Research Associate​/Senior Research Associate

Austin, TX

As a Research Associate/Sr. Research Associate, you will play a pivotal role in a high-performance, cross-disciplinary team developing molecular and genetic diagnostic tests. This position provides an opportunity to work hands‑on in the lab, contributing to the design, execution, and analysis of experiments supporting product development, verification, and validation.

Shift: Monday - Friday daytime.

• Execute laboratory experiments using molecular biology and laboratory techniques to prepare samples for Next Generation Sequencing (NGS).
• For Levels I and II:
  Follow protocols to run experiments and assist in sample preparation under supervision.
• For Senior Level: Independently design and execute complex experiments, troubleshoot protocols, and lead project tasks.
• Analyze data, derive conclusions, and communicate findings with a multidisciplinary team of biologists, bioinformaticians, statisticians, and engineers.
• Maintain a detailed and organized lab notebook to record processes, results, and insights.
• Track samples via LIMS, perform database queries, and verify accuracy in sample processing and analysis.
• Perform standard laboratory procedures, escalating equipment or protocol issues to appropriate personnel when needed.
• For Senior Level: Write and refine standard operating procedures (SOPs) and other lab documentation.
• For Level I:
  Support lab maintenance tasks, manage inventory, and contribute to general organization.
• Adhere to laboratory safety guidelines and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP).

• Research Associate I: BS/BA in a biological science or equivalent; laboratory coursework or internship experience is a plus.
• Research Associate II: BS/BA in a biological science with a minimum of 2 years of molecular biology laboratory experience.
• Sr. Research Associate: BS/BA or MS in a biological science with at least 4 years of relevant experience or equivalent expertise.

• Hands‑on experience with molecular techniques, such as DNA isolation, PCR, qPCR, and DNA quantitation.
• Familiarity with PCR library preparation for NGS and sequencing platforms (e.g., Illumina Nova Seq).
• Proficiency in laboratory automation platforms and relevant robotics systems.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and tasks.
• For Senior Level: Effective project management skills to lead small teams or initiatives.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel and Word.
• For Levels II and III:
  Strong communication skills to interface with suppliers, document protocols, and present findings.

• Primary duties performed in a laboratory setting.
• May require repetitive motions, including pipetting and sample handling.
• May occasionally require extended hours, including weekends, to meet project deadlines.

$69,700 - $87,100 USD

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.

• Competitive benefits including comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life and disability plans for eligible employees and their dependents.
• Free testing for employees and their immediate families, plus fertility care benefits.
• Other benefits include pregnancy and baby bonding leave, 401(k) benefits, commuter benefits and more.
• Generous employee referral program.

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.