Development Associate

Caris Life Sciences; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Caris Life Sciences in Phoenix, AZ is seeking a Development Associate to support the development, validation, transfer, and launch of new molecular assays and methodologies in the clinical lab. You will plan, design, perform experiments, maintain documentation, track reagents, analyze data, and present results to cross-functional teams.

You will contribute technically and intellectually to improve project quality and efficiency, while training personnel and ensuring compliance with quality and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology, Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry, or related field.
• 1–2 years in a research or clinical lab setting.
• Ability to perform routine techniques (PCR, gels, nucleic acid quantification).
• Experience executing established protocols and adapting to new methods.
• Understanding of experimental design, controls, and data interpretation.
• Strong data recording and documentation for analysis.
• Knowledge of nucleic acid extraction and NGS library prep on at least one platform.

Responsibilities

• Work with team to support development, troubleshooting, and validation activities.
• Plan and execute laboratory experiments.
• Follow quality and regulatory requirements for assay validation.
• Draft validation plans, reports, SOPs, and supporting docs.
• Perform training and maintain competencies.
• Train lab personnel on methods and processes.
• Maintain lab equipment, inventory, and QC logs.
• Manage reagents, samples, and supplies inventory.

Skills

Molecular biology

Data analysis

Documentation

Laboratory techniques

PCR

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology or Biochemistry

Tools

PCR

NGS library prep

Excel

Job description

Phoenix, AZ - 85040

Full time

JR105581

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 works within the Product Development and Validation Department and plays a critical role in supporting the development, validation, transfer, and launch of new molecular assays, instrumentation, and methodologies into the clinical laboratory. This position is responsible for planning, designing, and performing laboratory experiments, as well as documentation, reagent tracking, data analysis, and presentation of results. The Development Associate contributes both technically and intellectually to improve the quality and efficiency of development projects and supports cross-functional knowledge transfer.

Job Responsibilities

• Work closely with team members to support development, troubleshooting, and validation activities.

• Participate in the planning and execution of laboratory experiments.

• Follow all applicable quality and regulatory requirements as they relate to specific assay validation projects.

• Assist in drafting validation plans, reports, SOPs, and supporting documentation.

• Perform required training and maintain competencies in a timely manner.

• Train laboratory personnel on methods and processes needed.

• Maintain laboratory equipment, including cleaning, sterilization, routine maintenance, and documentation logs. Receive, manage, log, and store inventory of reagents and supplies; create tracking documentation and QC forms.

• Manage inventory of reagents, samples, and supplies, including tracking and storage.

• Create and maintain tracking documentation and experimental records.

• Support data analysis, summarization, and presentation of experimental results.

• Accepts other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology, Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry, or a related field.

• Minimum of 1–2 years of experience in a research or clinical laboratory setting.

• Ability to perform routine laboratory techniques (e.g., PCR, gels, nucleic acid quantification) with minimal supervision.

• Experience executing established protocols and ability to adapt to new or unfamiliar methods.

• Basic understanding of experimental design, controls, and data interpretation.

• Strong data recording and documentation skills to support accurate analysis.

• Working knowledge of nucleic acid extraction and NGS library preparation using at least one platform.

• Ability to maintain laboratory organization, including inventory, equipment, and cleanliness.

• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively with team members.

• Demonstrated attention to detail with minimal errors and commitment to continuous improvement.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and general internet use.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with laboratory automation across multiple platforms.

• Experience in high-throughput assay development and applications.

• Experience working with multiple NGS platforms.

• Advanced proficiency in a range of analytical and data interpretation methods.

Physical Demands

• Ability to lift and move items weighing up to 40 pounds.

Training

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

Other

• This position may require periodic travel.

• May require after-hours response to urgent issues.

• Occasionally may require working evenings/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.

Caris Life Sciences is a leading innovator in molecular science and artificial intelligence focused on fulfilling the promise of precision medicine through quality and innovation.

Caris is committed to quality and excellence at our state-of-the-art laboratories. Learn more about our tissue lab and the advanced technologies that are helping improve the lives of cancer patients.