Full-Time

Automation Scientist

Updated on 4/19/2024

Natera

1,001-5,000 employees

Specializes in cell-free DNA testing for healthcare

Biotechnology

Senior

Austin, TX, USA

Requirements

BA/BS or MS in Biomedical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering
3 or more years of full-time experience in automation and systems development for the life science industry
Demonstrated track record of shipping complex automation projects in production
History of development and/or verification and validation for a molecular screening or diagnostic product a plus

Responsibilities

Design, develop, build, and test systems that integrate software, automation, and biology into a robust and scalable clinical genomics assay platform
Work closely with assay development scientists to build high-scale and robust workflows
Interface with internal software development teams to ensure the seamless integration of LIMS with automation software stack
Communicate with external vendors to design custom hardware solutions and integrate external software
Lay the foundation and architecture for fully-automated laboratory systems at Natera
Work with team members at the assay prototype stage to ensure that chemistry and laboratory hardware are optimally designed

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Automation Scientist within the Platform group will join a tight-knit and cross-functional team of scientists and engineers who are tasked with developing a scalable and robust platform upon which the next generation of Natera clinical assays will be based. They will contribute to the design and development of fully automated workcells, write custom software for the seamless and robust functioning of robotic systems, and work to integrate a variety of in-house and off-the-shelf software solutions.

We are looking for a candidate who is passionate about the application of robotics to biology, believes that laboratory automation is more than just the walk-up application of liquid handlers, and most of all is excited about being at the forefront of clinical testing and having their work used in the clinical care of millions of patients.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Design, develop, build, and test systems that integrate software, automation, and biology into a robust and scalable clinical genomics assay platform.
Work closely with assay development scientists to build high-scale and robust workflows.
Interface with internal software development teams to ensure the seamless integration of LIMS with automation software stack.
Communicate with external vendors to design custom hardware solutions and integrate external software.
Lay the foundation and architecture for fully-automated laboratory systems at Natera.
Work with team members at the assay prototype stage to ensure that chemistry and laboratory hardware are optimally designed.

QUALIFICATIONS:

BA/BS or MS in Biomedical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering (or similar field),
3 or more years of full-time experience in automation and systems development for the life science industry.
Demonstrated track record of shipping complex automation projects in production.
History of development and/or verification and validation for a molecular screening or diagnostic product a plus.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Ability to integrate a variety of instruments, such as liquid handlers, plate readers, and plate-handling robotics.
In-depth experience with automation scheduling software such as Cellario, Green Button Go, Genera, etc.
Experience working with LIMS systems integration.
Software development experience, or familiar with software development practices.
Comfortable working with a variety of internal teams, and managing relationships with external contractors.
Experience in programming and operating liquid handlers (Beckman, Tecan, Hamilton, etc). a plus.
Strong project management skills, organizational skills, and written and verbal communication skills.

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

Natera

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Website

View Company Profile

At Natera, employees contribute to a global leader in cell-free DNA testing, an essential field for advancements in oncology, women's health, and organ health. The company's strong commitment to validation through over 100 peer-reviewed publications highlights a dedication to data-driven results and continuous improvement, making it a place of rigorous scientific endeavor and innovation. Here, one can actively participate in shaping the future of personalized healthcare decisions, fostering a dynamic and impactful work environment.

Company Stage

IPO

Total Funding

$1.2B

Headquarters

Austin, Texas

Founded

2004

Growth & Insights

Headcount

6 month growth

↑ 8%

1 year growth

↑ 15%

2 year growth

↑ 23%

Benefits

Flexible medical plans

Investment options

Time off

Workplace perks