Crime resource page

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