Staff Scientist R&D
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 30, 2026. First seen by Alion on Aug 25, 2026. Natera scores B on the Alion truth index.
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 Staff 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 cfDNA 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:
- Lead technical projects and associated timelines and deliverables as a subject matter expert and represent the assay development group in cross-functional project teams.
- Drive the planning, design, execution, and reporting of feasibility, development, verification and validation studies under the design control quality system.
- Collaborate closely with research scientists, automation engineers, biostatisticians and data scientists within a dynamic R&D team to develop new and innovative molecular assays.
- Communicate and document experimental data, scientific findings, and recommendations to R&D and other functions including Lab Operations, Scientific Affairs, Product Management, Quality, and Regulatory groups.
- May manage Research Associates.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Typically requires a university degree and a minimum of 10+ years of related experience or a MS degree and 8 years of related experience or a PhD and 6 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 projects.
- Must possess very strong interpersonal, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
DESIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- Advanced technical proficiency in:
- NGS assay development using Illumina sequencing platforms.
- qPCR, ddPCR, and multiplex PCR.
- Experience in long-range PCR techniques and long-read sequencing technologies is a plus.
- Hands-on experience with high-throughput sample processing and automated liquid handling systems in a CLIA-regulated lab.
- Advanced data analysis skills utilizing tools such as JMP and Excel, comfort with programming languages like Python and R, and proficiency with bioinformatics tools and platforms.
- 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.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
- A proactive, solutions-oriented mindset and demonstrated success in collaborative and individual projects.
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
$157,300—$196,600 USD
OUR OPPORTUNITY
Natera™ 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 world-class institutions, who care deeply for our work and each other. When you join Natera, you’ll work hard and grow quickly. Working alongside the elite of the industry, you’ll be stretched and challenged, and take pride in being part of a company that is changing the landscape of genetic disease management.
WHAT WE OFFER
Competitive Benefits - Employee benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life and disability plans for eligible employees and their dependents. Additionally, Natera employees and their immediate families receive free testing in addition to fertility care benefits. Other benefits include pregnancy and baby bonding leave, 401k benefits, commuter benefits and much more. We also offer a generous employee referral program!
For more information, visit www.natera.com.
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. Inclusive collaboration benefits our employees, our community and our patients, and is critical to our mission of changing the management of disease worldwide.
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.
If you are based in California, we encourage you to read this important information for California residents.
Link: https://www.natera.com/notice-of-data-collection-california-residents/
Please be advised that Natera will reach out to candidates with a @natera.com email domain ONLY. Email communications from all other domain names are not from Natera or its employees and are fraudulent. Natera does not request interviews via text messages and does not ask for personal information until a candidate has engaged with the company and has spoken to a recruiter and the hiring team. Natera takes cyber crimes seriously, and will collaborate with law enforcement authorities to prosecute any related cyber crimes.
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