Natera is a globally recognized leader in cell-free DNA (cfDNA) testing, primarily focusing on oncology, women's health, and organ health. The company's mission is to make personalized genetic testing and diagnostics a standard practice, enabling earlier and more precise interventions for enhanced health outcomes.

As a Data Scientist at Natera, you will work closely with the R&D team to develop and implement advanced algorithms for genetic data analysis. The role requires expertise in Python, data analysis, and a solid foundation in probability theory. Additionally, effective communication and collaboration skills are essential for engaging with cross-functional teams.

In this guide, Interview Query will walk you through the interview process, common questions, and tips to help you secure a position as a Data Scientist at Natera. Let's get started!

Submitting Your Application

The first step is to submit a compelling application that reflects your technical skills and interest in joining Natera as a Data Scientist. Whether you were contacted by a Natera recruiter or have taken the initiative yourself, carefully review the job description and tailor your CV according to the prerequisites.

Tailoring your CV may include identifying specific keywords that the hiring manager might use to filter resumes and crafting a targeted cover letter. Furthermore, don’t forget to highlight relevant skills and mention your work experiences.

Recruiter/Hiring Manager Call Screening

If your CV happens to be among the shortlisted few, a recruiter from the Natera Talent Acquisition Team will make contact and verify key details like your experiences and skill level. Behavioral questions may also be a part of the screening process.

In some cases, the Natera Data Scientist hiring manager may be present during the screening round to answer your queries about the role and the company itself. They may also engage in surface-level technical and behavioral discussions.

The whole recruiter call should take about 20-30 minutes.

Technical Virtual Interview

Successfully navigating the recruiter round will present you with an invitation for the technical screening round. Technical screening for the Natera Data Scientist role usually is conducted through virtual means, including video conference and screen sharing. Questions in this 1-hour long interview stage may revolve around Natera’s data systems, probabilistic models, and machine learning algorithms.

In addition to coding tests and probability questions, your proficiency against hypothesis testing, probability distributions, and machine learning fundamentals may also be assessed during the round.

Depending on the seniority of the position, case studies and similar real-scenario problems may also be assigned.

Onsite Interview Rounds

Followed by a second recruiter call outlining the next stage, you’ll be invited to attend the onsite interview loop. Multiple interview rounds, varying with the role, will be conducted during your day at the Natera office or virtually, given current circumstances. Your technical prowess, including programming and ML modeling capabilities, will be evaluated against the finalized candidates throughout these interviews.

If you were assigned take-home exercises, a presentation round may also await you during the onsite interview for the Data Scientist role at Natera.

Quick Tips For Natera Data Scientist Interviews

• Brush Up on Technical Skills: Make sure your skills in Python, R, or MATLAB are up-to-date as these are commonly used at Natera.
• Understand Genomic Data: Natera works extensively with genomic data. Ensure you understand how to handle and analyze such data sets.
• Prepare for Behavioral Questions: Be ready to answer questions about how you handle conflicting priorities and project management to display your fit within a dynamic and collaborative environment.

Typically, interviews at Natera vary by role and team, but commonly Data Scientist interviews follow a fairly standardized process across these question topics.

• How would you determine if the click-through rate results from an AB test are statistically significant? You want to launch a re-design of a landing page to improve the click-through rate using an AB test. How would you infer if the results of the click-through rate were statistically significant?

• Create a function calculate_rmse to compute the root mean squared error between predictions and target values. Write a function calculate_rmse to calculate the root mean squared error of a regression model. The function should take in two lists, one that represents the predictions y_pred and another with the target values y_true.

• Write a query to get the last transaction for each day from a table of bank transactions. Given a table of bank transactions with columns id, transaction_value, and created_at representing the date and time for each transaction, write a query to get the last transaction for each day. The output should include the id of the transaction, datetime of the transaction, and the transaction amount. Order the transactions by datetime.

• Write a function to get a sample from a standard normal distribution. Create a function to generate a sample from a standard normal distribution.

• Develop a function is_contained to check if a circle is between two concentric circles. We have two concentric circles a and b, each with a radius r_a and r_b where r_b > r_a. The third circle c has a radius r_c and center point center_c. Write a function is_contained(r_a, r_b, r_c, center_c) which returns True if the circle c occupies the space between circle a and b. Otherwise, return False. Note: the center point of a and b is (0,0).

• How would you determine if the click-through rate results from an AB test are statistically significant? You want to launch a re-design of a landing page to improve the click-through rate using an AB test. How would you infer if the results of the click-through rate were statistically significant?

• How would you build a model to predict which merchants DoorDash should acquire in a new market? As a data scientist at DoorDash, describe the steps you would take to build a predictive model for identifying which merchants the company should target for acquisition when entering a new market.

• How would you assign point values to letters in Spanish Scrabble without knowing Spanish? If tasked with building Scrabble for Spanish users and you don't know Spanish, explain your approach to assigning point values to each letter.

What is the average salary for a Data Scientist at Natera?

Q: What can I expect during the interview process at Natera for a Data Scientist position?

Expect multiple rounds including a phone interview with HR, technical interviews with team members, and possibly a final onsite or panel interview. Be prepared for probability questions, coding tests, and discussing your past work and technical skills.

Q: What skills and qualifications are required for the Data Scientist role at Natera?

Applicants should have a Master’s degree with 2+ years of relevant experience or a PhD in applied math, statistics, or related fields. Strong programming skills in Python, familiarity with SQL, and experience in data analysis and probability theory are key. Knowledge of genomic data and next-generation sequencing is highly desirable.

Q: What are some common experiences shared by candidates who have interviewed at Natera?

Candidates report a mixed experience, with some mentioning ghosting or late rescheduling of interviews. The process can be detailed and thorough, including technical questions and coding assessments. Transparency and timely communication from recruiters have been areas for improvement.

Q: What is the company culture like at Natera?

Natera is committed to diversity, inclusion, and collaboration. The team comprises dedicated professionals from various fields, contributing to a dynamic and challenging work environment that fosters rapid growth and innovation in genetic disease management.

Q: How can I prepare for my interview at Natera?

Research the company and its products, especially in genetic testing. Brush up on probability theory, data analysis, and your coding skills in Python or R. Practice common interview questions using Interview Query to enhance your preparation.

Applying for a Data Scientist position at Natera can be an exciting opportunity if you have a strong passion for genetic testing and wish to be part of a diverse team of professionals dedicated to making impactful contributions to medical diagnostics. However, it's essential to be prepared for an interview process that may have some challenges, including potential scheduling conflicts and communication issues. For a smoother preparation and to gain insight into potential interview questions and the overall process, consider utilizing the comprehensive resources available on Interview Query. Here, you'll find detailed guides and strategic advice to help you navigate and excel in your interview. If you have any questions or need further assistance, don't hesitate to reach out. Best of luck with your interview at Natera!