Director of Data Science and Bioinformatics
This is an exciting opportunity to lead and grow the Data Science and Bioinformatics function supporting Natera's Women's Health and Organ Health product portfolios. In this role, you will build the bioinformatics capability within the Data Science development team, establish scalable AWS cloud infrastructure, and ensure the quality and reproducibility of the genomic algorithms powering our clinical products.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Strategy and Vision
Build and define the Bioinformatics function within the Data Science development team, identify technical tooling gaps, and execute a roadmap to advance genomics-based algorithm development.
Establish and enforce pipeline and algorithm quality standards, including review processes, validation frameworks, and documentation practices
Infrastructure and Automation
Own and architect scalable AWS-based data science and bioinformatics infrastructure, ensuring quality, reproducibility, and reliable deployment of Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) algorithms.
Implement MLOps tooling and automated validation frameworks to support reliable algorithm deployment into clinical production.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Partner with Research, Product Development, Laboratory Operations, Engineering, and Quality teams to implement stable, scalable pipelines and support successful productization
Team Leadership
Lead, mentor and hire a high-performing team of bioinformaticians and data scientists, establishing technical quality standards and clear operational ownership.
Build technical depth within the team to support expanding product roadmaps across Women's Health and Organ Health.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Master of Science or Ph.D. in a quantitative technical discipline (Biostatistics, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or equivalent).
Minimum of 10 years of experience in Data Science or Bioinformatics, with at least 5 years of direct people management experience leading technical teams.
Hands-on experience architecting AWS cloud infrastructure for data-intensive bioinformatics workloads and NGS pipeline execution.
Demonstrated ability to identify capability gaps independently, build scalable infrastructure, and drive execution without waiting for formal structure.
Strong communicator who builds cross-functional alignment across Research, Engineering, and Quality teams through technical clarity, direct engagement, and data-driven reasoning.
Track record of developing bioinformatics talent and delivering computational pipelines that support commercial product development.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience developing software and pipelines within regulated environments (CLIA, FDA, or ISO framework).
Experience with MLOps frameworks and pipeline tools (MLflow, Nextflow, WDL, Docker).
Advanced knowledge of statistical inference, machine learning, and genomic data processing.
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
$195,600—$244,450 USD