Director of Data Science and Bioinformatics

Role Description

This is an exciting opportunity to lead and grow the Data Science and Bioinformatics function supporting Natera's Women's Health and Organ Health product portfolios. In this role, you will build the bioinformatics capability within the Data Science development team, establish scalable AWS cloud infrastructure, and ensure the quality and reproducibility of the genomic algorithms powering our clinical products.

• Strategy and Vision:
  • Build and define the Bioinformatics function within the Data Science development team.
  • Identify technical tooling gaps and execute a roadmap to advance genomics-based algorithm development.
  • Establish and enforce pipeline and algorithm quality standards, including review processes, validation frameworks, and documentation practices.
• Infrastructure and Automation:
  • Own and architect scalable AWS-based data science and bioinformatics infrastructure.
  • Ensure quality, reproducibility, and reliable deployment of Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) algorithms.
  • Implement MLOps tooling and automated validation frameworks to support reliable algorithm deployment into clinical production.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
  • Partner with Research, Product Development, Laboratory Operations, Engineering, and Quality teams to implement stable, scalable pipelines and support successful productization.
• Team Leadership:
  • Lead, mentor and hire a high-performing team of bioinformaticians and data scientists.
  • Establish technical quality standards and clear operational ownership.
  • Build technical depth within the team to support expanding product roadmaps across Women's Health and Organ Health.

Qualifications

• Master of Science or Ph.D. in a quantitative technical discipline (Biostatistics, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or equivalent).
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in Data Science or Bioinformatics, with at least 5 years of direct people management experience leading technical teams.
• Hands-on experience architecting AWS cloud infrastructure for data-intensive bioinformatics workloads and NGS pipeline execution.
• Demonstrated ability to identify capability gaps independently, build scalable infrastructure, and drive execution without waiting for formal structure.
• Strong communicator who builds cross-functional alignment across Research, Engineering, and Quality teams through technical clarity, direct engagement, and data-driven reasoning.
• Track record of developing bioinformatics talent and delivering computational pipelines that support commercial product development.

Requirements

• Experience developing software and pipelines within regulated environments (CLIA, FDA, or ISO framework).
• Experience with MLOps frameworks and pipeline tools (MLflow, Nextflow, WDL, Docker).
• Advanced knowledge of statistical inference, machine learning, and genomic data processing.

Benefits

• Competitive Benefits - Employee benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life and disability plans for eligible employees and their dependents.
• 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.
• Generous employee referral program!