Staff Scientist, R&D; Women's Health

We are looking for an inquisitive and creative Staff Scientist to initiate, direct, and execute pre-product scientific research with an emphasis in Women’s Health. This Staff Scientist will investigate the feasibility of applying a wide variety of scientific principles and concepts to potential inventions, products and problem solving. The ideal candidate will have broad knowledge of state-of-the-art molecular biology principles, with hands‑on experience in next-generation DNA/RNA sequencing, nucleic acid technologies, multiomics, molecular diagnostics development, and/or proteomics.

• Contributes substantially and intellectually to research and development
• Independently leads projects to create and develop novel nucleic acid‑based diagnostic tests, including planning, feasibility testing, protocol development, and optimization
• Responsible for executing projects as per associated timelines and deliverables
• Thoroughly comprehends the objectives and vision of the work
• Develops plans, generates and advances new ideas
• Performs basic data analysis, including statistics
• Independently designs and executes moderate to high‑complexity experiments
• Coordinates the execution and analysis of effective experiments with statistics and bioinformatics teams
• Works cross‑functionally with statistics, bioinformatics, product development, and project management teams
• Documents research progress under a Quality Management System
• May manage Research Associates
• May work with partners and outside collaborators
• Communicates progress directly with colleagues and senior management

• Ph.D. in molecular biology or closely related field
• Minimum of 8 years of industry experience or 2 years of post‑doctoral research + 6 years of industry experience

• Experience designing, executing, and analyzing data on next‑generation sequencing (NGS) and DNA/RNA molecular biology experiments
• Experience developing tests in NIPT and/or liquid biopsy highly desirable
• Experience with nucleic acid technologies relating to PCR, multiplex PCR, qPCR, and digital droplet PCR
• Multiomics, epigenetic/methylation, target enrichment, cfDNA/RNA experience desirable
• Experience in women’s health molecular diagnostics highly desirable
• Track record of originating, developing and productizing novel nucleic acid techniques and tests
• Strong research skills with a history of innovation
• Proven success in managing collaborative and individual projects and communicating externally
• Excellent communication, organizational, record‑keeping, planning, time‑management, analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Experience managing and providing basic level of leadership to research associates and junior scientists
• Success in applying independent scientific judgment in experimental design and analysis
• Adept with Excel and basic statistical analysis
• Bioinformatic capabilities, programming (PERL, Python) and databases experience (SQL) desirable
• Skilled at writing clear plans, reports and SOPs

This position is also eligible for additional compensation and benefits through Natera’s robust Total Rewards program, including a base pay range of $157,300–$196,600 USD, 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, and additional wellness and work‑life benefits.

Natera is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to ensuring a diverse and inclusive workplace environment, and welcome people of different backgrounds, experiences, abilities and perspectives. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply, and will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, age, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.

We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with applicable laws.