Laboratory Operations Specialist

Caris Life Sciences; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare innovator in Phoenix is seeking a Laboratory Operations Specialist I to facilitate the movement of patient samples through the laboratory testing process. Responsibilities include operating laboratory equipment, documenting activities, and supporting clinical processing. Candidates should have a high school diploma, with previous experience in a medical or laboratory setting preferred. This position emphasizes quality and accuracy in a dynamic laboratory environment.

Qualifications

• Previous medical field or laboratory experience preferred.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate the movement of patient samples through the laboratory testing process.
• Operate and troubleshoot laboratory equipment.
• Monitor the department email inbox and address inquiries.
• Document case activities within the Laboratory Information System (LIS).

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Job description

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 Laboratory Operations Specialist I is responsible for facilitating the movement of patient samples through the overall laboratory testing process. They support the laboratory with all clerical and ancillary duties including activating cases and printing slides for microtomy, labeling and triaging slides to the Molecular and Immunohistochemistry (IHC) departments for testing, compiling and preparing complete cases for distribution to the Pathology department, and filing stained and unstained slides for long‑term storage. Additionally, the Laboratory Operations Specialist is responsible for operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting laboratory equipment including automated H&E and NFR stainers, Whole Slide Scanners, slide printers, label printers, and basic office equipment. This position works under the direction of the Laboratory Operations Supervisor and follows standard laboratory procedures and policies.

Job Responsibilities

• Perform Video Receipt of incoming specimens - opening packages and organizing specimens and associated documents for clinical processing.
• Activate cases, print slides for microtomy, and order H&E tests.
• Transport cases between departments as needed (departments include Accessioning, IHC, PA, Laboratory Operations, Molecular, and Pathologists).
• File cases in proper accession number and/or activation date order at various staging areas throughout the laboratory.
• Label slides based on ordered tests and triage slides to the Molecular and IHC departments for testing.
• Match stained H&E's with their corresponding IHCs, NFRs, and unstained slides, verify sample labeling, and distribute materials to the IHC and Pathology departments.
• File glass slides in proper accession number order after IHC/ISH interpretation by a Pathologist.
• Retrieve slides from storage for clinical and/or research testing.
• Monitor the department email inbox and address inquiries in a timely manner.
• Thoroughly document case activities within the Laboratory Information System (LIS) and SharePoint database when necessary.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment including automated H&E and NFR stainers, Whole Slide Scanners, slide printers, label printers, and basic office equipment.
• Properly and safely dispose of hazardous waste.
• Work cross‑functionally with various departments including IHC, Lab Operations, Accessioning, PAs, and Pathologists.
• Routinely ensure quality by confirming sample labeling and documentation match the Laboratory Information System (LIS) at all workstations.
• Assist as needed to perform other related duties and special projects to support the laboratory as required.
• Accepts other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous medical field or laboratory experience.

Physical Demands

• Will work at a computer some of the time and use office equipment such as copiers, fax machines, and PDF scanners.
• Visual acuity and analytical skill to distinguish fine detail. 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.
• May have exposure to extreme temperatures, high noise levels, fumes and biohazardous 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.

Other

• This position may require 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.

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.