Principal Clinical Scientist
natera • US Remote
Posted: May 1, 2026
Job Description
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
-
Lead substantial aspects of MCED clinical studies or multiple studies
-
Drive study design, including objectives, endpoints, eligibility criteria, and schedules of assessments
-
Author and review protocols, ICFs, CRFs, and study documents
-
Contribute meaningfully to clinical development strategy and study-level decision-making
-
Contribute to process improvements and development of best practices
Drive Data Review & Strategic Insight
-
Lead medical and clinical data review to ensure data quality and integrity
-
Analyze complex datasets to identify trends, risks, and opportunities
-
Translate data into actionable insights that inform study and program decisions
-
Partner with safety and medical teams on signal detection and escalation
Lead Cross-Functional Execution
-
Lead cross-functional study teams and coordinate execution across functions
-
Collaborate with Clinical Operations, Biostatistics, Medical Affairs, and Regulatory
-
Influence decisions and align stakeholders across competing priorities
-
Represent Clinical Science in internal and external forums (e.g., investigators, KOLs)
Drive Study Performance & Program Value
-
Oversee enrollment, site performance, and key study metrics across studies
-
Identify risks and proactively adjust study-level strategies
-
Prioritize activities across studies to ensure quality, timelines, and program impact
-
Contribute to forecasting, planning, and milestone delivery
Advance Scientific Communication
-
Lead development of abstracts, presentations, and manuscripts
-
Translate clinical and statistical results into clear scientific narratives
-
Support internal decision-making and external evidence generation
Required Qualifications
-
Advanced degree (PhD, PharmD, MD, or equivalent; MS/RN with experience considered)
-
8–12 years of experience in clinical research, clinical science, or related field
-
Strong experience leading clinical studies and contributing to study design
-
Experience with clinical data review and interpretation
Preferred Qualifications
-
Experience in oncology, diagnostics, or early cancer detection
-
Experience working across multiple studies or programs
-
Track record of scientific publications and conference presentations
Key Competencies
-
Ability to lead complex clinical studies or multiple workstreams independently
-
Strong analytical skills with ability to synthesize complex data into decisions
-
Effective influencer across functions and senior stakeholders
-
Strong ownership mindset with ability to prioritize across competing demands
-
Excellent scientific communication skills
-
Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment
Additional Content
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
-
Lead substantial aspects of MCED clinical studies or multiple studies
-
Drive study design, including objectives, endpoints, eligibility criteria, and schedules of assessments
-
Author and review protocols, ICFs, CRFs, and study documents
-
Contribute meaningfully to clinical development strategy and study-level decision-making
-
Contribute to process improvements and development of best practices
Drive Data Review & Strategic Insight
-
Lead medical and clinical data review to ensure data quality and integrity
-
Analyze complex datasets to identify trends, risks, and opportunities
-
Translate data into actionable insights that inform study and program decisions
-
Partner with safety and medical teams on signal detection and escalation
Lead Cross-Functional Execution
-
Lead cross-functional study teams and coordinate execution across functions
-
Collaborate with Clinical Operations, Biostatistics, Medical Affairs, and Regulatory
-
Influence decisions and align stakeholders across competing priorities
-
Represent Clinical Science in internal and external forums (e.g., investigators, KOLs)
Drive Study Performance & Program Value
-
Oversee enrollment, site performance, and key study metrics across studies
-
Identify risks and proactively adjust study-level strategies
-
Prioritize activities across studies to ensure quality, timelines, and program impact
-
Contribute to forecasting, planning, and milestone delivery
Advance Scientific Communication
-
Lead development of abstracts, presentations, and manuscripts
-
Translate clinical and statistical results into clear scientific narratives
-
Support internal decision-making and external evidence generation
Required Qualifications
-
Advanced degree (PhD, PharmD, MD, or equivalent; MS/RN with experience considered)
-
8–12 years of experience in clinical research, clinical science, or related field
-
Strong experience leading clinical studies and contributing to study design
-
Experience with clinical data review and interpretation
Preferred Qualifications
-
Experience in oncology, diagnostics, or early cancer detection
-
Experience working across multiple studies or programs
-
Track record of scientific publications and conference presentations
Key Competencies
-
Ability to lead complex clinical studies or multiple workstreams independently
-
Strong analytical skills with ability to synthesize complex data into decisions
-
Effective influencer across functions and senior stakeholders
-
Strong ownership mindset with ability to prioritize across competing demands
-
Excellent scientific communication skills
-
Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment