POSITION SUMMARY:
The Product Development Research Associate will contribute to the design of studies and actively participate in laboratory experiments execution and/or logistical tasks in collaboration with others to support product development and verification and validation (V&V) studies under design control, for next generation sequencing (NGS) assays. We are looking for a meticulous and dedicated candidate with hands-on laboratory experience in assay development who can work effectively in a fast-paced environment to ensure the highest quality clinical assays are developed and launched for our patients.
The ideal candidate will be an enthusiastic, flexible team member who learns quickly, enjoys multi-tasking and most importantly, has an interest in our company and our products.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Assist with the designing, planning and, executing of development and V&V laboratory experiments using various molecular biology and general laboratory techniques to prepare samples for Next Generation Sequencing
- Perform library preparation for NextGen sequencing using automated and manual methods
- Determine quantity and/or quality of nucleic acids using Quant-IT, Qubit, BioAnalyzer, and qPCR
- Coordinate across multiple internal groups (laboratory operations, scientific operations, CLIA)
- Participate in the planning of logistical workflow processes and suggest process improvements to subject matter experts as needed
- Perform basic data analysis (JMP) and maintain a detailed and organized laboratory notebook and accurate records of lab work using a variety of software including Google Sheets, Microsoft Excel, and internal databases
- Periodically review standard operating procedures (SOP) and other work instructions
- Receive and process laboratory specimens following standard methods and procedures with meticulous attention to detail.
- Track samples using LIMS, database queries, and advanced Excel techniques; verify the accuracy of specimens being processed and analyzed
- Adapt to handle multiple tasks and priorities and perform other duties as assigned
- Learn the science behind ongoing research projects while actively completing increasingly complex tasks
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, cell biology, or related field with 4+ years of relevant industry experience
- Minimum of 1-2 year of Molecular Biology laboratory experience and or relevant industry experience in a research and/or assay development setting
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- Must have hands-on experience with good pipetting practices (single and multi-channel micropipettes, serological pipettes)
- Hands-on experience with nucleic acid techniques (purification, quantification, amplification using PCR, qPCR, Quant-IT/Qubit, BioAnalyzer or TapeStation)
- Hands-on experience with NGS library preparation and Illumina sequencing platforms highly preferred (NovaSeq, NextSeq, iSeq, etc.) is highly desired
- DNA extraction from biological samples.
- Able to operate independently in a fast-paced lab under general supervision, managing multiple tasks and priorities with minimal errors.
- Effective communication skills, including gathering information from different teams, communicating with suppliers, writing protocols, and summarizing results in reports or presentations
- Excellent with Microsoft Office programs and Google Drive including Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Forms
- Ability to think creatively and analytically with strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
- Team player with demonstrated strong interpersonal skills with an ability to build effective working relationships within functional area
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
