Supervisor, Oncology RUO
Natera · San Carlos, CA · 3 days ago
Healthcare$82k–$103k/yrFull-time
About the Role
Join Natera’s Oncology Research Use Only (RUO) team as a Supervisor for the Signatera Plasma Team. You will direct laboratory staff executing cell-free DNA (cfDNA) extraction, library preparation, and Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) workflows to advance our personalized Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) assays. Every sample represents a real person, and you will ensure that all lab processes operate with the pace and precision required to support our clinical pipeline.
Responsibilities
- Oversee the daily scheduling of employees executing DNA extractions, library preparation, Nucleic Acid Quality Control (QC), and NGS workflows
- Conduct regular 1:1 meetings to deliver unvarnished, data-backed performance evaluations and guide career development
- Take ownership of daily lab operations by directly executing sample processing alongside the team to maintain throughput
- Serve as the primary technical point of contact, using data to guide team members on data interpretation, next steps, and troubleshooting
- Execute process development and method/instrument testing to increase operational precision and scale
- Use data to identify lab process deviations, root-cause the underlying issues, and document findings via nonconformance reports to drive corrective action
- Draft, generate, and rigorously review Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and work instructions
- Maintain precise records of lab work using Google Sheets, Microsoft Excel, and internal Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)
- Ensure accurate, ethical, and appropriate management of samples in strict compliance with all applicable federal regulations
- Partner directly with Oncology RUO peer groups to eliminate bottlenecks and optimize sample processing without needing translation layers
- Present data-backed summaries on team activities, project milestones, and timeline adherence
- Adapt to evolving science and operational needs, taking ownership of tasks that move the work forward without waiting for a finished playbook
- Handle protected health information (PHI) in paper and electronic formats as required to perform duties
- Complete required HIPAA/PHI privacy and security training within the first 30 days of hire and maintain current status on all training
Requirements
- BS/BA in a biological science or equivalent
- 3 to 4 years of related laboratory experience
- Prior team management experience is highly preferred
- Must pass a post-offer criminal background check
Skills
- Direct hands-on experience with nucleic acid techniques, including isolation, purification, quantification, amplification, and hybridization capture
- Extensive familiarity with rigorous pipetting practices using single- and multi-channel micropipettes and serological pipettes
- Hands-on experience operating Laboratory Automation platforms (e.g., Hamilton, Tecan, Biomek, QIAsymphony)
- Hands-on experience with library preparation and NGS platforms
- Proficiency with LIMS and database software
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace applications
- Experience leading a lab team, spanning scheduling, training, workload prioritization, and building an execution-focused culture, is a plus
- Ability to think analytically, testing assumptions with data to troubleshoot and solve complex problems
- Clear, direct oral and written communication skills to present data and identify operational improvements
- Demonstrated interpersonal skills to build effective working relationships within the functional area
- Manage competing priorities while operating with pace and precision in an evolving scientific environment
Physical Demands and Work Environment
- Duties are typically performed in an office and laboratory setting on a daily basis
- Requires the ability to perform repetitive motions during pipetting and sample processing
- Requires the ability to use a computer keyboard and read printed material
- Requires onsite work in San Carlos, CA, and flexibility to work shifted schedules (e.g., 7am–4pm, 11am–8pm, 7pm–3am) with a 30-minute break
- Weekend shifts may be scheduled based on operational demand
- May require lifting or moving items weighing up to 25 lbs
Pay
Compensation Range: $82,300—$102,850 USD
Benefits
- Comprehensive health benefits (medical, dental, vision)
- 401(k) with company match
- Generous paid time off and company holidays
- Additional wellness and work-life benefits
- Pregnancy and baby bonding leave
- Fertility care benefits
- Commuter benefits
- Employee referral program