Lead Bioinformatician (cfDNA Algorithms and Pipelines)

Qualifications: Degree in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Human Genetics, or a related field. We do not require a Ph.D. or M.S.: equivalent depth built through work counts fully. 4+ years analyzing short-read sequencing data for screening or diagnostic applications, preferably in a regulated, accredited, or production-adjacent setting. We count relevant experience from the point your work became substantially independent, however you got there. Experience contributing to the bioinformatics workflows behind a sequencing assay or panel. Experience seeing a complex investigation through to resolution across biological, analytical, and systems-level causes. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: What we are screening for Experience developing, validating, or benchmarking bioinformatics methods (e.g. SNVs, CNVs, SVs), particularly for analytically difficult regions. Proficient in Python with demonstrated experience prototyping bioinformatics tools or callers. Enough human genetics depth to contribute to the panel design: variant spectrum, population frequency, and where compromises on accuracy can (and cannot) be made. Familiarity with identifying regions where short reads cannot be placed with confidence: homologous sequence and pseudogenes, low-complexity and repeat structure, and copy-number-heavy regions. Experience contributing to study designs or performance criteria for a bioinformatics analysis method. Strong candidates may also have Direct non-invasive prenatal, reproductive, or carrier screening experience. Experience with cfDNA, or with another application where the molecules you care about are a small minority of what was sequenced. Experience developing algorithms for both short-read and long-read sequencing platforms (e.g., Illumina, ONT, PacBio). Cross-functional credibility with genetic counseling, variant management, reporting, and production-adjacent groups. Experience in an accredited or high-complexity laboratory, or familiarity with production support or escalation processes. 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 $144,000 — $180,000 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