Natera is seeking a Senior Bioinformatics Scientist to lead the architecture, development, and automation of high-throughput genomic pipelines. This role is responsible for building production-grade software tools to analyze next-generation sequencing (NGS) data including variant calling, fusion detection, and data quality control. The ideal candidate combines a deep understanding of sequence alignment algorithms with strong object-oriented programming skills to design scalable computational workflows in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Analyze complex genomic datasets leveraging scaled in-house pipelines, partnering cross-functionally with wet-lab scientists and statisticians to rapidly deliver data-driven answers to critical research goals.
- Architect, build, and deploy automated analysis pipelines for diagnostic tests, integrating robust capabilities for fusion detection, variant calling, and automated quality control metrics.
- Engineer novel genomic analysis tools and proactively identify optimization pathways to enhance pipeline accuracy and efficiency.
- Participate in code reviews, technical documentation, and the continuous improvement of core computational workflows.
- Coordinate directly with downstream infrastructure teams to ensure R&D tools scale efficiently into production systems.
Qualifications:
- Ph.D. or Master's degree with a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in Bioinformatics, Computer Science, Engineering, Biochemistry, or a related quantitative field.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Deep theoretical and practical understanding of high-throughput DNA sequence data analysis, including mapping, sequence alignment, and variant calling workflows.
- Advanced understanding of data structures, algorithm design, and computational complexity.
- Strong software engineering proficiency in Java or C++ within a professional production environment.
- Demonstrated scripting capability in Python or Perl for data manipulation, automation, and rapid prototyping.
- Deep expertise navigating Linux environments, utilizing command-line tools, and writing efficient shell scripts.
- Prior experience working with relational databases, particularly MySQL, is highly desirable.
- Demonstrated technical autonomy and rigorous data discipline when troubleshooting high-complexity algorithmic challenges.
- Excellent communication skills with a proven track record of explaining computational results clearly to cross-functional stakeholders.
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