Staff Scientist, Machine Learning – Genomics

Natera

. Lead research on machine learning and deep learning models using NGS data .

Posted 11/10/2026full-timeRemote • United StatesLead💰 $167,400 - $209,200 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Expertise in machine learning and deep learning applied to next-generation sequencing data, with a strong focus on model validation, performance estimation, and collaboration with cross-functional teams. Proven ability to mentor and lead technical projects while contributing to scientific publications and intellectual property.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Machine LearningDeep LearningNext-Generation Sequencing Data AnalysisPython ProgrammingBioinformatics Pipelines

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Machine LearningDeep LearningStatistical LearningNext-Generation Sequencing Data AnalysisModel ValidationPerformance EstimationData AnalysisAlgorithm DevelopmentMathematical PrinciplesBioinformatics

Soft Skills

Clear CommunicationTechnical LeadershipMentoring

Tools & Technologies

PythonScikit-learnPyTorchTensorFlowXGBoostSQLNextflowWDLSnakemakeDocker

Industry Keywords

BioinformaticsGenomicsMolecular BiologyAssay DevelopmentClinical BiomarkersRegulated EnvironmentCLIACAPIntellectual PropertyScientific Publications

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

AWSCloudDockerGoogle Cloud PlatformPythonPyTorchScikit-LearnSQLTensorflow

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead research on machine learning and deep learning models using NGS data
Frame problems, choose approaches, and determine when models merit further investment
Design, build, and benchmark models and features for Women Health and Organ Health products
Apply statistical learning and deep learning to high-dimensional, noisy, often small-sample sequencing data
Work directly with sequencing pipelines and outputs; trace issues through processing steps and distinguish pipeline, data, and biology problems
Build or extend pipeline components when needed
Partner with molecular biology and assay development scientists to design experiments, determine data and controls, and troubleshoot experiments
Establish rigorous validation, performance estimation, leakage prevention, and documentation practices
Contribute to Natera's intellectual property portfolio through invention disclosures and patent work
Contribute to scientific publications and presentations where appropriate
Mentor data scientists and bioinformaticians, review their work, and provide technical leadership
Use AI tools and coding agents for implementation, analysis, and review while owning delivered work
Collaborate with R&D and product teams to define requirements and improve products and processes

Requirements

What you’ll need

M.S. or Ph.D. in a quantitative field such as Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Engineering, or similar; equivalent depth built through work counts fully
6+ years of hands-on experience in machine learning and data analysis on biological or genomic data after your degree
Demonstrated track record of models or algorithms led that reached real use
Depth in next-generation sequencing data analysis, including sequencing QC, alignment and quantification, normalization, and sequencing artifacts
Working fluency with NGS bioinformatics pipelines, including running, reading code and logs, tracing processing steps, diagnosing failures, and modifying pipeline components
Extensive practical experience with machine learning, deep learning, and statistics, including model validation and performance estimation on limited or imbalanced data
Advanced Python, including open-source ML libraries such as scikit-learn, PyTorch, TensorFlow, and XGBoost, in a cloud environment
Experience processing large datasets and working with a query language such as SQL
Ability to apply mathematical and statistical principles to real estimation problems and develop practical solutions
Familiarity with assay development and analysis pipelines for molecular or clinical biomarkers
Clear communication of technical results to non-specialists and experience delivering complex projects with cross-functional teams
Preferred: experience with RNA-seq and small RNA/miRNA
Preferred: experience building probabilistic models for NGS and omics data
Preferred: experience with diagnostic product development in a regulated or CLIA/CAP setting
Preferred: experience with Nextflow, WDL, Snakemake, Docker, AWS, or GCP
Preferred: patents, peer-reviewed publications, or conference presentations

Benefits

Comp & perks

Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life and disability plans for eligible employees and their dependents
Free testing for Natera employees and their immediate families
Fertility care benefits
Pregnancy and baby bonding leave
401k benefits
Commuter benefits
Employee referral program