Senior Scientist, Platform

LOCATION:

This role will be working out of our South San Francisco location. 

POSITION SUMMARY:   

The Senior Scientist within the Platform group will join a tight-knit and cross-functional team of scientists and engineers who are tasked with developing a scalable and robust platform upon which the next generation of Natera clinical assays will be based. They will design, lead, execute, and analyze laboratory experiments to aid in product development, and apply a wide variety of scientific principles and concepts. We are seeking an individual who maintains broad knowledge of state-of-the-art principles and theories and can work well in an exciting fast paced environment.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Autonomously and accurately design experimental plans and execute complex laboratory experiments such as analyte extractions, next-generation library preparation, hybrid capture and sequencing.
• Evaluate and integrate new emerging technologies in genomics.
• Write protocols and document results and scientific interpretations.
• Contribute insight toward experimental findings and troubleshoot laboratory processes and protocols.
• Communicate and discuss results with a multidisciplinary team including biologists, bioinformaticians, statisticians, software engineers and managers.
• Work closely and collaborate with other Platform teammates to execute complex and/or large scale experiments.
• Perform data analysis.
• This role will have occasional access to PHI both in paper and electronic form and have occasional 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.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
   

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor's degree in molecular biology, biochemistry or closely related field with a minimum of 9 years of industry experience.
• Master’s degree in molecular biology, biochemistry or closely related field, with a minimum of 5 years of industry experience.
• PhD in molecular biology, biochemistry or closely related field, with 2-4 years of industry experience.
   

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Must have hands-on experience with basic molecular biology techniques, including PCR, QRT-PCR, digital PCR, nucleic acids extractions, and sequencing.
• Must be able to handle manual work/pipetting involving high throughput sample testing.
• Must have experience in data analysis using Excel, R, Python or other data analysis tools.
• Demonstrated success in applying independent scientific judgment in experimental design and analysis.
• Extensive experience with next generation sequencing (NGS) methods and techniques.
• Extensive experience in optimizing laboratory methodologies and troubleshooting complex problems.
• Experience in writing clear plans, reports and SOPs.
• Experience in target enrichment, working with cfDNA/RNA/FFPE tissues and NGS data analysis is a plus
• Experience in programming and operating liquid handlers is a plus.
• Experience in scripting languages such as Python is a plus.
• Must have excellent communication, organizational, record-keeping, planning, attention to detail and time management skills.

 

The 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 $125,300—$156,600 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

Competitiv