Research Associate I/II

Research Technician - Temporary position, 12 Months

The Research Associate 1 / 2 works to coordinate workflow activities in the execution of molecular and genetic-based tests and projects.

The successful candidate will be a capable hands-on laboratory researcher that is able to organize, track, communicate and efficiently generate sample flow mechanisms and high quality results.

Contribute significantly to collaborate oncology projects with the Signatera RUO Molecular Biology Research team. Perform research and / or logistical tasks in collaboration with others in order to plan, create, and execute Signatera RUO testing.

This is an on site position located in San Carlos, CA.

Primary Responsibilities :

• Contribute to custom research collaborations with academic and pharma partners, including review of sample shipments, experimental planning and execution
• Contribute to data analysis, preparation of reports and other deliverables.
• Coordinate across multiple internal groups (laboratory operations, histopathology, scientific operations). Participate in workflow processes involving FFPE tissue analysis and use of digital pathology
• Execute daily sample flow for Signatera RUO sample processing
• Learn and understand the science behind ongoing research projects while simultaneously completing increasingly complex tasks.
• Apply sound scientific principles to experimental execution.
• Communicate progress directly with manager, colleagues and senior management.
• This role will have occasional access to PHI both in paper and electronic form and have occasional access to various technologies to access PHI (paper and electronic) in order to perform the job.
• Employee must complete training relating to HIPAA / PHI privacy, General Policies and Procedure Compliance training and security training as soon as possible but not later than the first 30 days of hire.
• Must maintain a current status on Natera training requirements.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications :

Bachelor’s degree in biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, or related field with 0-2 years if relevant industry.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :

• Hands-on experience with nucleic acid techniques (DNA manipulation, PCR, qPCR, DNA quantification and analysis by LabChip and BioAnalyzer)
• Experience with Next Generation Sequencing techniques and protocols
• Experience with FFPE tissue handling and histopathology
• Target enrichment, cfDNA / RNA and NGS data analysis experience
• Very strong communication, organization, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proven success in collaborative and individual projects.
• Working knowledge of R or JMP is a plus; database (SQL) experience

Physical Demands and Work Environment :

• Duties are typically performed in a laboratory setting.
• This position requires the ability to perform repetitive motions during pipetting and samples processing.
• This position requires the ability to use a computer keyboard, communicate over the telephone and read printed material.
• Duties may require working outside normal working hours (evenings and weekends) at times.

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!