Research Associate 1 at Natera

<p><strong>POSITION DURATION:&nbsp;</strong></p> <p>Six-month contract role with potential to extend or convert to FTE based on performance and business needs</p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>POSITION SUMMARY:&nbsp;</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled <strong>Research Associate</strong> I to join our dynamic team in the sample management. In this role, you will be responsible for the management of biological samples, ensuring their integrity, overseeing quality control, and supporting research projects that rely on biological specimens. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in bio sample management, research methodologies, and data analysis, with an interest in contributing to cutting-edge scientific research.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:&nbsp;</strong></span></p> <ul> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Sample Collection and Processing</strong>:</span> <ul> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"><span style="color: #000000;">Oversee the collection, preparation, and processing of biological samples (e.g., blood, tissue, saliva, DNA) in accordance with established protocols and best practices</span></li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"><span style="color: #000000;">Maintain proper documentation and labeling of samples, ensuring traceability from collection to storage</span></li> </ul> </li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Sample Storage and Management</strong>:</span> <ul> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"><span style="color: #000000;">Ensure proper storage conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity) for various types of biological samples, including cryopreservation and ambient storage</span></li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"><span style="color: #000000;">Implement inventory management procedures to track and organize samples, utilizing database systems and laboratory management software (e.g., FreezerPro, LabArchives)</span></li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"><span style="color: #000000;">Ensure the samples are appropriately cataloged and accessible to researchers in a timely manner</span></li> </ul> </li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Database Management and Data Analysis</strong>:</span> <ul> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"><span style="color: #000000;">Manage and update the sample database, ensuring accuracy and compliance with sample tracking and research needs</span></li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"><span style="color: #000000;">Assist in data analysis and reporting, including the creation of sample inventory reports and performance metrics</span></li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"><span style="color: #000000;">Collaborate with the research team to retrieve and prepare data for research publications or grant proposals</span></li> </ul> </li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Regulatory Compliance and Quality Control</strong>:</span> <ul> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"><span style="color: #000000;">Monitor and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, including HIPAA, IRB guidelines, and biorepository-specific SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures)</span></li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"><span style="color: #000000;">Implement quality control procedures to ensure sample integrity and that all processes meet accreditation standards (e.g., CAP, ISO, CLIA)</span></li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"><span style="color: #000000;">Assist in preparing for audits and inspections, ensuring documentation and records are up to date</span></li> </ul> </li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Collaboration with Researchers</strong>:</span> <ul> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"><span style="color: #000000;">Work closely with internal and external research teams to understand sample requirements, providing expert guidance on sample availability, quality, and suitable use</span></li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"><span style="color: #000000;">Support researchers by preparing and distributing biological samples for experiments and studies</span></li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"><span style="color: #000000;">Provide expertise in biorepository protocols, best practices for sample handling, and troubleshooting of issues related to sample collection or storage</span></li> </ul> </li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Research Support</strong>:</span> <ul> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"><span style="color: #000000;">Assist in the design and execution of research projects involving the biorepository’s sample collection and management processes</span></li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"><span style="color: #000000;">Contribute to scientific publications, presentations, and other research outputs, providing data and insights from biorepository-managed samples</span></li> </ul> </li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Continuous Improvement and Training</strong>:</span> <ul> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"><span style="color: #000000;">Proactively identify areas for process improvement in sample management and recommend strategies to enhance operational efficiency</span></li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"><span style="color: #000000;">Stay current with advancements in biorepository management, biosample storage technology, and related regulatory guidelines</span></li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"><span style="color: #000000;">Mentor and train junior staff or technicians on best practices in sample handling and database management</span></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>QUALIFICATIONS:&nbsp;</strong></span></p> <ul> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Education</strong>:</span> <ul> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"><span style="color: #000000;">Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, or a related field (preferred)</span></li> </ul> </li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Experience</strong>:</span> <ul> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"><span style="color: #000000;">0-2 years of experience in a laboratory or biorepository setting, with a focus on sample management, biospecimen processing, and quality assurance</span></li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"><span style="color: #000000;">Familiarity with biorepository software and data management tools (e.g., FreezerPro, LabArchives, LabWare, snowflake based database, LIMS), is highly desirable</span></li> </ul> </li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Skills</strong>:</span> <ul> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"><span style="color: #000000;">Strong understanding of biological sample management, including tissue processing, cryopreservation, DNA/RNA extraction, and cell culture</span></li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"><span style="color: #000000;">Knowledge of regulatory compliance (HIPAA, GxP, CLIA, IRB)</span></li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"><span style="color: #000000;">Proficiency in data analysis and database management (e.g., Excel, SPSS, R)</span></li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"><span style="color: #000000;">Excellent organizational skills with keen attention to detail and accuracy</span></li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"><span style="color: #000000;">Ability to troubleshoot technical issues and provide practical solutions</span></li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"><span style="color: #000000;">Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with researchers and other staff</span></li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"><span style="color: #000000;">Experience with laboratory equipment (e.g., freezers, liquid nitrogen tanks, centrifuges) and ensuring proper calibration and maintenance</span></li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"><span style="color: #000000;">Experience in SQL, Python is a plus</span></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Working Conditions:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"><span style="color: #000000;">This position involves working in a controlled laboratory environment with exposure to biological samples, chemicals, and laboratory equipment</span></li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"><span style="color: #000000;">Candidates must adhere to strict biosafety protocols and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as required</span></li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"><span style="color: #000000;">An occasional evening, weekend, or holiday hours may be necessary depending on project</span></li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p><div class="content-pay-transparency"><div class="pay-input"><div class="description">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 &amp; depth of experience, certifications and specific office location. This may differ in other locations due to cost of labor considerations.</div><div class="title">Austin, TX</div><div class="pay-range"><span>$20</span><span class="divider">&mdash;</span><span>$25 USD</span></div></div></div><div class="content-conclusion"><p><strong>OUR OPPORTUNITY</strong></p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p><strong>WHAT WE OFFER</strong></p> <p>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!</p> <p>For more information, visit <a href="http://www.natera.com/" data-cke-saved-href="http://www.natera.com/">www.natera.com</a>.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p><em>If you are based in California, we encourage you to read this important information for California residents.&nbsp;</em></p> <p>Link: <a href="https://www.natera.com/notice-of-data-collection-california-residents" target="_blank">https://www.natera.com/notice-of-data-collection-california-residents/</a></p> <p>Please be advised that Natera will reach out to candidates with a @<a href="http://natera.com/" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://natera.com&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1657718972773000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3zRwaIiu7070kJKNG4hjRm">natera.com</a>&nbsp;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.</p> <p>For more information:<br>- <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/tips/12261-bbb-tip-employment-scams" target="_blank">BBB announcement on job scams</a>&nbsp;<br>- <a href="https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/cyber" target="_blank">FBI Cyber Crime resource page</a>&nbsp;</p></div>