Staff Scientist

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Staff Scientist, R&D Molecular Biology Research, initiates, directs and executes pre-clinical scientific research and development in the Molecular Biology Research team. Focuses on advancing Natera’s Early Cancer Detection product portfolio and works within a research team inventing and evaluating new technologies for applications in the area of using stool as a sample type for Early Cancer Detection. Investigates the feasibility of applying a wide variety of scientific principles and concepts to potential inventions, products and problems. Plans, executes and manages laboratory research. Maintains broad knowledge of state-of-the-art principles and theories.  

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Contributes very substantially and intellectually to research and development.
• Leads Early Cancer Detection Stool projects to create and develop novel nucleic acid based diagnostic tests; including planning, feasibility testing, protocol development, feasibility, optimization, and transfer to Development.
• Responsible for stool projects and associated timelines and deliverables.
• Thoroughly comprehends the objectives and vision of the work.
• Independently develops plans, generates and advances new ideas.
• Independently designs and executes high complexity experiments.
• Coordinates the execution and analysis of effective experiments with statistics and bioinformatics teams.
• Performs basic data analysis (e.g. R, JMP, Excel).
• May manage junior scientists and research associates.
• Very strong communication, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Adept with Excel and basic statistical analysis.
• Documents research progress under a Quality Management System.
• Actively interacts and communicates with interdepartmental teams such as R&D, Ops, Accessioning, Business Development, Bioinformatics, Data Science, Engineering, Product, and Support.
• Works and communicates with external partners and collaborators.
• Communicates progress directly with manager, colleagues and senior management.
• This role works with PHI on a regular basis both in paper and electronic form and has access to various technologies to access PHI (paper and electronic) in order to perform the job.
• Employee must complete training relating to HIPAA/PHI privacy, General Policies and Procedure Compliance training and security training as soon as possible but not later than the first 30 days of hire.
• Must maintain a current status on Natera training requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ph.D. in molecular biology, immunology, biochemistry or closely related field with 8+ years of industry experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Must have experience with designing, executing, and analyzing data on next generation sequencing (NGS) and DNA/RNA molecular biology experiments (preferably with gDNA/RNA).
• Experience developing tests with stool samples.
• Experience with nucleic acid technologies relating to PCR, multiplex PCR, qPCR, and digital droplet PCR.
• Epigenetic/methylation, target enrichment, DNA/RNA experience is a plus.
• 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.
• Must have excellent communication, organizational, record-keeping, planning, time management, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated experience in managing and providing basic level of leadership to research associates and junior scientists.
• Demonstrated success in applying independent scientific judgment in experimental design and analysis.
• Adept with Excel and basic statistical analysis.
• Bioinformatic capabilities, programming (e.g. PERL, python) and databases experience (SQL) are a plus.
• Skilled at writing clear plans, reports and SOPs.
• Experience with Design Control and in a regulated environment a plus

#LI-AE1 #LI-ONSITEThe pay range is listed and actual compensation packages are based on a wide array of factors unique to each candidate, including but not limited to skill set, years & depth of experience, certifications and specific office location. This may differ in other locations due to cost of labor considerations.San Carlos, CA $125,400—$156,800 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 ear