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Senior Scientist, R&D Assay Development

Natera· Bio Development
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Hybrid (Austin, TX)$106.2k - $132.7kFull-timePosted 4w ago

About the role

Senior Scientist role focused on designing, validating, and automating molecular assays within a regulated environment to advance Natera’s cfDNA testing portfolio. Leads and mentors junior staff, collaborates across functions, and ensures data integrity and successful transfer of assays to production.

Responsibilities

  • Design development, verification, and validation studies with stakeholder input and coordinate efforts to achieve milestones within established timelines
  • Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, such as automation, engineering, R&D, bioinformatics, and lab operations, to develop robust, automated workflows
  • Lead the integration testing of automated workflows with software LIMS systems. Support the design and execution of integration testing to ensure data integrity between automation and digital systems
  • Plan, execute, analyze and present data for moderate to high complexity experiments with hands-on work on troubleshooting
  • Identify the root cause of problems and develop solutions to resolve problems effectively
  • Perform basic data analysis (e.g. Excel, JMP) and comfortable to utilize AI agents like Gemini and Claude. Coordinate the analysis of studies with biostatistics and bioinformatics teams
  • Provide regular updates at project team and departmental meetings on project progress, outcomes, and next steps to ensure alignment and transparency
  • Author and review SOPs, study reports, and transfer documents for production implementation
  • Train team members on new SOPs and automated workflows
  • Provide support to lab operations, including troubleshooting and providing technical guidance
  • Be flexible to handle multiple tasks and priorities, and perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

  • Typically requires a university degree and a minimum of 8+ years of related experience or a MS degree and 6 years of related experience or a PhD and 4 years of related experience
  • Knowledge of high throughput NGS workflows or other genetic testing applications in clinical settings
  • Experience in developing and validating molecular assays for CLIA lab testing
  • Experience with automation of molecular workflows or assay transfer to automated platforms
  • Experience in managing responsibilities across more than 1 project
  • Must possess very strong interpersonal, analytical, and problem-solving skills
  • A proactive, solutions-oriented mindset and demonstrated success in collaborative and individual projects

Skills

Required:Molecular assay design and validationNGS workflowsAutomation and workflow integrationData analysisProject management

Benefits

  • Competitive Benefits - comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life and disability plans for eligible employees and dependents
  • Free testing for employees and immediate families plus fertility care benefits
  • Pregnancy and baby bonding leave, 401k benefits, commuter benefits, and employee referral program
Last updated Sep 24, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

About Natera

A global leader in cfDNA testing

Dedicated to oncology, women’s health, and organ health. Natera’s cell-free DNA tests help protect health and inform more personalized decisions about care.

oncologywomen's healthorgan healthcell-free DNA
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