Clinical Laboratory Scientist II

Location: On-Site in Boulder, CO (Foresight Dx business unit, a Natera company)

About our Company:

Foresight Diagnostics is a molecular diagnostics company pioneering non-invasive cancer detection through highly sensitive, cell-free DNA-based liquid biopsy technologies. Our proprietary methods - originally developed at Stanford University - are designed to detect smaller tumors earlier and enable more personalized treatment strategies for patients with cancer. 

We sit at the intersection of molecular biology, bioinformatics, and next-generation sequencing (NGS), and we translate rigorous science into clinically meaningful solutions. Following our acquisition by Natera, we now combine the agility of a mission-driven startup with the scale and resources of a global leader in cell-free DNA testing. It’s an exciting moment to join us. 

Headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, our team operates in a high accountability, collaborative environment where quality and continuous improvement aren’t just values - they’re how we work every day.

About the Role

The Clinical Laboratory Scientist II will be responsible for performing a variety of laboratory procedures involved in end-to-end processing of biological samples to enable successful downstream next-generation sequencing (NGS). Processing will include accessioning and both manual and automated extraction, library preparation, hybrid capture, sequencing and QC steps. Under the guidance of the Director of Clinical Laboratory Operations and the Laboratory Director, you will work collaboratively within the clinical laboratory leveraging your technical knowledge, skills and abilities to ensure efficient and quality results are provided to our clients and patients while also informing/participating in process improvements. This position will report to the Lab Manager.

 

What You Will Bring

• Bachelor’s or Master's degree in chemical, physical, biological, or clinical laboratory science or medical technology from an accredited institution

  • Education received at a college or university located outside of the United States or United States Territories requires a credentials equivalency evaluation by an approved agency

• Hold a current and active American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) board certification

• Hold current and valid Clinical Laboratory Scientist licensure (Generalist or CGMBS)

• Demonstrate a working knowledge of the general biological principles that govern DNA biology

• Possess a strong foundational understanding of common molecular biology techniques, such as PCR/qPCR, DNA ligation, and DNA extraction

• Working level knowledge or ability to learn use of common molecular biology instruments; Agilent Tapestation/capillary electrophoresis, Qubit, plate readers, thermocyclers and other common laboratory instruments

• Previous experience handling human biological materials is required

• Working knowledge of how to safely operate in a BSL-2 environment is required

• Previous experience handling, processing, and extracting DNA from biological specimens is required

 

What You Will Do

Technical

• Perform routine and complex diagnostic laboratory testing on patient samples for clinical, biopharma, and academic partnerships.

• Provide technical guidance and oversight to non-licensed personnel for pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical activities.

• Interpret data and results of all analyses according to set procedures and guidelines.

• Support day to day operations by assisting with data entry, receiving samples and consumables, reagent preparation, sample preparation, temperature recording, laboratory maintenance and documentation.

• Identify and resolve problems that may adversely affect test performance or reporting of test results following the escalation path to clinical leadership as needed.

• Assist with research, translational research, regulated products through the execution of partnership studies and internal/external validation studies.

• Participate as a contributing member of the clinical laboratory by assisting in routine activities, to include but not limited to general upkeep and stocking, SOP author and review, and continuous improvement.

• Proposes assay and process improvements and conducts improvement activities under guidance.

• Demonstrate forward thinking and initiative in work planning and execution of work in order to achieve on-time report delivery.

• Participate in new or revised assay launches giving input on launch logistics as appropriate.

• Participate in work planning initiatives and scheduling.

Quality, Training & Equipment

• Maintaining documentation in compliance with Good Laboratory Practices and Quality Systems.

• Assist with quality control and quality assurance activities. Responsible for reviewing and analyzing the health of laboratory quality metrics in collaboration with clinical leadership.

• Complete initial training and maintain competencies as current and up to date for all trained assays.

• Wear appropriate PPE as required and comply with safety rules and regulations.

• Follow standard operating procedures (SOP).

• Participate in IQ/OQ/PQ for equipment to ensure ability to train team members on proper use and maintenance as appropriate.

• Escalate equipment issues that impact TAT or patient safety.

• Assist, perform, and review instrument correlation studies. Collaborate with operational leadership on equipment analysis for assay expansion or improvement.

• Perform instrument and procedural calibrations and maintenance.

• Advises and drives progress on troubleshooting equipment issues.

• Adhere to the laboratory's quality control policies including document control activities, change management, corrective preventative action.

• May act as trainer in place of designated trainer/training team.

Team

• Cultivate, build and maintain positive and collaborative relationships within teams and cross-functionally.

• Operate as a thought leader and hold cross-functional teams accountable to regulatory, quality, scientific and performance standards to ensure the highest quality for sample integrity.

• Seen as a role model for safety behavior standards and cultural tenets.

• Serves as a leader from the bench, demonstrating consistency in good lab practices.

 

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Staff in this role must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation. Certain physical activities may be required in order to perform the essential functions of this job. Examples of these requirements include but are not limited to the following:

 

 

Compensation & Total Rewards 

This range reflects a good-faith estimate of the base pay we reasonably expect to offer at the time of hire. Final compensation will vary based on experience, qualifications, and internal equity considerations.

This position is also eligible for additional compensation and benefits through Natera’s robust Total Rewards program, including:

• Annual performance incentive bonus
• Long-term equity awards
• Comprehensive health benefits (medical, dental, vision)
• 401(k) with company match
• Generous paid time off and company holidays
• Additional wellness and work-life benefits

Compensation Range

$47.19 - $58.99  

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