Senior Research Associate, Product Development San Carlos, CA

Senior Research Associate, Product DevelopmentPOSITION 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.We are looking for a highly motivated Senior Research Associate with a strong focus on process optimization and product verification studies to join the Early Cancer Detection product development team involved in advancing Natera's oncology product portfolio.The Senior RA will be working with internal cross functional teams to develop IVD products. The ideal candidate is a driven professional who maintains broad knowledge of molecular biology and chemistry, and applies statistical principles to experiment design and analysis. The Senior RA should have an in-depth understanding of design control methods and experience with current NGS oncology diagnostics devices.We are looking for a driven and rigorous Senior RA with experience in both NGS-based assay development under design control, specifically for submission to FDA and other regulatory bodies, who can work effectively in a fast-paced environment to ensure that the highest quality clinical assays are developed and launched for our patients.PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:Contribute to the design, development, and validation of automated high-throughput NGS assays that will be submitted to FDA and regulatory bodies, and be run in a commercial single-site IVD CLIA laboratoryImplement assigned technical projects maintaining strict adherence to timelines and deliverable schedulesDesign, plan, and execute moderate to high complexity experiments and perform basic data analysis (e.g. JMP, Excel)Collaborate with other assay development scientists on the specifications of assay, reagent, equipment and quality metrics for future production assaysWork with Clinical Laboratory and Quality Assurance to ensure that developed methods meet Natera's rigorous quality standardsCoordinate with multiple internal groups (automation engineering, laboratory operations, bioinformatics, statistics, project and product management) planning and executing workflow processesWrite project protocols, reports and SOPs and train lab operations clinical lab scientists on proceduresPlan and execute verification activitiesIdentify areas for continuous improvement and actively contribute to the effort of introducing better practices to improve production workflows and shorten TAT for patient samplesQUALIFICATIONS:Bachelor's degree in molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, cell biology, or related field with 4+ years of relevant industry experience or M.S. degree in molecular biology or related field with a minimum of 2+ years of relevant industry experience in a research and/or assay development settingExperience with IVD product development and design controlsKNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:Strong understanding of the chemistry underlying nucleic acid extraction, PCR, NGS library preparation, and hybrid capture technologiesHands-on experience in reagent preparation and quality control for NGS-based assaysExperience with high-throughput automated assays utilizing liquid handler robotsStrong individual contributor as well as dedicated team playerExperience executing studies including stability, guardbanding, reproducibility and repeatabilityExperience working in a regulated laboratory environment under CLIA/CAPData analysis (JMP and Excel) required, coding skills (Python or R), and liquid handler programming experience are a plusExcellent communication, organizational, record-keeping, planning, attention to detail and time management skillsAbility to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and to collaborate cross-functionally with other groups (regulatory affairs, CLIA, LIMS, lab operations QA, automation, research)Compensation & Total RewardsThis 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 skills considerations.This position is also eligible for additional compensation and benefits through Natera's robust Total Rewards program, including:401(k) with company matchGenerous paid time off and company holidaysAdditional wellness and work-life benefitsCompensation Range$87,300 - $120,100 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 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 OFFERCompetitive 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!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.We encourage California based candidates to review information for 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.Interested in building your career at Natera? Get future opportunities sent straight to your email.Public disclosures and voluntary self-identification information sections follow below, including the Voluntary Self-Identification statements for disability and veteran status as required.Voluntary Self-IdentificationFor government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self-identification survey. Completion of the form is entirely voluntary and will not affect hiring decisions. Any information provided will be confidential.Natera is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of protected status. 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