POSITION SUMMARY

Join Natera’s Oncology Research Use Only (RUO) team as a Supervisor for the Signatera Plasma Team. You will direct laboratory staff executing cell-free DNA (cfDNA) extraction, library preparation, and Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) workflows to advance our personalized Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) assays. Every sample represents a real person, and you will ensure that all lab processes operate with the pace and precision required to support our clinical pipeline.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Oversee the daily scheduling of employees executing DNA extractions, library preparation, Nucleic Acid Quality Control (QC), and NGS workflows
Conduct regular 1:1 meetings to deliver unvarnished, data-backed performance evaluations and guide career development
Take ownership of daily lab operations by directly executing sample processing alongside the team to maintain throughput
Serve as the primary technical point of contact, using data to guide team members on data interpretation, next steps, and troubleshooting
Execute process development and method/instrument testing to increase operational precision and scale
Use data to identify lab process deviations, root-cause the underlying issues, and document findings via nonconformance reports to drive corrective action
Draft, generate, and rigorously review Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and work instructions
Maintain precise records of lab work using Google Sheets, Microsoft Excel, and internal Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)
Ensure accurate, ethical, and appropriate management of samples in strict compliance with all applicable federal regulations
Think team by partnering directly with Oncology RUO peer groups to eliminate bottlenecks and optimize sample processing without needing translation layers
Present data-backed summaries on team activities, project milestones, and timeline adherence
Adapt to evolving science and operational needs, taking ownership of tasks that move the work forward without waiting for a finished playbook
Handle protected health information (PHI) in paper and electronic formats as required to perform duties
Complete required HIPAA/PHI privacy and security training within the first 30 days of hire and maintain current status on all training

QUALIFICATIONS

BS/BA in a biological science or equivalent
3 to 4 years of related laboratory experience
Prior team management experience is highly preferred
Must pass a post-offer criminal background check

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Direct hands-on experience with nucleic acid techniques, including isolation, purification, quantification, amplification, and hybridization capture
Extensive familiarity with rigorous pipetting practices using single- and multi-channel micropipettes and serological pipettes
Hands-on experience operating Laboratory Automation platforms (e.g., Hamilton, Tecan, Biomek, QIAsymphony)
Hands-on experience with library preparation and NGS platforms
Proficiency with LIMS and database software
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace applications
Experience leading a lab team, spanning scheduling, training, workload prioritization, and building an execution-focused culture, is a plus
Ability to think analytically, testing assumptions with data to troubleshoot and solve complex problems
Clear, direct oral and written communication skills to present data and identify operational improvements
Demonstrated interpersonal skills to build effective working relationships within the functional area
Manage competing priorities while operating with pace and precision in an evolving scientific environment

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Duties are typically performed in an office and laboratory setting on a daily basis
Requires the ability to perform repetitive motions during pipetting and sample processing
Requires the ability to use a computer keyboard and read printed material
Requires onsite work in San Carlos, CA, and flexibility to work shifted schedules (e.g., 7am–4pm, 11am–8pm, 7pm–3am) with a 30-minute break