Associate Director, Clinical Science

POSITION SUMMARY: Join Natera as the Associate Director, Clinical Scientist in Oncology. You will execute clinical development strategies for our early cancer detection and cell-free DNA (cfDNA) In Vitro Diagnostic (IVD) portfolio, driving the design and execution of rigorous clinical studies that directly impact patient care. Every sample represents a real person, and you will take ownership of study activities, clinical strategy, and the timely delivery of high-quality data. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: • Develop rigorous study concepts, including study design, schedule of assessments, objectives/endpoints, and eligibility criteria • Integrate stakeholder feedback and direct protocol authoring; use data to respond to health authority feedback • Support regulatory interactions and author clinical sections for regulatory correspondence and submissions, including briefing documents, presentations, and Investigational Device Exemption (IDE), IND, and NDA filings • Provide protocol training and contribute directly to Case Report Form (CRF) design • Ensure study manuals align with the protocol and engage investigators directly in study design methodology to ensure alignment with research objectives • Actively participate in pre-site selection discussions, site initiation visits, and investigator meetings to drive successful study execution • Contribute to and oversee real-time clinical data reviews, including the rigorous oversight of Contract Research Organizations (CROs) when applicable • Participate in the review and management of safety reports and submissions, treating quality as foundational • Support project teams with the conduct of clinical studies, including trials registration, results reporting, and the monitoring of emerging clinical and safety data trends • Consult on data management deliverables, clinical monitoring activities, interim analyses planning, and Data Safety Monitoring Board or Steering Committee meetings • Serve as a clinical science representative in internal and external meetings, pushing for clarity and action • Deliver unvarnished, data-backed updates on clinical timelines to senior management, pushing for clarity and outcome-driven decisions to meet program milestones • Support advisory boards and deliver direct, scientific presentations. • Drive clinical research plans, spanning company and investigator-initiated studies • Think team by partnering directly with senior leaders across functions to optimize clinical development and drive strategic execution without needing translation layers • Build data-driven, strategic relationships with Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), consortiums, and clinical sites • Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and analyze complex data. • Ensure strict compliance with HIPAA/PHI regulations and maintain all training requirements • Adapt to evolving clinical needs, taking ownership of tasks that move the work forward without waiting for a finished playbook QUALIFICATIONS: • Ph.D., RN, MS, or B.S. in a scientific field; advanced degree preferred (MS, PharmD, MD, or PhD) • 8–10+ years of clinical research experience, including 3–5+ years in a management role • Experience in oncology and early cancer detection is highly preferred • Experience with project management, clinical research execution, and rigorous scientific writing • Experience with In Vitro Diagnostics (IVD) is a plus • Deep knowledge of regulatory standards and Good Clinical Practices (GCP) is required KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: • Think analytically, testing assumptions with data to troubleshoot and solve complex problems • Clear, direct oral and written communication skills with rigorous attention to detail • Think team by pulling cross-functional partners into the work, ope