Associate Research Scientist I

At Caris, we understand that cancer is an ugly word—a word no one wants to hear, but one that connects us all. That’s why we’re not just transforming cancer care—we’re changing lives.

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But our mission doesn’t stop with cancer. We're pushing the frontiers of medicine and leading a revolution in healthcare—driven by innovation, compassion, and purpose.

Join us in our mission to improve the human condition across multiple diseases. If you're passionate about meaningful work and want to be part of something bigger than yourself, Caris is where your impact begins.

Position Summary

Associate Research Scientist Is (ARSIs) play an influential role in designing experimental plans and data analysis. ARSIs are responsible for performing various techniques that include, but are not limited to, staining and scanning of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue, formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue macro-dissection, RNA/DNA extractions, assays for nucleic acid quantification and QC, PCR and real time PCR, Next Generation Sequencing, protein extraction, assays for protein quantification and QC, western Blotting, ELISA and ELONA, sample preparation for mass spectrometry, aptamer selection, biomarker discovery / target ID, affinity purification, immunoprecipitation, proximity labeling assays, cell culture, cell growth and viability assays, cytoxicity assays, and immunocytochemistry.

Furthermore, ARSIs are responsible for equipment maintenance, laboratory inventory, sample tracking, ordering supplies, receiving packages, and training Molecular Technologists and Lab Operation Specialists. This position works under the direction of a research scientist, senior research scientist, director of R&D or VP of R&D and follows standard laboratory procedures and policies.

Job Responsibilities

• Associate Research Scientist I must have d emonstrated hands-on experience in multiple (5+) relevant technologies listed above and is expected to independently familiarize themselves with new technologies.
• Trains Molecular Lab Operations Specialists, Molecular Technologists, and Research Associates in new technologies, implementing technology changes, or upon hire.
• Maintains laboratory equipment, including completing logs and maintenance, e.g. clean, sterilize, maintain, and shut down laboratory equipment, accessories, and instruments used in research experiments, daily and weekly as required.
• Unpacks reagent orders as received; logs them in the reagent database; creates labels, tracking documentation, and QC forms; and stores them in the proper location and conditions.
• Accepts other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biological, clinical or medical laboratory science, or medical technology required.
• 6+ years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Demonstrated skills in technical data interpretation and ability to troubleshoot.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Word, Excel, Outlook, general working knowledge of Internet for business use, and skilled in operating office equipment such as fax machines and copiers.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety procedures for biohazards and chemicals, as well as quality control procedures and regulations.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills. Proven attention to detail with effective organizational skills.
• Plays an influential role in the design of experimental plans.
• Personally, engages in the execution of experiments without direct supervision on multiple platforms.
• Consults with scientific leadership to overcome obstacles inhibiting success.
• Regularly analyzes data and discusses conclusions with scientific leadership.
• Drives and directs positive group interaction with teammates and fosters solution-oriented decision-making by team members.
• Ability and willingness to mentor fellow researchers and assist in expanding their knowledge base and platform expertise.
• Drive for Results (Service, Quality, and Continuous Improvement) – ensure procedures and processes are in place that lead to delivery of quality results and continually reassess their effectiveness to achieve continuous improvement.
• Communication – Proficient verbal and written communication skills. Willingness to share and receive information and ideas from all levels of the organization in order to achieve the desired results.
• Teamwork – Commitment to the successful achievement of team and organizational goals through a desire to participate with and help other members of the team.
• Customer Service Focus – Demonstrate a focus on listening to and understanding client/customer needs and then delighting the client/customer by exceeding service and quality expectations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters or PhD degree in biological, clinical or medical laboratory science, or medical technology.
• Years of experience preferred: 4 years for master and 0-1 year for PhD.

Physical Demands

• Will work at a computer some of the time as well as need to keep inventory and ordering records requiring the use of copiers, fax machines, and PDF scanners.
• Visual acuity and analytical skills to distinguish fine details. Ability to pass a visual color discrimination test.
• Manual dexterity to use common laboratory equipment and perform sterile techniques as required.
• Must possess ability to sit and/or stand for long periods of time.
• Must possess ability to perform repetitive motion.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds.
• May have exposure to high noise levels in the data center, fumes and bio-hazardous material in the lab environment. Exposure to formaldehyde, xylene, DAB and alcohol which emit fumes. The formaldehyde, xylene, and DAB are carcinogenic.
• May be required to handle blood-borne pathogens and general laboratory reagents.
• Must possess ability to use a microscope for extended periods of time.
• May have exposure to extreme temperatures, high noise levels, fumes and bio-hazardous material/chemicals including formalin in the lab environment.

Training

• All job specific, safety, and compliance training are assigned based on the job functions associated with this employee.
• Continuing Education – a minimum of 12 hours must be completed on an annual basis.

Other

• This position may require periodic travel and some evenings, weekends and/or holidays.

Conditions of Employment: Individual must successfully complete pre-employment process, which includes criminal background check, drug screening, credit check ( applicable for certain positions ) and reference verification.

This job description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Caris Life Sciences is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with disability.