Principal Clinical Scientist
Natera
This listing was originally posted on Natera's careers page. Formulate is an equal opportunity job aggregator and is not involved in the hiring process. Where salary information is estimated, it is derived from BLS industry benchmarks and may differ from actual compensation.
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We are seeking a Principal Clinical Scientist to lead execution of key components of clinical development for our early cancer detection (ECD) program. This role is central to driving study design, clinical data review, and scientific insights across multiple studies.
You will serve as a clinical science lead within cross-functional teams – partnering with Clinical Operations, Biostatistics, Medical Affairs, and Regulatory to advance study execution and shape clinical strategy. This is a high-impact role for someone who can operate independently, manage complexity across studies, and influence decision-making at the study and program level.
Lead Clinical Development & Study Design
Lead substantial aspects of ECD clinical studies or multiple studies
Drive study design, including objectives, endpoints, eligibility criteria, and schedules of assessments
Author and review protocols, ICFs, CRFs, and study documents
Contribute meaningfully to clinical development strategy and study-level decision-making
Contribute to process improvements and development of best practices
Drive Data Review & Strategic Insight
Lead medical and clinical data review to ensure data quality and integrity
Analyze complex datasets to identify trends, risks, and opportunities
Translate data into actionable insights that inform study and program decisions
Partner with safety and medical teams on signal detection and escalation
Lead Cross-Functional Execution
Lead cross-functional study teams and coordinate execution across functions
Collaborate with Clinical Operations, Biostatistics, Medical Affairs, and Regulatory
Influence decisions and align stakeholders across competing priorities
Represent Clinical Science in internal and external forums (e.g., investigators, KOLs)
Drive Study Performance & Program Value
Oversee enrollment, site performance, and key study metrics across studies
Identify risks and proactively adjust study-level strategies
Prioritize activities across studies to ensure quality, timelines, and program impact
Contribute to forecasting, planning, and milestone delivery
Advance Scientific Communication
Lead development of abstracts, presentations, and manuscripts
Translate clinical and statistical results into clear scientific narratives
Support internal decision-making and external evidence generation
Required Qualifications
Advanced degree (PhD, PharmD, MD, or equivalent; MS/RN with experience considered)
8–12 years of experience in clinical research, clinical science, or related field
Strong experience leading clinical studies and contributing to study design
Experience with clinical data review and interpretation
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in oncology, diagnostics, or early cancer detection
Experience working across multiple studies or programs
Track record of scientific publications and conference presentations
Ability to lead complex clinical studies or multiple workstreams independently
Strong analytical skills with ability to synthesize complex data into decisions
Effective influencer across functions and senior stakeholders
Strong ownership mindset with ability to prioritize across competing demands
Excellent scientific communication skills
Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment
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!
For more information, visit www.natera.com.
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.
Link: https://www.natera.com/notice-of-data-collection-california-residents/
Please be advised that Natera will reach out to candidates with a @natera.com email domain ONLY. Email communications from all other domain names are not from Natera or its employees and are fraudulent. Natera does not request interviews via text messages and does not ask for personal information until a candidate has engaged with the company and has spoken to a recruiter and the hiring team. Natera takes cyber crimes seriously, and will collaborate with law enforcement authorities to prosecute any related cyber crimes.
For more information:
- BBB announcement on job scams
- FBI Cyber Crime resource page
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