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 skillsA proactive, solutions-oriented mindset and demonstrated success in collaborative and individual projectsDESIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Advanced technical proficiency in:

Standard and long-range PCR techniques, including primer design and optimization.

NGS technologies (e.g., Illumina, Pac Bio).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 detailA 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 USDOUR OPPORTUNITYNatera 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 many other professionals from…