Bioinformatics Production Engineer

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Bioinformatics Production Analyst performs basic data analysis to provide bioinformatics support for Horizon Carrier Screening and future platform sequencing tests, while actively participating in production pipeline improvements. In this role, the analyst plays a pivotal part in ensuring Natera provides high-quality carrier screening and sequencing products.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Data Analysis & Processing: Analyze high-throughput DNA sequencing data and perform basic data analysis to support product development, validation studies, and incoming experiment analysis requests.
• Pipeline Improvement & Support: Help move data through the analysis pipeline while proactively identifying and implementing improvements to production workflows.
• Troubleshooting: Investigate and resolve technical issues related to data quality, analysis pipelines, and system integration.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Communicate effectively and work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including biology, software engineering, lab operations, and medical/legal affairs.
• Documentation: Produce high-quality written documentation, including formal study plans and technical reports.
• Compliance & PHI Safety: Regularly handle Protected Health Information (PHI) in both paper and electronic formats, ensuring strict adherence to data privacy technologies and protocols.
• Training & Certification: Complete required HIPAA/PHI privacy, security, and General Policies and Procedures Compliance training within the first 30 days of hire, and maintain current status on all ongoing company training requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, Bioinformatics, or a related equivalent field.
• 2+ years of relevant professional experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in a relevant scientific or technical discipline.
• Previous professional experience within the biotechnology, diagnostics, or pharmaceutical industry.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of biological concepts related to molecular biology, cell biology (specifically related to DNA/RNA), and genetics.
• Experience and knowledge of how Sequencing Assays work.
• Experience using Python for data analysis and plotting is preferred.
• Experience using Linux command-line tools and relational databases (SQL) preferred, knowledge of data visualization tools/platforms a plus (plotly).
• Knowledge of genomics, relevant NGS analyses (mapping, variant calling, etc.), and NGS file types is required. e.g. Know how to run pipelines and knowledge of pipeline platforms/languages (WDL, Nextflow). 
• Ability to produce high quality written documentation for varying audiences, e.g. validation reports
• Familiarity with Large Language Models (LLMs), such as Claude Code, and how to leverage them to streamline workflows and tasks.
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple objectives and timelines.
• Desire to work in a fast-paced environment with potential for high impact in a small team.
• Team player, self-motivated, and detail-oriented.