Research Associate/Senior Research Associate

Company: Natera
Location: Austin
Posted on: February 19, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description POSITION SUMMARY: 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. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: 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). QUALIFICATIONS: 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. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: 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 NovaSeq). 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. PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT: Primary duties performed in a laboratory setting. May require repetitive motions, including pipetting and sample handling. For All Levels: May occasionally require extended hours, including weekends, to meet project deadlines. 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. Austin, TX $69,700—$87,100 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

Keywords: Natera, Killeen , Research Associate/Senior Research Associate, Science, Research & Development , Austin, Texas