Associate Scientist, R&D

POSITION SUMMARY: 

The Associate Scientist within the Molecular Biology product development team will join a cross-functional team of scientists who are tasked with developing and advancing Natera’s oncology product portfolio.

The Associate scientist will be working with internal cross functional teams and investigating the feasibility of applying a variety of scientific principles and concepts to oncology diagnostics and monitoring space. The ideal candidate is a driven professional who maintains broad knowledge of state-of-the-art principles and theories with an in-depth understanding of applicability to oncology research. This position requires flexibility to work outside standard business hours, including some evenings and weekends, to address urgent issues, support high-priority projects, and maintain uninterrupted lab operations.

We are looking for a meticulous and dedicated scientist with experience in both assay development and high throughput automation that 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
• Participate in post-launch surveillance by troubleshooting production issues, performing root cause analysis on automation, reagent, peripheral equipment and assay failures
• Independently design and execute moderate to high complexity experiments
• Collaborate with assay development scientists on the specifications of assay, reagent, equipment and quality metrics for existing and future production assays
• Work with Clinical Laboratory and Quality Assurance to ensure that developed methods meet Natera’s rigorous quality standards
• Coordinate across 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 documentation and SOPs, and train lab operations operators on protocols
• Oversee validation 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

QUALIFICATIONS:

• BA/BS with 6 years experience or MS with 3 years experience in assay development and automation for the genomics
• Demonstrated track record of development and validation of automated protocols for CLIA

KNOWLEDGE, 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
• Data analysis (JMP) required, coding skills (Python or R) are a plus
• Strong individual contributor as well as dedicated team player
• Experience designing and executing studies including stability, guard banding, reproducibility and repeatability, and validation
• Experience working in a regulated laboratory environment under CLIA/CAP, NYSDOH, IVD is a plus
• Excellent communication, organizational, record-keeping, planning, attention to detail and time management skills
• Ability to collaborate cross-functionally with other groups (CLIA, lab operations QA, Automation, Research)