Manager, Data Science

POSITION SUMMARY: Natera is a global leader in cell-free DNA testing, advancing diagnostics in oncology, women’s health, and organ health to support better patient care. As a Data Science Manager in R&D Operations, you will lead a team of data scientists to design and implement data solutions to accelerate R&D at Natera. You will take ownership of operational data workflows, establish scalable processes and SOPs, and apply ML and/or AI expertise to enable informed decision-making and drive efficiency. You will work closely with our Data Engineering Manager and Data Analytics Manager to deliver integrated, reliable data solutions across the team. RESPONSIBILITIES: • Direct, mentor, and develop a team of data scientists, including hiring, performance management, and career development • Set the technical direction for the data science team and advance its ML/AI capabilities • Own the data science roadmap for R&D Operations, define success metrics, and report progress and status to R&D Operations and executive stakeholders • Translate pain points and opportunities surfaced by data analytics into solutions–process changes, algorithms, or new tools–and drive their implementation to deliver measurable process improvement, championing efficiency gains in turnaround time and cost per activity across R&D Operations • Own the sample governance process end-to-end, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and accountability, and manage the associated stakeholder relationships • Develop and oversee machine learning models, optimization strategies, and AI solutions to forecast demand, optimize resource allocation, and automate operational processes • Lead the development of new data products, as well as the training and enablement around them to grow visibility, self-service, and data-driven decision-making across R&D Operations • Design, document, and implement processes for data governance, data integrity, and reproducibility across R&D Operations • Partner with the Data Engineering and Data Analytics Managers and collaborate cross-functionally across R&D and supporting functions to translate business needs into governed, reliable data solutions • Write clear, testable requirements (e.g. acceptance criteria, data contracts) and define the path from prototype to production in partnership with Data Engineering QUALIFICATIONS: • 7+ years of experience in data science in biotechnology, life sciences, or operations research • Demonstrated people-management experience, including hiring, mentoring, and developing data scientists through coaching on performance and career growth • Experience owning a data science roadmap and communicating progress to senior and executive stakeholders • Working knowledge of a relevant scientific or operational domain–biology or life sciences strongly preferred, operations research a close second–sufficient to partner effectively with R&D Operations stakeholders • Experience working with laboratory or operational data (e.g., laboratory informatics management system (LIMS), sample management, inventory, purchasing/procurement, or equipment operations) • Track record of driving process improvement–identifying root causes and delivering solutions through process changes, algorithms, or new tools • Strong background in building data processes, SOPs, and governance frameworks • Expertise in Python (including pandas, scikit-learn, TensorFlow/PyTorch) and SQL • Hands-on expertise in machine learning and/or AI applied to real-world problems, setting technical direction for predictive modeling and optimization solutions • Experience taking ML models or data products from prototype to production, including monitoring and maintenance • Experience with modern cloud data warehouse and transformation tooling (e.g. Snowflake, dbt) • Experience partnering with peer functions such as engineering and analytics to deliver end-to-end solutions, including writing requirements or technical specifications • Clear, direct communication skills to translate complex data insights into actionable business recommendations • Strong critical thinking and a drive for learning and problem-solving Nice to Have • Advanced degree in biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, bioinformatics, or operations research • Familiarity with data integrity and audit-readiness practices in a regulated (GxP/GCLP) environment 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 $150,100 — $187,600 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: https://www.natera.com/notice-of-data-collection-california-residents/ 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