Manager, NGS Operations

POSITION SUMMARY: 

The Manager, NGS Operations oversees lab personnel and daily operations of sequencing instruments in support of research and development projects. The ideal candidate is both technically proficient and people-focused, able to balance hands-on problem solving with mentoring and developing a high-performing team.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Manage daily scheduling and oversight of employees performing next generation sequencing (NGS) while fostering a collaborative, accountable, and growth-oriented team culture
• Manage Illumina sequencing workflows (NovaSeq X, Novaseq 6000, MiSeq i100, etc.)
• Monitor run level performance metrics (error rate, %Q30, cluster pass filter, % occupancy, etc) and troubleshoot instrument or library issues as needed 
• Oversee PacBio Sequel and Revio operations, including instrument loading, run setup, and monitoring of key performance metrics (e.g., read length distribution, yield, accuracy/Q-scores), and troubleshoot instrument or library-related issues as needed
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to optimize throughput, reduce turnaround times, and minimize errors, balancing speed with quality
• Serve as the primary point of contact for sequencing-related questions and workflow decisions, communicating clearly and proactively with stakeholders
• Maintain accurate records of lab work, ensure compliance with SOPs, and champion best practices in documentation and process adherence
• Collaborate closely with peer groups in Scientific Operations to align sample processing and sequencing workflows with project goals
• Provide hands-on support for troubleshooting and workflow optimization, while coaching team members to develop independence and confidence in their technical problem-solving
• Present team activity summaries, project updates, and performance metrics to management, highlighting successes, challenges, and opportunities for innovation
• Contribute to budget planning, capital equipment purchases, and vendor management for sequencing platforms and consumables, ensuring resources meet both current and future needs

QUALIFICATIONS:

• BS/BA in a biological science or equivalent required; advanced degree preferred
• 5 years of related experience, 2+ years in a supervisory or leadership role

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Hands-on experience with library preparation and next generation sequencing platforms, including Illumina (NovaSeq 6000, NovaSeq X, MiSeq i100) and PacBio (Sequel, Revio)
• Hands-on experience with nucleic acid techniques (isolation, purification, sonication, quantification, ampification, hybridization capture, etc.)
• Familiarity with laboratory automation a plus (Hamilton, Tecan, Biomek, Qiasymphony)
• Able to recognize lab issues and team concerns, communicate to management, and suggest improvements
• Knowledge of LIMS/database software
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Drive programs
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to think creatively and analytically with strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills with a proven ability to motivate and develop technical staff
• Experience managing vendor contracts and evaluating technology platforms for lab implementation
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment, and manage competing priorities efficiently

The pay range is listed and actual compensation packages are based on a wide array of factors unique to each candidate, including but not limited to skill set, years & depth of experience, certifications and specific office location. This may differ in other locations due to cost of labor considerations.

San Carlos, CA

$109,700—$137,200 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 .

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. 

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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.

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