Associate Director of Bioinformatics

Natera’s mission is to change the management of disease worldwide by using information gained from a simple blood draw to detect disease earlier and proactively inform treatment. We are seeking an Associate Director, Bioinformatics to lead strategic research and development efforts focused on early cancer detection.

This individual will drive the development of novel computational methods and machine learning models, oversee the analysis of large and complex genomic datasets, and partner cross-functionally to guide product development. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in bioinformatics, cancer biology, and statistical modeling, and will be capable of leading both scientific and technical contributors.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the design, development, and validation of novel algorithms and statistical frameworks for early cancer detection from high-throughput sequencing data

• Serve as the technical and strategic lead for projects, aligning with scientific, product, and engineering stakeholders

• Translate biological questions into robust analytical frameworks and guide the interpretation of complex genomic datasets

• Mentor and develop a team of scientists and bioinformaticians

• Collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, clinical, product, and regulatory teams

• Present findings internally and at high-impact external conferences and scientific forums

• Stay current with advances in computational biology, machine learning, and oncology to inform innovation

QUALIFICATIONS

• PhD in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Computer Science, Engineering, Statistics, Cancer Biology, or a related discipline

• Minimum 8 years of experience in bioinformatics, including experience in leadership or project ownership roles

• Demonstrated experience leading the development of impactful bioinformatics tools or products in oncology or molecular diagnostics

• Expertise in algorithm development, statistical modeling, and machine learning

• Deep understanding of cancer biology, genomics, and biomarker discovery

• Familiarity with public genomic databases (e.g., TCGA, COSMIC, OncoKB)

• Strong programming skills in Python; experience with R and/or other statistical tools is a plus

• Proficiency with Linux command-line tools, scripting, and use of cloud or HPC environments

• Experience working with relational databases and large-scale data management

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Strong leadership, mentoring, and project management skills

• Ability to synthesize and communicate complex results to both technical and non-technical audiences

• Strategic thinker who is self-motivated, detail-oriented, and execution-focused

• Proven ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment with evolving priorities

The pay range is listed and actual compensation packages are based on a wide array of factors unique to each candidate, including but not limited to skill set, years & depth of experience, certifications and specific office location. This may differ in other locations due to cost of labor considerations.Remote USA$153,800—$192,300 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