Bioinformatics Programmer Analyst Jobs in California

Natera is seeking a Senior Bioinformatics Scientist to join our Bioinformatics team dedicated to early cancer detection. As a core member of the Research and Development department, you will play a pivotal role in designing and implementing innovative computational solutions. The ideal candidate possesses a robust background in algorithm development, high-throughput biological data analysis, and scalable pipeline architecture. We are looking for a versatile professional capable of thriving as an individual contributor, a collaborative co-developer, and a key participant in large-scale, cross-departmental initiatives. In this role, you will develop novel algorithms and pipelines while analyzing complex genomic datasets to advance the frontiers of early-stage cancer diagnostics.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Innovate, design, develop, and validate advanced algorithms and statistical models to extract actionable insights from large-scale genomic datasets for early cancer detection.
• Co-architect, implement, and deploy automated analysis workflows for clinical diagnostics, ensuring robust performance for variant calling, fusion detection, and automated quality control.
• Contribute to rigorous code reviews, maintain comprehensive technical documentation, and drive the continuous optimization of core computational infrastructure.
• Analyze complex multi-omic data using high-performance internal pipelines, collaborating closely with wet-lab scientists and statisticians to meet critical research milestones.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• PhD in Bioinformatics, Computer Science, Engineering, Statistics, Cancer Biology or similar field
• 0-3 years of professional or postgraduate experience in bioinformatics or computational biology.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Excellent communication skills with a demonstrated ability to present complex computational findings to diverse cross-functional stakeholders.
• Deep expertise in high-throughput DNA sequencing (NGS) analysis, including sequence alignment, mapping, and clinical-grade variant calling.
• A proven track record of developing state-of-the-art, high-impact bioinformatics methodologies.
• Advanced knowledge of data structures, algorithm design, and computational complexity analysis.
• High proficiency in Python and its scientific ecosystem (NumPy, Pandas, Scikit-learn) for data manipulation and automation.
• Experience with workflow orchestration languages (WDL preferred) for building and versioning scalable bioinformatics pipelines.
• Experience with cloud-based distributed computing environments, specifically AWS.
• Familiarity with contemporary analytical techniques and biomarkers in cancer biology.
• Working knowledge of public genomic databases such as TCGA, COSMIC, or OncoKB.
• Proficiency in Linux environments, including command-line tools and shell scripting.

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
$130,700-$163,400 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, 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