Research Associate 1

Austin, TX

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Research Associate 1 follows and supports the daily operations of our Sample Management team. This role will involve handling biological samples, maintaining the sample database, ensuring compliance with protocols, and assisting with research-related tasks. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in biological sciences, excellent organizational skills, and a keen interest in supporting scientific research through high-quality sample collection and management.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Sample Management:

  • Assist in the collection, processing, labeling, and storage of biological samples (e.g., blood, tissue, DNA, urine).
  • Ensure proper storage conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity) are maintained to preserve sample integrity.
  • Perform routine inventory management, including tracking sample quantities and ensuring sample access is properly logged.

Database Management:

  • Input and maintain sample data in the database accurately.
  • Monitor and update sample status, including usage, storage conditions, and expiration dates.
  • Ensure compliance with data management protocols and maintain proper documentation for audit purposes.

Quality Control and Compliance:

  • Perform routine checks to ensure adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs) and regulatory guidelines (e.g., HIPAA, GDPR, biosafety regulations).
  • Assist with maintaining certifications and accreditations for the sample management including following internal and external audits.

Technical Support:

  • Prepare samples for distribution to researchers, ensuring proper handling and documentation.
  • Assist researchers in retrieving samples for various studies and experiments.
  • Assist with the preparation and maintenance of specialized laboratory equipment used for sample processing (e.g., freezers, centrifuges, liquid nitrogen tanks).

Research Assistance:

  • Support the research team with experiments related to the analysis and characterization of biological samples.
  • Provide data and findings from sample analyses to researchers, collaborating on sample-related needs for ongoing research projects.

Communication & Teamwork:

  • Collaborate with other staff, researchers, and lab personnel to ensure efficient sample handling and management.
  • Communicate effectively regarding sample availability, quality, and compliance.

​QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences, Laboratory Technology, or a related field
  • At least 1-2 years of experience working in a laboratory or biorepository environment, handling biological samples.
  • Experience with biorepository database systems (e.g., LabArchives, FreezerPro or Snowflake based database) and sample tracking tools is a plus.
  • Experience in SQL, Python is a plus.  

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

  • Strong understanding of biological sample handling, preservation, and storage protocols.
  • Knowledge of regulatory guidelines related to biorepository operations and human subjects research (e.g., IRB, HIPAA, informed consent).
  • Excellent organizational, documentation, and time-management skills.
  • Attention to detail and ability to follow complex instructions and protocols.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and laboratory data management software.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work well within a team.

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 

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