Lead Bioinformatics Scientist (Oncology)

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.