Senior Research Associate

POSITION SUMMARY:

Join Natera’s R&D team as a Senior Research Associate specializing in Oncology Assay Development. You will design, execute, and optimize next-generation sequencing (NGS) and cell-free DNA (cfDNA) workflows to build liquid biopsy tests that directly impact patient care. Every sample represents a real person, and your analytical rigor will ensure the highest standards for clinical implementation.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design, plan, and execute experiments to support the development, optimization, and validation of oncology assays
• Independently execute experimental workflows, including cfDNA extraction, library preparation, target enrichment, and sequencing
• Develop and pressure-test new methods to improve the performance and precision of our clinical assays
• Analyze and interpret experimental data using appropriate statistical and analytical tools
• Maintain precise documentation in electronic laboratory notebooks, protocols, study plans, and technical reports
• Think team by partnering directly with bioinformatics, biostatistics, automation engineering, software, and operations teams without translation layers
• Communicate findings clearly through presentations and technical reports, ensuring unvarnished, data-backed updates
• Support technology transfer to Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) regulated operations, driving protocol improvements, training, and troubleshooting
• Troubleshoot assays by identifying root causes and implementing data-driven improvements
• Manage multiple projects with pace and precision, prioritizing tasks based on data to meet established milestones
• Handle protected health information (PHI) in paper and electronic formats as required to perform duties
• Complete required HIPAA/PHI privacy and security training within the first 30 days of hire and maintain current status on all training

QUALIFICATIONS:

• B.S. degree in molecular biology, a related field, or equivalent
• Minimum of 3 to 4 years of industry experience in an assay development department

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Direct hands-on experience with nucleic acid techniques, including DNA manipulation, PCR, qPCR, and DNA quantitation and analysis tools such as LabChip, BioAnalyzer, and Tapestation
• Experience with Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) workflows, spanning library preparation, target enrichment, sequencing platforms, and associated quality control metrics
• Experience running automation platforms, such as Hamilton, Bravo, BioMek, or KingFisher
• Ability to interpret NGS data outputs, including Q30 scores, pass filter rates, coverage, on-target rates, and error rates
• Ability to manage multiple experiments and priorities simultaneously while operating with operational rigor
• Apply scientific literature and data to pressure-test assumptions and drive continuous improvement