[Hiring] Associate Director, Clinical Science @Natera

Role Description

Join Natera as the Associate Director, Clinical Scientist in Oncology. You will execute clinical development strategies for our early cancer detection and cell-free DNA (cfDNA) In Vitro Diagnostic (IVD) portfolio, driving the design and execution of rigorous clinical studies that directly impact patient care. Every sample represents a real person, and you will take ownership of study activities, clinical strategy, and the timely delivery of high-quality data.

• Develop rigorous study concepts, including study design, schedule of assessments, objectives/endpoints, and eligibility criteria.
• Integrate stakeholder feedback and direct protocol authoring; use data to respond to health authority feedback.
• Support regulatory interactions and author clinical sections for regulatory correspondence and submissions, including briefing documents, presentations, and Investigational Device Exemption (IDE), IND, and NDA filings.
• Provide protocol training and contribute directly to Case Report Form (CRF) design.
• Ensure study manuals align with the protocol and engage investigators directly in study design methodology to ensure alignment with research objectives.
• Actively participate in pre-site selection discussions, site initiation visits, and investigator meetings to drive successful study execution.
• Contribute to and oversee real-time clinical data reviews, including the rigorous oversight of Contract Research Organizations (CROs) when applicable.
• Participate in the review and management of safety reports and submissions, treating quality as foundational.
• Support project teams with the conduct of clinical studies, including trials registration, results reporting, and the monitoring of emerging clinical and safety data trends.
• Consult on data management deliverables, clinical monitoring activities, interim analyses planning, and Data Safety Monitoring Board or Steering Committee meetings.
• Serve as a clinical science representative in internal and external meetings, pushing for clarity and action.
• Deliver unvarnished, data-backed updates on clinical timelines to senior management, pushing for clarity and outcome-driven decisions to meet program milestones.
• Support advisory boards and deliver direct, scientific presentations.
• Drive clinical research plans, spanning company and investigator-initiated studies.
• Think team by partnering directly with senior leaders across functions to optimize clinical development and drive strategic execution without needing translation layers.
• Build data-driven, strategic relationships with Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), consortiums, and clinical sites.
• Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and analyze complex data.
• Ensure strict compliance with HIPAA/PHI regulations and maintain all training requirements.
• Adapt to evolving clinical needs, taking ownership of tasks that move the work forward without waiting for a finished playbook.

Qualifications

• Ph.D., RN, MS, or B.S. in a scientific field; advanced degree preferred (MS, PharmD, MD, or PhD).
• 8–10+ years of clinical research experience, including 3–5+ years in a management role.
• Experience in oncology and early cancer detection is highly preferred.
• Experience with project management, clinical research execution, and rigorous scientific writing.
• Experience with In Vitro Diagnostics (IVD) is a plus.
• Deep knowledge of regulatory standards and Good Clinical Practices (GCP) is required.

Requirements

• Think analytically, testing assumptions with data to troubleshoot and solve complex problems.
• Clear, direct oral and written communication skills with rigorous attention to detail.
• Think team by pulling cross-functional partners into the work, operating seamlessly across boundaries to advance clinical objectives.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office suites.
• Operate with pace and precision as the science, product surface, and business continue to evolve.
• Execution-focused leadership and a rigorous work ethic.
• Apply business knowledge, exercise data-driven judgment, and escalate issues without hesitation.
• Rigorous project management, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Apply an ownership mindset, using data to push for action, close gaps, and deliver clinical outcomes.
• Demonstrate strategic and flexible thinking to untangle ambiguous problems and deliver actionable solutions.

Benefits

• Competitive Benefits - Employee benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life and disability plans for eligible employees and their dependents.
• 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.
• Generous employee referral program.

Company Description

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.