Senior Research Associate

Natera • Austin, TX

7h

About The Position

The Senior Research Associate within the Molecular Biology product development team will join a cross-functional team of scientists who are tasked with developing and advancing Natera’s oncology product portfolio. We are looking for a meticulous and dedicated individual with experience in both assay development and high throughput automation that can work effectively in a fast-paced environment to ensure that the highest quality clinical assays are developed and launched for our patients.
The ideal candidate is a driven professional who is eager to learn, maintains broad knowledge of molecular biology principles and possesses strong wet lab skills. This position requires flexibility to work outside standard business hours, including some evenings and weekends, to address urgent issues, support high-priority projects, and maintain uninterrupted lab operations.

Requirements

• BA/BS with 4 years experience or MS with 2 years experience in assay development and automation for the genomics
• Experience participating in development and validation of automated protocols for CLIA. Individuals with no experience in process development will be considered if they can demonstrate strong analytical skills
• Strong understanding of the chemistry underlying nucleic acid extraction, PCR, NGS library preparation, and hybrid capture technologies
• Hands-on experience in NGS-based assays
• Experience implementing, optimizing, and troubleshooting high-throughput automated assays utilizing liquid handler robots
• Excellent communication, organizational, record-keeping, planning, attention to detail and time management skills
• Ability to collaborate cross-functionally with other groups (Lab operations, Engineering, Automation)

Nice To Haves

• Dedicated team player aspiring to develop into a strong individual contributor
• Data analysis (JMP or similar) is a strong plus
• Experience working in a regulated laboratory environment under CLIA/CAP, NYSDOH, IVD is a plus

Responsibilities

• Assist in design, developing, and validating automated high-throughput NGS assays that will be run in a commercial CLIA laboratory
• Participate in post-launch surveillance by troubleshooting production issues, performing root cause analysis on automation, reagent, peripheral equipment and assay failures
• With some supervision, design and execute low to moderate complexity experiments
• Coordinate across multiple internal groups (automation engineering, laboratory operations, bioinformatics, statistics, project and product management) and serve as point person to ensure the successful identification and timely execution of projects
• Draft documentation and SOPs, train lab operations operators on protocols

Benefits

• Competitive 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!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees