Scientist, R&D

Initiates and executes pre-clinical scientific research and development in the Molecular Biology Research team. Focuses on advancing Natera’s transplant assessment portfolio and works within a research team inventing and evaluating new technologies for applications in transplant assessment, oncology, and NIPT. Investigates the feasibility of applying a wide variety of scientific principles and concepts to potential inventions, products and problems. Plans and executes laboratory research. Maintains broad knowledge of state-of-the-art principles and theories.

• Contributes substantially and intellectually to research or development

• Performs duties largely independent from manager

• Leads in-lab efforts to create and develop novel nucleic acid based diagnostic tests

• Thoroughly comprehends the objectives and vision of the work

• Independently develops plans, generates and advances new ideas

• Independently designs and executes moderate to 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)

• Documents research progress under a Quality Management System

• Interacts with on-site CLIA lab, Sequencing and Process Development groups

• Works with partners and outside collaborations

• Communicates progress directly with 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.

• Degree in molecular biology, tissue or cellular biology, immunology or closely related field

• Associate Scientist level: Bachelor’s degree or higher with a minimum of 6 years of industry experience

• Scientist level: M.S with a minimum of 6 years of industry experience; or Ph.D. with a minimum of 3 - 5 years of industry experience

• Must have experience with next generation sequencing (NGS) and DNA/RNA molecular biology.

• Experience with nucleic acid technologies relating to PCR, qPCR, multiplex PCR, digital PCR, NGS and microarrays

• Epigenetic/methylation, target enrichment, cfDNA/RNA and NGS data analysis 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

• Experience developing tests in transplant assessment, oncology, NIPT or liquid biopsy a plus

• Proven success in collaborative and individual projects

• Demonstrated success in applying independent scientific judgment in experimental design and analysis

• Very strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• 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

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