Lead translational functional validation for Natera’s Therapeutics & Innovations group. You will direct external Contract Research Organization (CRO) and academic partnerships to advance our immuno-oncology therapies, generating the decision-enabling data needed to move from pre-clinical research to clinical impact. Every sample represents a real person, and the data you generate will directly shape therapeutic development. While initial work relies on external partners, you will evaluate the 'build vs. buy' roadmap and take ownership of building Natera’s internal translational research capabilities over time. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Own the external pre-clinical research model, leading CRO and academic partnerships for functional validation, including immunogenicity, Mechanism of Action (MOA), and T-cell assays
Define experimental strategies, frameworks, and govern partner performance through rigorous statements of work (SOWs) and budgets; use data to identify risks and take ownership of corrective actions
Direct immune functional assays and lead the experimental validation of targets and biomarkers identified by AI/ML platforms using patient-derived samples
Incorporate high-throughput screening to validate drug-target interactions, ensuring data packages meet internal, regulatory, and clinical translation standards
Think team by partnering directly with R&D, Clinical Development, and Regulatory to align assay outputs with milestones without needing translation layers
Build a scalable external network across immunology and tumor biology while developing a long-term roadmap to establish an internal wet-lab engine
Deliver unvarnished, data-backed updates to leadership, translating complex results into direct, actionable program recommendations
Mentor scientific staff and contractors, fostering a rigorous, outcome-focused culture as the function scales
QUALIFICATIONS:
PhD (or equivalent) in Immunology, Biology, Pharmacology, or a related field, with 8+ years of post-graduate experience in biotech, pharma, or translational academic settings; or an MS with 12+ years of directly relevant experience
Proven track record of managing complex external research programs and building translational research capabilities
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Deep expertise in immuno-oncology, immune functional assays, and mechanistic evaluation
Experience with high-dimensional data (e.g., single-cell sequencing) to validate AI-driven insights
Proven track record leading externalized R&D through CROs, managing governance, experimental design, and milestone delivery
Strong project management capabilities spanning scoping, budgeting, and risk management across parallel studies
Experience with assay development, transfer, and reproducibility best practices, treating quality as a standard
Clear communication skills to influence cross-functional teams and external partners
Operate without a finished playbook, applying an ownership mindset to build or buy capabilities as the science dictates
Expertise in neoantigen biology, antigen presentation validation, or tumor model systems is preferred
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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.
