Staff Machine Learning and Bioinformatics Scientist (Multi-Cancer Early Detection)
Natera· Biotech· Oct 9, 2026 · 19d ago
San Carlos, CA
In office
Full-time
Staff
$180K–$250K est.
6+ years exp
Job description
Natera’s Research team is building tests that can detect many cancers from a single blood draw. We are looking for a Staff Machine Learning and Bioinformatics Scientist to help design the models at the heart of that effort. You’ll work with large-scale, multi-modal genomic datasets from clinical cohorts and partner closely with molecular biologists and clinical scientists. Your research will advance the state-of-the-art and you will drive new methods from prototype, through scalable implementation, toward clinical validation and, ultimately, to patients.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Lead the development of novel statistical and machine learning methods for cancer signal detection on multi-modal genomic data
Build interpretable, well-calibrated models, setting the standard for uncertainty estimation and reproducibility across the group
Prototype, test and productionize ML models using scalable infrastructure
Own key technical deliverables within larger projects and help shape the team’s research roadmap
Collaborate closely with molecular biologists and clinical experts on design and analysis of experiments and validation studies
Keep raising the bar through code and design reviews across projects
Translate complex results into clear stories for technical and non-technical audiences
Mentor junior scientists and champion a culture of curiosity, collaboration, and scientific excellence
QUALIFICATIONS:
PhD in Computer Science, Mathematics, Bioinformatics, or a related quantitative field with 6-12 years of experience post-PhD
Hands-on experience developing novel statistical / ML analysis methods applied to complex biological data
Proven track record of innovation and technical leadership in complex method development projects
Expertise in deep learning and multimodal foundation models
Proficient in Python and its scientific computing ecosystem
Scientific rigor throughout the R&D process, with eagerness to teach and learn new computational methods and biology
Excellent communication skills and a collaborative approach across teams
Preferred Experience:
Familiarity with DNA methylation and other epigenomic data
Experience with cell-free DNA and liquid biopsy samples
Background in cancer genomics and diagnostics
Hands-on work with multimodal foundation models applied to biological data
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 $169,800 — $212,300 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: natera.com
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
Application prep
Use the role’s language and application details while tailoring your materials.
Keywords to mirror
machine learningmlpython
- Platform
- greenhouse
- Effort
- quick
Benefits
Benefits detected in the listing.
Dental
Vision
401k
401(K)
Paid Time Off
Wellness