Staff Scientist, Bioinformatics/RWD

About the Role

Natera is seeking an innovative and driven bioinformatics scientist to lead and conduct cutting-edge real-world evidence (RWE) analyses and predictive analytics across oncology, organ health, and women’s health datasets. This role blends expertise in bioinformatics, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and the manipulation of complex real-world data (RWD). The candidate will leverage advanced AI methodologies to extract actionable clinical insights from vast multimodal datasets (genomics, clinical, demographic), driving impactful data visualization and advancing genomics in a real-world clinical setting.

Responsibilities

• Lead the analysis of large-scale cancer and germline multi-omics datasets to extract meaningful insights.
• Utilize and augment traditional bioinformatics tools with AI-driven techniques to interpret genomic data within the context of RWE studies.
• Lead the extraction, curation, and analysis of large-scale RWD sources, including Electronic Health Records (EHR), claims data, and patient registries.
• Design and execute robust RWE studies to support clinical, commercial, and regulatory objectives.
• Facilitate the integration of omics data with other types of data (clinical, demographic, etc.) to enrich analyses.
• Manage large datasets and ensure data integrity and confidentiality.
• Develop, train, and deploy advanced AI and ML models (e.g., Deep Learning, NLP, ensemble methods) to forecast trends, patient outcomes, and biomarker discovery using RWD and genomics data.
• Apply state-of-the-art AI frameworks to identify hidden patterns that inform clinical decision-making and product strategy.
• Utilize NLP and LLMs to extract structured insights from unstructured clinical notes, pathology reports, and other disparate RWD sources.
• Oversee and manage RWD and genomics projects from inception to completion, ensuring timely, within-budget, and high-quality delivery.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams such as R&D, Data Science, Business Development, Medical Affairs, Product Management, and Engineering.
• Present complex RWE data and analyses clearly to varied audiences, including non-experts.
• Prepare detailed reports and publications.
• Stay abreast of the latest developments in genomics and bioinformatics, proposing and developing new methods and technologies.
• Engage with key stakeholders to define project goals, report progress, and discuss findings, acting as a liaison between technical and non-technical teams.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Genetics, or a related field.
• At least 10 years of relevant experience.
• Proven expertise in bioinformatics, particularly in genomics data analysis.
• Demonstrated expertise in cancer genomics, including genomic alterations, molecular pathways, and cancer biology.
• Expert knowledge of bioinformatics tools including mapping, variant calling, CNV analysis, and statistical methods.
• Strong experience managing, querying, and analyzing large-scale genomic and healthcare datasets using SQL, Python, or R, and data visualization tools.
• Additional expertise in germline genetics, particularly in relation to organ health and prenatal health, is a plus.
• Proficiency in predictive analytics, advanced machine learning, deep learning, and statistical modeling.
• Hands-on experience with AI frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, Keras, etc.
• Understanding of real-world clinical data, such as EHR, claims data, patient registries, and health surveys.
• Familiarity with common data models (e.g., OMOP) and experience utilizing NLP/LLM to parse unstructured clinical data.
• Ability to interpret clinical endpoints, understand patient cohorts, and collaborate with clinical stakeholders.
• Knowledge of translational medicine and/or early discovery in the biotech or pharmaceutical industry is a plus.
• Excellent project management skills with a proven track record in leading successful projects.
• Experience managing one or more direct/indirect reports.
• Exceptional communication skills, demonstrating the ability to translate complex models and RWD findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Proven experience collaborating with cross-functional teams including clinicians, scientists, biostatisticians, regulatory, and stakeholders.

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 employees and their immediate families, including fertility care benefits.
• Pregnancy and baby bonding leave.
• Commuter benefits.
• Generous employee referral program.

Pay

Compensation range: $158,000—$197,500 USD. This range reflects a good-faith estimate of the base pay at the time of hire. Final compensation will vary based on experience, qualifications, and internal equity considerations.

About Natera

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. The Natera team consists of highly dedicated statisticians, geneticists, doctors, laboratory scientists, business professionals, software engineers, and other professionals from world-class institutions, who care deeply for our work and each other.