Position Summary: We are seeking a strategic and driven Associate Director/Director, New Product Innovation – Oncology to lead the discovery, evaluation, and early development of novel oncology products tailored specifically for biopharma and academic customers. This role will focus on creating innovative solutions that address the unique and evolving needs of these critical segments, advancing precision oncology through cutting-edge technology and research partnerships.The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in oncology diagnostics and therapeutics, combined with a strong understanding of the scientific demands and commercial expectations of both biopharma and academic customers. They will translate unmet needs into actionable product concepts, develop early-stage product strategies, and guide cross-functional teams in advancing innovations from ideation to proof-of-concept.Primary ResponsibilitiesEngage closely with biopharma partners to identify opportunities for companion diagnostics, clinical trial support, and biomarker-driven product development.Collaborate with academic researchers and institutions to co-develop innovative products that accelerate research and clinical translation in oncology.Conduct Voice of Customer (VOC) interviews and market research focused on biopharma and academic users to define unmet needs, target product profiles (TPPs), and competitive differentiation.Develop and prioritize early product concepts, business cases, and value assessments tailored to the complex requirements and use cases of biopharma and academic customers.Guide the evaluation of emerging technologies, including genomics, AI/ML analytics, and high-dimensional multimodal data, with a focus on their applicability to research and clinical trial settings.Lead cross-functional teams in designing and executing proof-of-concept studies and feasibility assessments targeted at these customer segments.Drive strategic pipeline prioritization and roadmap planning that aligns with biopharma development timelines and academic research cycles.Support due diligence and partnership evaluations for external innovation opportunities that serve biopharma and academic customers.Act as a cross-functional champion for customer-centric innovation across R&D, Clinical, Business Development, and Marketing teams.QualificationsBachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (PhD, MD, MBA) preferred in life sciences, biomedical engineering, or related fields.Minimum 7+ years of experience in product management, strategy, or innovation roles within oncology, diagnostics, pharma, or academic research settings.Demonstrated experience working with biopharma clients and/or academic collaborators in oncology or precision medicine.Proven ability to lead early-stage product innovation that balances scientific rigor with commercial insight in regulated environments.Strong understanding of clinical trial processes, biomarker development, and the research pipeline dynamics relevant to oncology.Expertise in financial modeling, market analysis, and business case development tailored to biopharma and academic customer needs.Excellent communication and leadership skills with ability to collaborate across diverse technical and commercial teams.Key Competencies And AttributesCustomer-focused innovator with a passion for addressing the specific needs of biopharma and academic oncology sectors.Strong analytical and strategic thinker with hands-on problem-solving skills.Effective collaborator and influencer able to align stakeholders and drive consensus.Adaptive leader who thrives in fast-paced environments requiring agility and creativity.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.San Carlos, CA$180,000—$250,000 USDThe 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$160,900—$230,200 USDOUR OPPORTUNITYNatera 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 OfferCompetitive 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: Website 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 InformationBBB announcement on job scamsFBI Cyber Crime resource page #J-18808-Ljbffr