[All remote jobs](https://jobicy.com/jobs.md)[![Natera logo](https://jobicy.com/data/server-nyc0409/galaxy/mercury/2025/06/1c3a8032-221.png)](https://jobicy.com/company/natera.md)[Natera](https://jobicy.com/company/natera.md)

# Lead Bioinformatics Scientist (Oncology)

Review the role, location requirements, compensation details, and application process before deciding whether this opportunity fits your next career move.

[Apply for this job](#job-application)[View company](https://jobicy.com/company/natera.md)ShareRemote from[USA](https://jobicy.com/job-region/usa.md)SalaryUSD 130,900–163,600 / yrDepartment[Data Science & Analytics](https://jobicy.com/categories/data-science.md)EmploymentFull TimeExperienceSeniorPublished2 Nov 2026Apply before2 Dec 2026Listing views45Application actions2Application toolkit

## Make your next move.

Prepare your resume, explore your fit, and draft a cover letter for this opportunity.

AI Summary

## The role, at a glance.

Natera is seeking a senior bioinformatics scientist to lead analytical validation and clinical application of oncology NGS assays. The role combines assay-performance studies, real-world evidence, somatic variant analysis, and development of production-oriented bioinformatics tools. The scientist will collaborate closely with wet-lab, biostatistics, engineering, clinical, regulatory, commercial, and laboratory-operations teams. Candidates need deep experience with tissue and cfDNA sequencing, variant calling, Python/R/shell programming, and regulated clinical assay development. This is a high-impact individual-contributor leadership role in a fast-paced diagnostics environment.

## Role DNA

A quick view of the complexity, pace, ownership and collaboration implied by the job description.

### Job Complexity

5/5EasyHard

### Pace & Pressure

5/5RelaxedFast-paced

### Autonomy Level

5/5GuidedFull ownership

### Communication Load

5/5IndependentCollaborative

AI insightThis position requires advanced oncology genomics expertise, extensive post-graduate experience, and ownership of validation strategy for clinical-grade NGS assays. It also demands independent technical judgment across complex scientific, regulatory, and cross-functional workstreams.

## Salary analysis

Estimated compensation compared with the broader US market for similar roles.

Estimated job median (per year)Market rate$147,250US market range (per year)$145k–$190k0$209.00k

AI insightThe yearly pay period is inferred from the job context; it was not explicitly stated by the employer. The employer discloses a USD 130,900–163,600 pay range but does not state a cadence. Based on the US-based senior full-time scientific role and compensation magnitude, the period is inferred as annual. The midpoint is USD 147,250 per year; the estimated US market range for a lead oncology bioinformatics scientist is USD 145,000–190,000 per year.

## Core skills

Skills and capabilities most closely associated with this opportunity.

[Next-generation sequencing](https://jobicy.com/jobs?search_keywords=Next-generation%20sequencing.md)[Oncology bioinformatics](https://jobicy.com/jobs?search_keywords=Oncology%20bioinformatics.md)[Somatic variant calling](https://jobicy.com/jobs?search_keywords=Somatic%20variant%20calling.md)[cfDNA analysis](https://jobicy.com/jobs?search_keywords=cfDNA%20analysis.md)[Whole-exome sequencing](https://jobicy.com/jobs?search_keywords=Whole-exome%20sequencing.md)[Whole-genome sequencing](https://jobicy.com/jobs?search_keywords=Whole-genome%20sequencing.md)[Targeted sequencing](https://jobicy.com/jobs?search_keywords=Targeted%20sequencing.md)[Analytical validation](https://jobicy.com/jobs?search_keywords=Analytical%20validation.md)[Assay performance evaluation](https://jobicy.com/jobs?search_keywords=Assay%20performance%20evaluation.md)[Python](https://jobicy.com/jobs?search_keywords=Python.md)[R programming](https://jobicy.com/jobs?search_keywords=R%20programming.md)[Shell scripting](https://jobicy.com/jobs?search_keywords=Shell%20scripting.md)[Clinical genomics](https://jobicy.com/jobs?search_keywords=Clinical%20genomics.md)[Real-world evidence](https://jobicy.com/jobs?search_keywords=Real-world%20evidence.md)[Data visualization](https://jobicy.com/jobs?search_keywords=Data%20visualization.md)

Sample interview questionsHow would you design an analytical validation study for a new oncology NGS assay?I would first define intended use, reportable variant classes, and acceptance criteria. I would work with wet-lab and biostatistics partners to select representative samples, establish truth comparators, and evaluate accuracy, precision, limit of detection, specificity, and reproducibility. I would document the analysis plan, investigate failures systematically, and produce traceable evidence suitable for clinical and regulatory review.

How do you approach somatic variant calling in cfDNA compared with tissue sequencing?

cfDNA requires particular attention to low allele fractions, sequencing error suppression, molecular barcodes when available, and robust background-noise modeling. I assess assay-specific limits of detection and use appropriate filters for artifacts while preserving sensitivity for clinically meaningful low-frequency variants. I also interpret findings alongside coverage, sample quality, tumor fraction, and orthogonal or clinical evidence.

Describe how you would troubleshoot poor assay performance in an NGS validation study.

I would stratify performance by sample characteristics, batch, library preparation, sequencing metrics, genomic context, and variant class to identify patterns. I would connect bioinformatics signals such as coverage loss, duplicate rate, and error profiles with wet-lab workflow data. After forming and testing hypotheses, I would implement a measurable corrective action and confirm improvement through targeted follow-up experiments.

How do you make complex genomic analysis results actionable for non-bioinformatics stakeholders?

I tailor the level of detail to the audience and begin with the decision, risk, or recommendation rather than raw technical output. I use concise visualizations, clearly state assumptions and limitations, and explain the clinical or operational implication of the result. For technical reviewers, I provide reproducible methods and supporting metrics so conclusions can be independently assessed.

What practices do you use to build reliable bioinformatics pipelines for clinical applications?

I use version-controlled code, modular workflows, automated testing, defined reference datasets, and comprehensive logging. I establish performance monitoring and validation criteria for every material pipeline change, with documentation that supports traceability and review. I also partner early with laboratory, quality, and regulatory teams to ensure the implementation meets operational and clinical requirements.

Opportunity details

## About this role.

Natera is seeking a Lead Bioinformatics Scientist to join our Oncology Bioinformatics team and support the development, validation, and clinical application of our NGS-based assays. The ideal candidate has a strong background in data analysis for wet lab support and extensive experience with NGS data, with a focus on building solutions for oncology applications. In this role, you will shape the analytical validation strategy for an NGS assay, design and analyze feasibility and performance evaluation studies, and generate real-world evidence demonstrating its clinical utility. You will work with interdisciplinary teams to turn complex, multi-source data into actionable recommendations, supporting research, product development, validation, regulatory submissions, clinical studies, and scientific publications.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

* Lead the analytical validation strategy for an NGS-based assay, including designing, analyzing, and troubleshooting feasibility and performance evaluation studies (e.g., PPA and LoD) with bench scientists and biostatisticians.
* Drive real-world evidence (RWE) studies that demonstrate the clinical utility of for therapy selection and patient management, from cohort selection through analysis of plasma mutation calls.
* Build rapid prototypes and pipelines for custom analyses that integrate data from multiple Natera products.
* Develop algorithms and tools to support new products, including contributions to the production bioinformatics pipeline.
* Act as an internal technical consultant on bioinformatics methodology for other functional groups.
* Work closely with assay development, engineering, biostatistics, clinical, commercial, regulatory, and lab operations teams.
* Contribute to regulatory submissions, clinical study reports, and scientific publications.

QUALIFICATIONS

* Master’s degree in bioinformatics (or a related field) with 10 years of post-graduate experience, or PhD with 5 years of post-graduate experience (preferred).

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

* Expert knowledge of bioinformatics tools for NGS, including sequencing QC and secondary analysis such as variant calling.
* Experience with WES/WGS/targeted sequencing of tissue and cfDNA, and with somatic variant calling (SNVs, indels, CNVs, fusions) on these data.
* Working knowledge of statistical methods for assay performance evaluation, and ability to collaborate with biostatisticians on study design.
* Strong programming and scripting skills in Python, R, and shell.
* Fluency in exploratory data analysis and visualization of complex datasets, with the ability to distill observations into actionable recommendations.
* Deep understanding of NGS workflows from sample extraction to sequencing, and the ability to link bioinformatic findings to wet lab root causes.
* Ability to communicate effectively with wet lab groups and cross-functional partners, and to explain technical concepts clearly.
* Ability to work independently while managing multiple objectives and timelines.
* Comfort adapting quickly when experimental results change the plan, and a desire to work in a fast-paced environment with high impact in a small team.

PREFERRED:

* Experience supporting regulated or clinical-grade assay development (e.g., CLIA/CAP, FDA submissions), including analytical validation studies.
* Familiarity with clinical genomics, including oncogenic drivers, actionable biomarkers, targeted therapies, and variant interpretation in oncology.
* Experience with translational or real-world data analysis, including integrating clinical and genomic data.

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

$130,900—$163,600 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](http://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/](https://www.natera.com/notice-of-data-collection-california-residents)

Please be advised that Natera will reach out to candidates with a @[natera.com](http://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](https://www.bbb.org/article/tips/12261-bbb-tip-employment-scams)
– [FBI Cyber Crime resource page](https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/cyber)

Show more

[Apply now >](https://jobicy.com/jobs/158496-lead-bioinformatics-scientist-oncology.md)

*

![Upload CV](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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)

### Upload your resume now

To unlock remote work opportunities and be discovered by global employers.

This job listing has been manually reviewed by the Jobicy Trust & Safety Team for compliance with our posting guidelines, including verification of the company's legitimacy, accuracy of job details, clarity of remote work policy, and absence of misleading or fraudulent content.

Next step

## Apply now.

Follow the employer’s application method and review Jobicy’s safety guidance before sharing personal information.

Keep exploring

## Related remote jobs.

*
![Natera logo](https://jobicy.com/data/server-nyc0409/galaxy/mercury/2025/06/1c3a8032-221.png)
Natera Nov 2  New

### [Manager of Statistical Programming](https://jobicy.com/jobs/158515-manager-of-statistical-programming.md)

This is an exciting opportunity to participate in advancing Natera’s oncology product portfolio of cutting-edge diagnostic tests. As Manager of Statistical Programming, you will leverage your strong R programming skills…

*
![Natera logo](https://jobicy.com/data/server-nyc0409/galaxy/mercury/2025/06/1c3a8032-221.png)
Natera Nov 2  New

### [Manager of Data Engineering & Delivery (Data Science Production Engineering)](https://jobicy.com/jobs/158512-manager-of-data-engineering-delivery-data-science-production-engineering.md)

This is an exciting opportunity to lead a Data Engineering & Delivery (DED) team at Natera, a global leader in precision medicine and genomics testing. As a Manager of the…

*
![Natera logo](https://jobicy.com/data/server-nyc0409/galaxy/mercury/2025/06/1c3a8032-221.png)
Natera Nov 2  New

### [Manager of Bioinformatics (Oncology Product Development)](https://jobicy.com/jobs/158508-manager-of-bioinformatics-oncology-product-development.md)

Natera is currently seeking a Bioinformatics Manager to join the Bioinformatics team focused on Oncology Product Development. In this role, the individual will manage a team of Bioinformaticians and Data…

*
![Natera logo](https://jobicy.com/data/server-nyc0409/galaxy/mercury/2025/06/1c3a8032-221.png)
Natera Nov 2  New

### [Machine Learning Scientist, Multimodal AI](https://jobicy.com/jobs/158504-machine-learning-scientist-multimodal-ai.md)

POSITION SUMMARY: Natera is hiring a Machine Learning Scientist to join our AI and computational biology team. This role develops and deploys deep learning models across digital pathology, genomics, transcriptomics,…

*
![Doximity logo](https://jobicy.com/data/server-nyc0409/galaxy/mercury/2025/06/e71c16d6-221.jpg)
Doximity Nov 2  New

### [Data Scientist](https://jobicy.com/jobs/158472-data-scientist-3.md)

This role can be filled in our San Francisco headquarters OR remotely in the U.S. Doximity is the leading clinical AI company with the largest network of U.S. clinicians. Doximity’s…

*
![Binance logo](https://jobicy.com/data/server-nyc0409/galaxy/mercury/2025/06/bc822f38-221.jpg)
Binance Nov 2  New

### [Data Analyst (12 months contract)](https://jobicy.com/jobs/158437-data-analyst-12-months-contract.md)

Binance is a leading global blockchain ecosystem behind the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume and registered users. We are trusted by 300+ million people in 100+ countries for…

*
![Peerspace logo](https://jobicy.com/data/server-nyc0409/galaxy/mercury/2021/11/423c8cd867be08cf39987fcd193debe6.png)
Peerspace Nov 2  New

### [Senior Data Scientist](https://jobicy.com/jobs/154421-senior-data-scientist-6.md)

SENIOR DATA SCIENTIST ———————— Peerspace is the leading and category defining online marketplace for venue rentals for meetings, productions, and events. We open doors to the most inspiring spaces around…

*
![Gopuff logo](https://jobicy.com/data/server-nyc0409/galaxy/mercury/2021/05/Jobicy-210510095548-598926.jpg)
Gopuff Nov 2  New

### [Principal Data Scientist – Consumer](https://jobicy.com/jobs/154383-principal-data-scientist-consumer.md)

Gopuff delivers everyday essentials in minutes from our own network of micro-fulfillment centers. Every session, a customer sees a small, fast-changing assortment that depends on where they are, what’s in…

*
![Spotify logo](https://jobicy.com/data/server-nyc0409/galaxy/mercury/2021/03/Jobicy-210328105941-289246.jpg)
Spotify Nov 2  New

### [CoLM 2026 — Intern](https://jobicy.com/jobs/154386-colm-2026-intern.md)

PLEASE READ BEFORE APPLYING This posting is intended specifically for candidates who are participating in CoLM and is not a general application for open roles at Spotify. When applying, you’ll…

*
![Airtm logo](https://jobicy.com/data/server-nyc0409/galaxy/mercury/2025/06/1994f28e-221.png)
Airtm Nov 2  New

### [AI Data Scientist](https://jobicy.com/jobs/154413-ai-data-scientist.md)

About us: Airtm is a financial-infrastructure company building the future of the online-work economy. We are on a mission to empower the world’s growing number of Digital Entrepreneurs in the…

[Browse all jobs](https://jobicy.com/jobs.md)