Staff Scientist, Product Development

About the position

Natera is seeking an innovative Staff Scientist, Product Development to join Natera's Oncology Product Development Team. We are looking for a meticulous and dedicated candidate with experience in next generation sequencing (NGS) assay development that can work effectively in a fast-paced environment to ensure that the highest quality clinical assays are developed and launched for our patients.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical projects and associate timelines and deliverables as a subject matter expert and represent the assay development group in cross-functional project teams
• Drive planning, design, execution, and reporting of feasibility, development, verification and validation studies for CLIA assays under the design control quality system
• Collaborate closely with Research scientists, Automation engineers, Software engineers, Biostatisticians, Bioinformatics and Data Science team to develop, validate and launch new and innovative molecular assays
• Communicate and document experimental data, scientific findings, and recommendations to R&D and other functions including Lab Operations, Scientific Affairs, Product Management, Quality, and Regulatory groups
• Provide regular updates at project team and departmental meetings on project progress, outcomes, and next steps to ensure alignment and transparency
• Write SOPs, study protocols and reports, manufacturing and QC documents etc
• Be flexible to handle multiple tasks and priorities, and perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

• MS. or PhD in genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry or a closely related field. PhD with a minimum of 8 years relevant experience, OR a MS degree and minimum 10 years of relevant experience
• Must have hands-on experience with next-generation sequencing (NGS) and DNA/RNA molecular biology - experience with Illumina required, other technologies (e.g. PacBio, Oxford Nanopore, Ultima, Element, etc.) a plus
• Must have experience with nucleic acid technologies relating to PCR, multiplex PCR, NGS, epigenetics/methylation analysis, target enrichment. Experience with liquid biopsy is a plus
• Hands-on experience with high-throughput sample processing and automated liquid handling systems in a CLIA-regulated lab required
• Experience working under Design Control, authoring study plans, protocols and reports is highly desired
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills required
• Knowledge of statistical methods and techniques to establish acceptance criteria for analytical studies is desired
• Proficient in data analysis using tools such as Excel, JMP, R, Python required, combined with a strong drive for analyzing and interpreting data
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills with meticulous attention to detail
• A proactive, solutions-oriented mindset and demonstrated success in collaborative and individual projects
• Demonstrated ability to write clear project plans, study protocols and reports, and SOPs

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life and disability plans for eligible employees and their dependents
• Free testing for employees and their immediate families
• Fertility care benefits
• Pregnancy and baby bonding leave
• 401k benefits
• Commuter benefits
• Generous employee referral program