Senior Bioinformatics Scientist

About the role

Natera is seeking a Senior Bioinformatics Scientist to join the Bioinformatics team dedicated to early cancer detection. As a core member of the Research and Development department, you will play a pivotal role in designing and implementing innovative computational solutions. The ideal candidate possesses a robust background in algorithm development, high-throughput biological data analysis, and scalable pipeline architecture. We are looking for a versatile professional capable of thriving as an individual contributor, a collaborative co-developer, and a key participant in large-scale, cross-departmental initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Innovate, design, develop, and validate advanced algorithms and statistical models to extract actionable insights from large-scale genomic datasets for early cancer detection.
• Co-architect, implement, and deploy automated analysis workflows for clinical diagnostics, ensuring robust performance for variant calling, fusion detection, and automated quality control.
• Contribute to rigorous code reviews, maintain comprehensive technical documentation, and drive the continuous optimization of core computational infrastructure.
• Analyze complex multi-omic data using high-performance internal pipelines, collaborating closely with wet-lab scientists and statisticians to meet critical research milestones.

Requirements

• PhD in Bioinformatics, Computer Science, Engineering, Statistics, Cancer Biology or similar field.
• 0–3 years of professional or postgraduate experience in bioinformatics or computational biology.

Skills

• Excellent communication skills with a demonstrated ability to present complex computational findings to diverse cross-functional stakeholders.
• Deep expertise in high-throughput DNA sequencing (NGS) analysis, including sequence alignment, mapping, and clinical-grade variant calling.
• A proven track record of developing state-of-the-art, high-impact bioinformatics methodologies.
• Advanced knowledge of data structures, algorithm design, and computational complexity analysis.
• High proficiency in Python and its scientific ecosystem (NumPy, Pandas, Scikit-learn) for data manipulation and automation.
• Experience with workflow orchestration languages (WDL preferred) for building and versioning scalable bioinformatics pipelines.
• Experience with cloud-based distributed computing environments, specifically AWS.
• Familiarity with contemporary analytical techniques and biomarkers in cancer biology.
• Working knowledge of public genomic databases such as TCGA, COSMIC, or OncoKB.
• Proficiency in Linux environments, including command-line tools and shell scripting.

Benefits

• 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
• Free testing for Natera employees and their immediate families
• Fertility care benefits
• Pregnancy and baby bonding leave
• Commuter benefits
• Generous employee referral program

Pay

Compensation range: $130,700—$163,400 USD. 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.