Lead bioinformatics scientist developing NGS assays for oncology at Natera, working with bench scientists and biostatisticians on analytical validation, real-world evidence studies, and production pipelines. Stack: Python, R, shell for variant calling, WES/WGS analysis, and data visualization.
Natera is seeking a Lead Bioinformatics Scientist to join our Oncology Bioinformatics team and support the development, validation, and clinical application of our NGS-based assays. The ideal candidate has a strong background in data analysis for wet lab support and extensive experience with NGS data, with a focus on building solutions for oncology applications. In this role, you will shape the analytical validation strategy for an NGS assay, design and analyze feasibility and performance evaluation studies, and generate real-world evidence demonstrating its clinical utility. You will work with interdisciplinary teams to turn complex, multi-source data into actionable recommendations, supporting research, product development, validation, regulatory submissions, clinical studies, and scientific publications.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Lead the analytical validation strategy for an NGS-based assay, including designing, analyzing, and troubleshooting feasibility and performance evaluation studies (e.g., PPA and LoD) with bench scientists and biostatisticians.
Drive real-world evidence (RWE) studies that demonstrate the clinical utility of for therapy selection and patient management, from cohort selection through analysis of plasma mutation calls.
Build rapid prototypes and pipelines for custom analyses that integrate data from multiple Natera products.
Develop algorithms and tools to support new products, including contributions to the production bioinformatics pipeline.
Act as an internal technical consultant on bioinformatics methodology for other functional groups.
Work closely with assay development, engineering, biostatistics, clinical, commercial, regulatory, and lab operations teams.
Contribute to regulatory submissions, clinical study reports, and scientific publications.
QUALIFICATIONS
Master’s degree in bioinformatics (or a related field) with 10 years of post-graduate experience, or PhD with 5 years of post-graduate experience (preferred).
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Expert knowledge of bioinformatics tools for NGS, including sequencing QC and secondary analysis such as variant calling.
Experience with WES/WGS/targeted sequencing of tissue and cfDNA, and with somatic variant calling (SNVs, indels, CNVs, fusions) on these data.
Working knowledge of statistical methods for assay performance evaluation, and ability to collaborate with biostatisticians on study design.
Strong programming and scripting skills in Python, R, and shell.
Fluency in exploratory data analysis and visualization of complex datasets, with the ability to distill observations into actionable recommendations.
Deep understanding of NGS workflows from sample extraction to sequencing, and the ability to link bioinformatic findings to wet lab root causes.
Ability to communicate effectively with wet lab groups and cross-functional partners, and to explain technical concepts clearly.
Ability to work independently while managing multiple objectives and timelines.
Comfort adapting quickly when experimental results change the plan, and a desire to work in a fast-paced environment with high impact in a small team.
PREFERRED:
Experience supporting regulated or clinical-grade assay development (e.g., CLIA/CAP, FDA submissions), including analytical validation studies.
Familiarity with clinical genomics, including oncogenic drivers, actionable biomarkers, targeted therapies, and variant interpretation in oncology.
Experience with translational or real-world data analysis, including integrating clinical and genomic data.
Compensation & Total Rewards
This range reflects a good-faith estimate of the base pay we reasonably expect to offer at the time of hire. Final compensation will vary based on experience, qualifications, and internal equity considerations.
This position is also eligible for additional compensation and benefits through Natera’s robust Total Rewards program, including:
Annual performance incentive bonus
Long-term equity awards
Comprehensive health benefits (medical, dental, vision)
401(k) with company match
Generous paid time off and company holidays
Additional wellness and work-life benefits
Compensation Range
$144,000
—
$180,000 USD
OUR OPPORTUNITY
Natera™ is a global leader in cell-free DNA (cfDNA) testing, dedicated to oncology, women’s health, and organ health. Our aim is to make personalized genetic testing and diagnostics part of the standard of care to protect health and enable earlier and more targeted interventions that lead to longer, healthier lives.
The Natera team consists of highly dedicated statisticians, geneticists, doctors, laboratory scientists, business professionals, software engineers and many other professionals from world-class institutions, who care deeply for our work and each other. When you join Natera, you’ll work hard and grow quickly. Working alongside the elite of the industry, you’ll be stretched and challenged, and take pride in being part of a company that is changing the landscape of genetic disease management.
WHAT WE OFFER
Competitive Benefits - Employee benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life and disability plans for eligible employees and their dependents. Additionally, Natera employees and their immediate families receive free testing in addition to fertility care benefits. Other benefits include pregnancy and baby bonding leave, 401k benefits, commuter benefits and much more. We also offer a generous employee referral program!
Natera is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to ensuring a diverse and inclusive workplace environment, and welcome people of different backgrounds, experiences, abilities and perspectives. Inclusive collaboration benefits our employees, our community and our patients, and is critical to our mission of changing the management of disease worldwide.
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply, and will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, age, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with applicable laws.
If you are based in California, we encourage you to read this important information for California residents.
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