Associate Scientist R&D

About this role

Natera is seeking a skilled and motivated Associate Scientist to join the R&D Platform team, focusing on building scalable assays to advance our product portfolio. The ideal candidate will possess hands-on experience with NGS technologies and automated platforms. Candidates will apply their expertise to assess new scientific opportunities and contribute to developing state-of-the-art genomic tests for oncology treatment and monitoring applications.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Independently design experimental plans and execute laboratory experiments of a defined scope such as analyte extractions, next-generation library preparation, hybrid capture and sequencing.

• Collaborate with project teams to design, develop, and validate assays for commercial launch.

• Contribute insights toward experimental findings and troubleshoot laboratory processes and protocols.

• Perform basic data analysis.

• Communicate and discuss results with a multidisciplinary team including biologists, bioinformaticians, statisticians, software engineers and managers.

• Document protocols, SOPs, and scientific reports under a Quality Management System.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, or closely related field with 4-6 years experience in assay development for the life science industry.

• Master’s in molecular biology, biochemistry or closely related field, with 2+ years of industry experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Expertise in next-generation sequencing (NGS) and DNA/RNA molecular biology, including DNA/RNA extraction from tissue and biofluids, library preparation, hybrid capture, qPCR, and multiplex PCR.

• Proficiency in basic data and statistical analysis using tools such as R, JMP, or Excel.

• Demonstrated success in applying independent scientific judgment in experimental design and analysis.

• Experience in optimizing laboratory methodologies and troubleshooting complex problems.

• Strong communication, organizational, record-keeping, planning, and time management skills.

• Must be able to handle manual work/pipetting involving high throughput sample testing.

• Experience in writing clear plans, reports and SOPs.

• Experience in oncology, solid tumor and liquid biopsy, transplant, or NIPT research is a plus.

• Experience in programming and operating liquid handlers is a plus.

• Experience in programming languages such as python or R is a plus.

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,…