Natera, Inc.
We are considering candidates for either our Austin, TX or San Carlos, CA locations.
POSITION SUMMARY:
We are seeking an experienced
Design Transfer Manager
to lead and coordinate the transfer of an early cancer detection assay from R&D into Operations. This role will plan, execute, implement, and document all design transfer activities for a next generation sequencing (NGS) IVD/PMA assay under Quality Systems Regulations and Design Control. The role will manage a multidisciplinary group of scientists, provide technical mentorship, and ensure timely delivery of project milestones. The manager will also ensure robust processes, documentation, compliance with regulatory requirements, and cross‑functional alignment.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Plan and manage activities and studies from late‑stage development to launch.
Contribute to design documents such as reagent stability plans, design inputs, design outputs, design verification protocols and reports while working closely with Quality and Regulatory partners.
Participate in risk management activities (hazard analysis, FMEA) to identify hazards and propose controls to mitigate risks.
Work closely with bioinformatics / statistics groups to align study designs and acceptance criteria.
Develop and execute detailed design transfer plans.
Lead and coordinate design transfer activities from R&D to manufacturing.
Lead test method development, characterization, and validation.
Conduct studies to generate specifications and set process/test method specifications based on statistical analysis.
Lead process validations; experience with single‑site oncology assay validations is required.
Assure experimental quality through sound experimental design; utilize DOE, Cpk analysis, and Gage R&R, and mentor others in study design.
Lead cross‑functional efforts to establish supply chain for raw materials and consumables; propose and implement improvements.
Ensure compliance with FDA, ISO 13485, and quality system regulations during design transfer and production.
Communicate progress directly with colleagues and senior management.
Team & People Management
Manage a team of scientists to coordinate the execution of studies to support development of QC methods, verification studies and validation of assays.
Provide leadership for scientists to ensure group effectiveness and development.
Provide technical mentorship and decision‑making support for the team.
Monitor performance, deliver timely feedback, and support career development of direct reports.
Foster a culture of accountability, safety, compliance, and continuous learning.
Cross‑Functional Collaboration
Partner with Operations, R&D, Product Management, Quality Assurance, and Regulatory Affairs to ensure seamless design transfer and product launch.
Serve as the primary liaison between development and operations, ensuring knowledge transfer and training of operational staff.
Incorporate operational feedback into design improvements and refinements.
Contribute technical and process documentation to regulatory submissions.
Actively participate in the project core team and program team meetings, providing project updates to cross‑functional teams and senior leadership.
Documentation & Compliance
Oversee creation, review, and approval of SOPs, work instructions, and verification/validation protocols and reports.
Ensure compliance with FDA, ISO, CLSI, and other international regulatory requirements, including GLP/GMP.
Maintain audit‑ready documentation for internal and external inspections.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Advanced degree in molecular biology or related discipline. PhD is preferred; Master’s or bachelor’s with equivalent industry experience considered.
6–8 years of post‑PhD biotech industry experience or >10 years of post‑BS/MS biotech experience.
At least 4 years managing a team of scientists and research associates.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Hands‑on experience with next‑generation sequencing (NGS) and DNA/RNA molecular biology.
Knowledge of methylation‑based technologies and their IVD application is highly desirable.
Proven track record of successful design transfer for assays and medical devices.
Strong understanding of assay development, design control, analytical validation, and manufacturing workflows.
Extensive knowledge of quality and regulatory standards (ISO, CLSI, FDA).
Ability to establish and follow SOPs, with in‑depth knowledge of GLP/GMP guidelines.
Experience authoring study plans, protocols, and study reports is highly desirable.
Experience with process validations for single‑site oncology assays.
Proficiency in experimental design, statistical data analysis, and technical problem‑solving.
Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and provide mentorship to research associates and junior scientists.
Strong project management and organizational skills.
Excellent communication and presentation abilities, including reporting to senior leadership.
Collaborative, adaptable, and focused on achieving business and corporate objectives.
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!
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.
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POSITION SUMMARY:
We are seeking an experienced
Design Transfer Manager
to lead and coordinate the transfer of an early cancer detection assay from R&D into Operations. This role will plan, execute, implement, and document all design transfer activities for a next generation sequencing (NGS) IVD/PMA assay under Quality Systems Regulations and Design Control. The role will manage a multidisciplinary group of scientists, provide technical mentorship, and ensure timely delivery of project milestones. The manager will also ensure robust processes, documentation, compliance with regulatory requirements, and cross‑functional alignment.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Plan and manage activities and studies from late‑stage development to launch.
Contribute to design documents such as reagent stability plans, design inputs, design outputs, design verification protocols and reports while working closely with Quality and Regulatory partners.
Participate in risk management activities (hazard analysis, FMEA) to identify hazards and propose controls to mitigate risks.
Work closely with bioinformatics / statistics groups to align study designs and acceptance criteria.
Develop and execute detailed design transfer plans.
Lead and coordinate design transfer activities from R&D to manufacturing.
Lead test method development, characterization, and validation.
Conduct studies to generate specifications and set process/test method specifications based on statistical analysis.
Lead process validations; experience with single‑site oncology assay validations is required.
Assure experimental quality through sound experimental design; utilize DOE, Cpk analysis, and Gage R&R, and mentor others in study design.
Lead cross‑functional efforts to establish supply chain for raw materials and consumables; propose and implement improvements.
Ensure compliance with FDA, ISO 13485, and quality system regulations during design transfer and production.
Communicate progress directly with colleagues and senior management.
Team & People Management
Manage a team of scientists to coordinate the execution of studies to support development of QC methods, verification studies and validation of assays.
Provide leadership for scientists to ensure group effectiveness and development.
Provide technical mentorship and decision‑making support for the team.
Monitor performance, deliver timely feedback, and support career development of direct reports.
Foster a culture of accountability, safety, compliance, and continuous learning.
Cross‑Functional Collaboration
Partner with Operations, R&D, Product Management, Quality Assurance, and Regulatory Affairs to ensure seamless design transfer and product launch.
Serve as the primary liaison between development and operations, ensuring knowledge transfer and training of operational staff.
Incorporate operational feedback into design improvements and refinements.
Contribute technical and process documentation to regulatory submissions.
Actively participate in the project core team and program team meetings, providing project updates to cross‑functional teams and senior leadership.
Documentation & Compliance
Oversee creation, review, and approval of SOPs, work instructions, and verification/validation protocols and reports.
Ensure compliance with FDA, ISO, CLSI, and other international regulatory requirements, including GLP/GMP.
Maintain audit‑ready documentation for internal and external inspections.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Advanced degree in molecular biology or related discipline. PhD is preferred; Master’s or bachelor’s with equivalent industry experience considered.
6–8 years of post‑PhD biotech industry experience or >10 years of post‑BS/MS biotech experience.
At least 4 years managing a team of scientists and research associates.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Hands‑on experience with next‑generation sequencing (NGS) and DNA/RNA molecular biology.
Knowledge of methylation‑based technologies and their IVD application is highly desirable.
Proven track record of successful design transfer for assays and medical devices.
Strong understanding of assay development, design control, analytical validation, and manufacturing workflows.
Extensive knowledge of quality and regulatory standards (ISO, CLSI, FDA).
Ability to establish and follow SOPs, with in‑depth knowledge of GLP/GMP guidelines.
Experience authoring study plans, protocols, and study reports is highly desirable.
Experience with process validations for single‑site oncology assays.
Proficiency in experimental design, statistical data analysis, and technical problem‑solving.
Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and provide mentorship to research associates and junior scientists.
Strong project management and organizational skills.
Excellent communication and presentation abilities, including reporting to senior leadership.
Collaborative, adaptable, and focused on achieving business and corporate objectives.
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!
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.
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