Staff Scientist, New Product Development

Natera is a global leader in cell-free DNA testing, specializing in measuring fetal, tumor, or donor cfDNA at the molecular level to inform personalized health care decisions through non-invasive testing.

About the role

The Staff Scientist will join Natera’s Oncology Product Development Team, working with internal cross-functional teams to develop, launch, and support LDT products. The ideal candidate is a driven professional with broad knowledge of molecular biology and chemistry, applying statistical principles to experiment design and analysis. This role requires an in-depth understanding of product development and support in a CLIA environment, along with experience in current NGS oncology diagnostics.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and validate automated high-throughput NGS assays for a commercial CLIA laboratory.
• Provide production support for automated high-throughput NGS assays in commercial CLIA laboratories.
• Manage assigned technical projects, timelines, and deliverables for NGS-based assays.
• Mentor and manage the functional activities of junior employees.
• Design and execute moderate to high complexity experiments and perform data analysis (e.g., JMP, R, Python, Excel).
• Work with Clinical Laboratory and Quality Assurance to ensure developed methods meet Natera’s quality standards.
• Coordinate with internal groups (automation engineering, laboratory operations, bioinformatics, statistics, project and product management) as the technical lead for project execution.
• Write study protocols, reports, and SOPs, and train lab operations operators on protocols.
• Identify areas for continuous improvement to enhance production workflows and reduce turnaround time (TAT) for patient samples.
• Manage Scientists and Research Associates.

Requirements

• MS with 11+ years or PhD with 8+ years of experience in assay development and automation for the life science industry.
• Demonstrated track record of developing and validating automated protocols for CLIA labs.
• Strong ability to perform first-pass data analysis and interpret experimental data.
• Deep technical knowledge of NGS biology and processes.

Skills

• Strong understanding of nucleic acid extraction, PCR, NGS library preparation, and hybrid capture technologies.
• Experience implementing, optimizing, and troubleshooting high-throughput automated assays using liquid handler robots.
• Proven ability as both an individual contributor and a dedicated team player.
• Experience designing and executing studies, including stability, guard banding, reproducibility, repeatability, and QC method development.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools (JMP, Python, or R).
• Excellent communication, organization, record-keeping, planning, attention to detail, and time management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and collaborate cross-functionally (regulatory, CLIA, LIMS, automation, research, product).
• Willingness to travel to Natera’s Austin site up to 20% of the time.

Pay

Compensation range: $157,300—$196,600 USD. Final compensation will vary based on experience, qualifications, and internal equity considerations.

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, plus fertility care benefits.
• Pregnancy and baby bonding leave.
• Commuter benefits.
• Generous employee referral program.