Director, Field Translational Science

About the role

Natera is seeking a strategic leader to build and manage a specialized team of field-based translational scientists within the Oncology Business Unit. This role focuses on overseeing high-impact data collaborations, managing investigator-led research, and ensuring scientific integrity across academic medical centers.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Recruit, mentor, and lead a field organization of translational scientists with a focus on data velocity and scientific rigor.
• Direct regional data strategies, facilitating partnerships between oncologists, pathologists, and biometricians to analyze ctDNA and real-world datasets.
• Govern regional data ingestion pipelines and tracking systems to ensure compliance and data integrity.
• Act as the primary interface between field operations and internal departments including R&D, Medical Affairs, and Product Development.
• Manage the lifecycle of regional investigator-initiated trials and institutional registries.
• Expand institutional networks by overseeing biobanking governance and EMR data integration initiatives.
• Represent the company at oncology congresses while maintaining adherence to FDA, HIPAA, CAP/CLIA, and PhRMA standards.

Requirements

• PhD or MD in Cancer Biology, Genomics, Bioinformatics, or a related molecular science field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in basic or translational oncology research.
• At least 2 years of experience managing high-performing scientific or clinical teams in the biotech, diagnostic, or pharmaceutical sectors.
• Expertise in liquid biopsy, NGS, ctDNA workflows, and statistical interpretation.
• Proven track record in handling complex genomic datasets and clinical data registries.
• Ability to travel domestically 50-70% of the time.

Skills & tools

• Cancer biology and genetics
• Next-generation sequencing (NGS)
• ctDNA and MRD assay interpretation
• Electronic Medical Record (EMR) integration
• Clinical data registry management

Practical notes

• Compensation packages are determined based on depth of experience, skill set, and location.
• Natera only contacts candidates via @natera.com email addresses.
• The company does not conduct interviews via text message.
• Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, 401k, fertility care, and pregnancy/baby bonding leave.
• Employees and their immediate families are eligible for free testing.