Senior Scientist, Molecular Biology Research

SENIOR SCIENTIST, Molecular Biology R&D

Location: San Carlos, CA

Department: Molecular Biology, Informatics, and Statistics

POSITION SUMMARY:

We are looking for a Senior Scientist to join our highly collaborative Molecular Biology Research team. The Senior Scientist, will plan, design, and execute laboratory research to advance Natera’s growing liquid biopsy-based early cancer detection product portfolio. For this role, we require a candidate with experience developing NGS assays, with the ideal candidate having a demonstrated track record of creatively applying multiomic approaches to oncology applications.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Contributes intellectually and creatively to research and development planning and innovation
• Advances novel nucleic acid based diagnostic tests including, planning, feasibility testing, protocol development, optimization, and transfer to Development
• Responsible for project-associated timeline and deliverable planning and management
• Thoroughly comprehends the objectives and vision of the work
• Independently develops generates and advances new ideas
• Independently designs and executes high complexity experiments
• Coordinates the execution and analysis of experiments with statistics and bioinformatics teams
• Actively interacts and communicates with interdepartmental teams such as Operations, Program Management, Bioinformatics, Data Science, Engineering, Translational Science, and Product
• Documents research progress under a Quality Management System
• Communicates progress directly with manager and colleagues.
• Performs basic data analysis (e.g. R, JMP, Excel)
• May manage research associates
• 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
• Perform other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ph.D. in molecular biology, genomics, biochemistry or a closely related field
• Minimum of 5 - 8 years of industry experience or 2+ years post-doctoral research and 3+ years of industry experience

REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Must have extensive experience designing, executing, analyzing data and problem solving of next generation sequencing (NGS) and DNA molecular biology experiments
• Track record of originating, developing and/or productizing novel nucleic acid and multiomic workflows and tests
• Strong research skills with a history of innovation and scientific accomplishment.
• Must have excellent communication, organizational, record-keeping, planning, time management and analytical skills
• Demonstrated success in applying independent scientific judgment in experimental design and analysis

PREFERRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:

• Cancer research experience is desired
• Experience with approaches such as: epigenetic/methylation analysis, target capture/enrichment, WGS, proteomics
• cfDNA experience is a significant plus
• Experience with automation is a preferred
• Skilled at writing clear plans, reports and SOPs