Principal Clinical Scientist

Principal Clinical Scientist, MCED

About the Role

We are seeking a Principal Clinical Scientist to lead execution of key components of clinical development for our multi-cancer early detection (MCED) program. This role is central to driving study design, clinical data review, and scientific insights across multiple studies.

You will serve as a clinical science lead within cross-functional teams – partnering with Clinical Operations, Biostatistics, Medical Affairs, and Regulatory to advance study execution and shape clinical strategy. This is a high-impact role for someone who can operate independently, manage complexity across studies, and influence decision-making at the study and program level.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead Clinical Development & Study Design

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Lead substantial aspects of MCED clinical studies or multiple studies

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Drive study design, including objectives, endpoints, eligibility criteria, and schedules of assessments

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Author and review protocols, ICFs, CRFs, and study documents

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Contribute meaningfully to clinical development strategy and study-level decision-making

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Contribute to process improvements and development of best practices

Drive Data Review & Strategic Insight

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Lead medical and clinical data review to ensure data quality and integrity

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Analyze complex datasets to identify trends, risks, and opportunities

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Translate data into actionable insights that inform study and program decisions

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Partner with safety and medical teams on signal detection and escalation

Lead Cross-Functional Execution

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Lead cross-functional study teams and coordinate execution across functions

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Collaborate with Clinical Operations, Biostatistics, Medical Affairs, and Regulatory

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Influence decisions and align stakeholders across competing priorities

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Represent Clinical Science in internal and external forums (e.g., investigators, KOLs)

Drive Study Performance & Program Value

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Oversee enrollment, site performance, and key study metrics across studies

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Identify risks and proactively adjust study-level strategies

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Prioritize activities across studies to ensure quality, timelines, and program impact

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Contribute to forecasting, planning, and milestone delivery

Advance Scientific Communication

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Lead development of abstracts, presentations, and manuscripts

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Translate clinical and statistical results into clear scientific narratives

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Support internal decision-making and external evidence generation

Required Qualifications

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Advanced degree (PhD, PharmD, MD, or equivalent; MS/RN with experience considered)

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8–12 years of experience in clinical research, clinical science, or related field

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Strong experience leading clinical studies and contributing to study design

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Experience with clinical data review and interpretation

Preferred Qualifications

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Experience in oncology, diagnostics, or early cancer detection

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Experience working across multiple studies or programs

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Track record of scientific publications and conference presentations

Key Competencies

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Ability to lead complex clinical studies or multiple workstreams independently

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Strong analytical skills with ability to synthesize complex data into decisions

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Effective influencer across functions and senior stakeholders

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Strong ownership mindset with ability to prioritize across competing demands

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Excellent scientific communication skills

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Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment

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.
Remote USA
$187,800—$234,800 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 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