Senior Scientist, R&D Assay Development
POSITION SUMMARY:
Natera is a global leader in cell-free DNA testing. We measure fetal, tumor, or donor cfDNA at the molecular level to help inform personalized health care decisions with a non-invasive test.
The Natera R&D Department is looking for a highly motivated Senior Scientist to join the rapidly growing assay development team to help build the future of Natera. In this position, you will be an integral part of high-performing teams across functions to develop laboratory tests that positively impact the business and our patients. A successful candidate will have a deep understanding of molecular biology, strong scientific curiosity and high level of expertise of developing and validating assays through product development cycles. You will lead and support dedicated junior scientists and laboratory technicians to plan, execute and manage scientific studies under design control in a regulated environment to help improve and expand Natera's state-of-the-art product portfolios.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Design development, verification, and validation studies with stakeholder input and coordinate efforts to achieve milestones within established timelines
Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, such as automation, engineering, R&D, bioinformatics, and lab operations, to develop robust, automated workflows
Lead the integration testing of automated workflows with software LIMS systems. Support the design and execution of integration testing to ensure data integrity between automation and digital systems
Plan, execute, analyze and present data for moderate to high complexity experiments with hands-on work on troubleshooting
Identify the root cause of problems and develop solutions to resolve problems effectively
Perform basic data analysis (e.g. Excel, JMP) and comfortable to utilize AI agents like Gemini and Claude. Coordinate the analysis of studies with biostatistics and bioinformatics teams
Provide regular updates at project team and departmental meetings on project progress, outcomes, and next steps to ensure alignment and transparency
Author and review SOPs, study reports, and transfer documents for production implementation
Train team members on new SOPs and automated workflows
Provide support to lab operations, including troubleshooting and providing technical guidance
Be flexible to handle multiple tasks and priorities, and perform other duties as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS:
Typically requires a university degree and a minimum of 8+ years of related experience or a MS degree and 6 years of related experience or a PhD and 4 years of related experience
Knowledge of high throughput NGS workflows or other genetic testing applications in clinical settings
Experience in developing and validating molecular assays for CLIA lab testing
Experience with automation of molecular workflows or assay transfer to automated platforms
Experience in managing responsibilities across more than 1 project
Must possess very strong interpersonal, analytical, and problem-solving skills
A proactive, solutions-oriented mindset and demonstrated success in collaborative and individual projects
DESIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Advanced technical proficiency in:
Standard and long-range PCR techniques, including primer design and optimization.
NGS technologies (e.g., Illumina, PacBio).
qPCR, ddPCR, and multiplex PCR.
Knowledge of design verification/validation processes compliant with the U.S. and E.U. regulatory standards
Exceptional communication and presentation skills with meticulous attention to detail
A proactive, solutions-oriented mindset and demonstrated success in collaborative and individual projects
The pay range is listed and actual compensation packages are based on a wide array of factors unique to each candidate, including but not limited to skill set, years & depth of experience, certifications and specific office location. This may differ in other locations due to cost of labor considerations.
Austin, TX
$106,200—$132,700 USD