Natera

48 Natera Research Associate Jobs Hiring Near You

Join Natera's R&D team as a Senior Research Associate specializing in Oncology Assay Development. You will design, execute, and optimize next-generation sequencing (NGS) and cell-free DNA (cfDNA ...

Senior Research Associate

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$87.30K - $109.10K/yr

Join Natera's R&D team as a Senior Research Associate specializing in Oncology Assay Development. You will design, execute, and optimize next-generation sequencing (NGS) and cell-free DNA (cfDNA ...

Join Natera's R&D team as a Senior Research Associate specializing in Oncology Assay Development. You will design, execute, and optimize next-generation sequencing (NGS) and cell-free DNA (cfDNA ...

Senior Scientist, R&D

Bodega Bay, CA · Hybrid

$138.10K - $172.60K/yr

Natera is seeking a skilled Senior Scientist to join our Molecular Biology Research Team. As a ... May manage junior scientists and research associates. * Document research progress under a Quality ...

Senior Scientist, R&D

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$138.10K - $172.60K/yr

Natera is seeking a skilled Senior Scientist to join our Molecular Biology Research Team. As a ... May manage junior scientists and research associates. * Document research progress under a Quality ...

Senior Scientist, R&D

San Carlos, CA · Hybrid

$118.90K - $151.50K/yr

Natera is seeking a skilled Senior Scientist to join our Molecular Biology Research Team. As a ... May manage junior scientists and research associates. * Document research progress under a Quality ...

Associate Scientist, R&D

Austin, TX · On-site

$84K - $105K/yr

Work with Clinical Laboratory and Quality Assurance to ensure that developed methods meet Natera ... Research) The pay range is listed and actual compensation packages are based on a wide array of ...

Work with Clinical Laboratory and Quality Assurance to ensure that developed methods meet Natera ... Research) The pay range is listed and actual compensation packages are based on a wide array of ...

OR · On-site

... for Natera's oncology portfolio, collaborating with cross-functional teams across research ... Associate/full Medical Director designation commensurate with experience. Knowledge, Skills, and ...

... advancing Natera's oncology product portfolio. The Associate scientist will be working with ... research. This position requires flexibility to work outside standard business hours, including ...

... for Natera's oncology portfolio, collaborating with cross-functional teams across research ... Associate/full Medical Director designation commensurate with experience. Knowledge, Skills, and ...

... research (preferred). * Associate or full Medical Director designation commensurate with experience. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: * Ability to rapidly learn Natera's molecular testing ...

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Natera Jobs Information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Research Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Research Associate, you need a strong background in research methodology, data analysis, and subject-specific knowledge, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with statistical software (such as SPSS, R, or Python), laboratory equipment, and research databases is often essential. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and clear written and verbal communication skills set outstanding Research Associates apart. These skills ensure accurate data collection, effective collaboration, and the production of reliable, impactful research outcomes.

What are some typical challenges a Research Associate might face when managing multiple research projects simultaneously?

As a Research Associate, juggling multiple projects often requires strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks effectively. You might encounter challenges such as balancing deadlines, coordinating with various team members, and adapting to shifting project goals or data requirements. Effective communication and proactive time management are essential to ensure each project progresses smoothly and meets its milestones. Many teams use project management tools and regular check-ins to help mitigate these challenges and support collaboration.

What are Research Associates?

Research Associates are professionals who support research projects in academic, scientific, or business settings. They assist with designing studies, collecting and analyzing data, and preparing reports or publications. Research Associates often work under the supervision of principal investigators or senior researchers, contributing their expertise to advance the goals of the project. Their responsibilities can vary depending on the field, but typically involve both administrative and hands-on research tasks.

What is the difference between Research Associate vs Research Scientist?

AspectResearch AssociateResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's degree in relevant fieldMaster's or PhD in relevant field
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research institutions, universitiesLaboratories, research institutions, industry settings
Employer & Industry UsageAcademic, government, non-profitAcademic, industry, biotech, pharma
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Research Associate and a Research Scientist lies in their educational requirements and level of experience. Research Associates typically hold a bachelor's or master's degree and assist in research projects, while Research Scientists usually have a PhD and lead research efforts. Both roles work in similar environments like labs and research institutions, but Research Scientists often have more independence and responsibility.

What is it like to work at Natera?

Natera is a company that prioritizes innovation and collaboration, fostering a culture of teamwork and open communication among its employees. The company's mission-driven approach is reflected in its work environment, where employees are encouraged to contribute to the development of non-invasive genetic testing technologies that improve patient care. Working at Natera may appeal to candidates who are passionate about advancing healthcare and are motivated by the opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects that have a direct impact on people's lives.

Do workers at Natera get paid breaks?

Yes. Most people get paid breaks.
74% of people say they get paid breaks.
Based on data from 27 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between February 2025 and March 2026.

Does Natera pay people when they’re sick?

Yes. Most people get paid when they’re sick.
73% of people say they would get paid if they were sick but scheduled to work.
Based on data from 33 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between February 2025 and March 2026.

At Natera, are sick days and vacation days separate paid time off?

Sick days and vacation days are separate paid time off.
89% of people say they don’t have to use vacation days when they’re out sick.
Based on data from 19 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and March 2026.

Is the health insurance from Natera affordable enough for their workers?

Most people say the health insurance costs are okay.
92% of people say the health insurance costs are okay
Based on data from 25 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2025 and March 2026.

Do people get paid time off at Natera?

Most people get paid time off work.
95% of people say they get paid time off.
Based on data from 22 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and March 2026.

Do workers at Natera worry about hours?

Most people don’t worry about getting enough hours.
90% of people report they don’t worry about getting enough hours.
Based on data from 20 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between February 2025 and September 2025.

Do Natera workers get to choose the shifts they work?

Some people don’t get to choose which shifts they work.
59% report that they don’t have enough control over which shifts they work.
Based on data from 17 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between February 2025 and September 2025.

How easy is it for Natera workers to change shifts?

Some people find it hard to change shifts.
36% of people report that it’s hard to change shifts if they need to.
Based on data from 11 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between February 2025 and August 2025.

How easy is it to get time off at Natera?

Most people find it easy to get time off.
70% of people report it’s easy to get time off.
Based on data from 30 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between February 2025 and March 2026.

Do Natera managers change schedules at the last minute?

Most managers don’t change people’s schedules at the last minute.
90% of people say their manager doesn’t change their shift schedule at the last minute.
Based on data from 20 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between February 2025 and September 2025.

Do workers at Natera do extra work that they don't get paid for?

Rarely. Most people don’t do unpaid extra work.
94% of people report that they don’t do extra unpaid work.
Based on data from 17 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between February 2025 and September 2025.

How easy is it to take sick days at Natera?

Most people find it easy to take sick days.
79% of people report that it’s easy to take time off if they are sick.
Based on data from 33 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between February 2025 and March 2026.

Do people at Natera feel treated with respect by their managers?

Most people feel treated with respect by their managers.
84% of people say they’re treated with respect by their managers.
Based on data from 31 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2025 and March 2026.

Do people at Natera get to take their breaks without interruption?

Most people get breaks without interruption.
90% of people report that they get to take their breaks without interruption.
Based on data from 29 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2025 and March 2026.

Is it stressful to work at Natera?

Most people feel stressed out here.
70% of people say they often feel stressed out at work.
Based on data from 33 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2025 and March 2026.

Do people at Natera enjoy their jobs?

Most people enjoy their job.
69% of people report they enjoy their job.
Based on data from 26 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2025 and March 2026.

Do people at Natera recommend working with their team?

Only some people recommend working with their team.
40% of people report that they wouldn’t recommend working with their immediate team to a friend.
Based on data from 30 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2025 and March 2026.

Do people get enough training when they start at Natera?

Most people got enough training when they started.
74% of people report they got enough training when they started working here.
Based on data from 34 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2025 and March 2026.

Do people get support to advance at Natera?

Most people are given support to advance their career here.
In the last year, 68% of people report being given support to advance their career here.
Based on data from 28 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2025 and March 2026.

Do people think Natera’s headquarters understands what’s happening where they work?

Most people think headquarters doesn’t understand what’s happening where they work.
70% of people think that this employer’s headquarters or owners don’t have a good understanding of what’s really happening where they work.
Based on data from 30 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2025 and March 2026.

Do workers feel well informed about how Natera is doing?

Most people feel well informed about how the company is doing.
71% of people feel that they are kept well informed about how the company is doing as a whole.
Based on data from 31 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2025 and March 2026.
What are the most popular categories at Natera?
Infographic showing various Research Associate job openings at Natera in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 97% Full Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 62% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 37% Remote job distribution.

Senior Research Associate

Natera

San Carlos, CA

$87.30K - $109.10K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


Natera rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

47th of 103 rated laboratories


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:

Join Natera's R&D team as a Senior Research Associate specializing in Oncology Assay Development. You will design, execute, and optimize next-generation sequencing (NGS) and cell-free DNA (cfDNA) workflows to build liquid biopsy tests that directly impact patient care. Every sample represents a real person, and your analytical rigor will ensure the highest standards for clinical implementation.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Design, plan, and execute experiments to support the development, optimization, and validation of oncology assays
  • Independently execute experimental workflows, including cfDNA extraction, library preparation, target enrichment, and sequencing
  • Develop and pressure-test new methods to improve the performance and precision of our clinical assays
  • Analyze and interpret experimental data using appropriate statistical and analytical tools
  • Maintain precise documentation in electronic laboratory notebooks, protocols, study plans, and technical reports
  • Think team by partnering directly with bioinformatics, biostatistics, automation engineering, software, and operations teams without translation layers
  • Communicate findings clearly through presentations and technical reports, ensuring unvarnished, data-backed updates
  • Support technology transfer to Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) regulated operations, driving protocol improvements, training, and troubleshooting
  • Troubleshoot assays by identifying root causes and implementing data-driven improvements
  • Manage multiple projects with pace and precision, prioritizing tasks based on data to meet established milestones
  • Handle protected health information (PHI) in paper and electronic formats as required to perform duties
  • Complete required HIPAA/PHI privacy and security training within the first 30 days of hire and maintain current status on all training

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • B.S. degree in molecular biology, a related field, or equivalent
  • Minimum of 3 to 4 years of industry experience in an assay development department

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

  • Direct hands-on experience with nucleic acid techniques, including DNA manipulation, PCR, qPCR, and DNA quantitation and analysis tools such as LabChip, BioAnalyzer, and Tapestation
  • Experience with Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) workflows, spanning library preparation, target enrichment, sequencing platforms, and associated quality control metrics
  • Experience running automation platforms, such as Hamilton, Bravo, BioMek, or KingFisher
  • Ability to interpret NGS data outputs, including Q30 scores, pass filter rates, coverage, on-target rates, and error rates
  • Ability to manage multiple experiments and priorities simultaneously while operating with operational rigor
  • Apply scientific literature and data to pressure-test assumptions and drive continuous improvement

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 skills considerations.

This position is also eligible for additional compensation and benefits through Natera's robust Total Rewards program, including:

  • 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
$87,300—$109,100 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


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