Senior Scientist, IVD Product Development
Natera · San Carlos, CA · Posted Jul 8, 2026
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POSITION SUMMARY:
Natera is a global leader in cell-free DNA testing. We measure fetal, tumor, or donor cfDNA at the molecular level to help inform personalized health care decisions with a non-invasive test.
We are looking for a highly motivated Senior Scientist with a strong focus on reagent and process optimization to join the Early Cancer Detection product development team, joining a group of scientists who are tasked with developing and advancing Natera’s oncology product portfolio.
The Senior Scientist will be working with internal cross functional teams to develop IVD products. The ideal candidate is a driven professional who maintains broad knowledge of molecular biology and chemistry, and applies statistical principles to experiment design and analysis. The Scientist should have an in-depth understanding of design control methods and experience with current NGS oncology diagnostics devices.
We are looking for a meticulous and proactive scientist with experience in both NGS-based assay development under design control and meant for submission to FDA and other regulatory bodies and who can work effectively in a fast-paced environment to ensure that the highest quality clinical assays are developed and launched for our patients.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Design, develop and validate automated high-throughput NGS assays that will be run in a commercial CLIA laboratory
Manage assigned technical projects and associated timelines and deliverables in NGS-based assays. Mentor and manage the functional activities of junior employees
Design and execute moderate to high complexity experiments and perform basic data analysis (e.g. JMP, R, Excel)
Collaborate with other assay development scientists on the specifications of assay, reagent, equipment and quality metrics for future production assays
Work with Clinical Laboratory and Quality Assurance to ensure that developed methods meet Natera’s rigorous quality standards
Coordinate with multiple internal groups (automation engineering, laboratory operations, bioinformatics, statistics, project and product management) and serve as point person to ensure the successful identification and timely execution of projects
Write project protocols, reports and SOPs and train lab operations operators on protocols.
Lead verification activities
Identify areas for continuous improvement and actively contribute to the effort of introducing better practices to improve production workflows and shorten TAT for patient samples
May manage Research Associates
QUALIFICATIONS:
BA/BS with 8+ years experience, MS with 5+ years or PhD with 3+ years experience in assay development and automation for the life science industry
Demonstrated track record of development and validation of automated protocols for CLIA labs
Experience with IVD product development and design controls
K NOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Strong understanding of the chemistry underlying nucleic acid extraction, PCR, NGS library preparation, and hybrid capture technologies
Hands-on experience in reagent preparation and quality control for NGS-based assays
Experience implementing, optimizing, and troubleshooting high-throughput automated assays utilizing liquid handler robots
Strong individual contributor as well as dedicated team player
Experience designing and executing studies including stability, guard banding, reproducibility and repeatability and QC method development
Data analysis (JMP) required, coding skills (Python or R), and liquid handler programming experience are a plus
Excellent communication, organizational, record-keeping, planning, attention to detail and time management skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and to collaborate cross-functionally with other groups (regulatory affairs, CLIA, LIMS, lab operations QA, automation, research)
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
$138,100 $172,600 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, softw…