Staff Scientist, R&D (Women's Health)
Natera · San Carlos, CA · Posted Jul 8, 2026
Apply on company site Track it in JobSkout
We are looking for an inquisitive and creative Staff Scientist to initiate, direct, and execute pre-product scientific research with an emphasis in Women’s Health. This Staff Scientist will investigate the feasibility of applying a wide variety of scientific principles and concepts to potential inventions, products and problem solving. The ideal candidate will have broad knowledge of state-of-the-art molecular biology principles, with hands-on experience in next-generation DNA/RNA sequencing, nucleic acid technologies, multiomics, molecular diagnostics development, and/or proteomics.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Contributes substantially and intellectually to research and development
Independently leads projects to create and develop novel nucleic acid based diagnostic tests; including planning, feasibility testing, protocol development, and optimization
Responsible for executing projects as per associated timelines and deliverables
Thoroughly comprehends the objectives and vision of the work
Develops plans, generates and advances new ideas
Performs basic data analysis, including statistics
Independently designs and executes moderate to high complexity experiments
Coordinates the execution and analysis of effective experiments with statistics and bioinformatics teams
Ability to work cross-functionally with statistics, bioinformatics, product development, and project management teams
Documents research progress under a Quality Management System
May manage Research Associates
May work with partners and outside collaborators
Communicates progress directly with colleagues and senior management
QUALIFICATIONS:
Ph.D. in molecular biology or closely related field
Minimum of 8 years of industry experience or 2 years of post-doctoral research + 6 years of industry experience
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Must have experience with designing, executing, and analyzing data on next generation sequencing (NGS) and DNA/RNA molecular biology experiments
Experience developing tests in NIPT and/or liquid biopsy highly desirable
Experience with nucleic acid technologies relating to PCR, multiplex PCR, qPCR, and digital droplet PCR.
Multiomics, epigenetic/methylation, target enrichment, cfDNA/RNA experience is a plus.
Experience in women’s health molecular diagnostics is highly desirable.
Track record of originating, developing and productizing novel nucleic acid techniques and tests.
Strong research skills with a history of innovation.
Proven success in managing collaborative and individual projects and communicating externally.
Must have excellent communication, organizational, record-keeping, planning, time management, analytical and problem-solving skills.
Demonstrated experience in managing and providing basic level of leadership to research associates and junior scientists.
Demonstrated success in applying independent scientific judgment in experimental design and analysis.
Adept with Excel and basic statistical analysis.
Bioinformatic capabilities, programming (e.g. PERL, python) and databases experience (SQL) are a plus.
Skilled at writing clear plans, reports and SOPs.
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
$157,300 $196,600 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, 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, comm…