Development Associate 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.

We introduced precision medicine to the world and built an industry around the idea that every patient deserves answers as unique as their DNA. Backed by cutting-edge molecular science and AI, we ask ourselves every day: “What would I do if this patient were my mom?” That question drives everything we do.

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

The Development Associate I is a member of the Assay Development and Validation Department and supports a variety of liquid biopsy Comprehensive Genomic Profiling (CGP) applications. This role plays a critical part in the development, validation, transfer, establishment, troubleshooting, and successful launch of new molecular assays, instrumentation, and methodologies into the clinical laboratory. The Development Associate contributes both technically and intellectually through experimental execution, documentation, data analysis, and continuous process optimization to support Caris’ development pipeline.

Job Responsibilities

• Participate in the development of new assays and optimization of previously validated assays to improve sensitivity, specificity, reproducibility, cost efficiency, and turnaround time while maintaining high-quality performance standards.
• Assist with troubleshooting assays that are already established or under development.
• Actively maintain knowledge and awareness of new and emerging technologies relevant to assay development and molecular diagnostics.
• Perform laboratory techniques including plasma and buffy coat collection, RNA and DNA extraction, nucleic acid quantification, PCR and real-time PCR, enzymatic reactions, column- and magnetic bead-based purification, and library preparation for next-generation sequencing.
• Operate and support a variety of sequencing instruments and automated liquid handling systems.
• Participate in experimental planning and execution to support assay development and validation studies.
• Document development and validation activities following good documentation practices and established organizational standards.
• Assist with data analysis, interpretation, and summarization of experimental results.
• Follow all applicable quality and regulatory guidelines related to assay development and validation projects.
• Maintain required competencies and complete all assigned training.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, including cleaning, sterilization, logging, maintenance, and shutdown procedures as required.
• Receive, store, manage, and track inventory of laboratory reagents and supplies.
• Train Molecular Lab Operations Specialists, Molecular Technologists, and PDV Associates on new technologies and methodologies, as required.
• Assist in drafting SOPs, forms, and supporting documentation for assay development, validation, and implementation.
• Identify and communicate opportunities to leverage new or emerging technologies.
• Participate in scientific conferences and professional development activities.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology, Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry, or a related scientific field.
• 1–2 years of post-graduation experience in a research or clinical laboratory environment.
• Hands-on experience with RNA and DNA extraction, nucleic acid quantification and QC, PCR, next-generation sequencing library preparation, automated liquid handling systems, and operation of NGS platforms (preferably Illumina).
• Demonstrated ability to clearly explain molecular assay experience, including use of controls, sample results, and data interpretation.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and general working knowledge of internet-based business tools.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Molecular Biology, Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry, or a related field.
• 2 years of post-graduation experience in a clinical laboratory environment.
• Experience with nucleic acid extraction from blood, plasma, or other clinical specimens.
• Experience with laboratory automation and high-throughput assay development and application.
  
  

Physical Demands

• Occasional lifting of items up to 40 pounds. Ability to perform laboratory tasks requiring standing, walking, manual dexterity, and use of laboratory equipment.
  
  

Training

• All job-specific, safety, and compliance training are assigned based on the job functions associated with this position.
  
  

Other

• This position may require periodic travel. Job may require after-hours response to emergency issues. Occasionally may be required to work evenings or weekends.
  
  

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.