Sample Management Specialist

Caris Life Sciences; Arizona; On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Caris Life Sciences is seeking a Sample Management Specialist to ensure the integrity and traceability of specimen handling, storage, and distribution in support of research initiatives. The role requires meticulous attention to chain of custody, regulatory compliance, and quality standards.

The Specialist will manage the full lifecycle of remnant specimens, from receipt through de-identification and disposition, collaborating with Laboratory Operations and cross-functional teams to optimize

Responsibilities

• Receive remnant biological specimens from clinical and research testing and check them into LIMS.
• Inventory and file specimens in storage locations and retrieve/distribute for research activities.
• Fulfill approved specimen requests and coordinate disposition while maintaining chain of custody.

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 Sample Management Specialist plays a critical role in ensuring the integrity, traceability, and operational excellence of specimen management activities supporting research and organizational initiatives. This position is responsible for the lifecycle management of remnant biological specimens following diagnostic testing, including specimen receipt from Laboratory Operations, inventory management, storage, tracking, retrieval, request fulfillment, de-identification, distribution, and disposition. The Specialist ensures all specimen-related activities are performed in accordance with established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Good Clinical Practice (GCP), regulatory requirements, and organizational quality standards while collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders to support research and operational objectives.

Job Responsibilities

• Specimen Lifecycle Management. Receive remnant biological specimens from clinical and research testing, check specimens into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), inventory and file specimens in appropriate storage locations, retrieve and distribute specimens in support of research activities, fulfill approved specimen requests, and coordinate specimen disposition while maintaining chain of custody and specimen integrity throughout the specimen lifecycle.
• Specimen Request Management. Review and process specimen requests to ensure required approvals are obtained, evaluate specimen availability, maintain complete chain of custody documentation, coordinate request fulfillment activities, and communicate specimen availability and request status with internal stakeholders while ensuring compliance with organizational policies and research requirements.
• Inventory Management. Manage specimen inventory through accurate cataloging, tracking, reconciliation, storage, retrieval, transfer, and distribution activities. Monitor specimen influx, storage capacity, and environmental conditions to preserve specimen quality and ensure accurate accounting of remnant specimen inventory.
• Specimen Logistics. Coordinate specimen receipt of both clinical and research samples, transfer, storage, distribution, and disposition activities while maintaining complete documentation and chain of custody throughout specimen movement and storage processes.
• Specimen De-identification. Coordinate and perform specimen de-identification activities to protect patient confidentiality while maintaining specimen traceability, data integrity, and compliance with applicable privacy regulations and research protocols. Support de-identified specimen requests for research and operational purposes.
• Data Management. Accurately enter and maintain specimen information within Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and Sample Management Systems, including specimen receipt, inventory status, storage location, retrieval, transfers, distribution, chain of custody, and disposition. Maintain complete and accurate documentation to support specimen tracking, operational reporting, inventory reconciliation, and audit readiness.
• Quality Assurance & Compliance. Participate in quality assurance activities through documentation review, data verification, inventory reconciliation, workflow audits, corrective actions, and continuous monitoring to ensure specimen integrity, regulatory compliance, and adherence to SOPs, GCP, CLIA, CAP, FDA, HIPAA, and organizational quality standards.
• Continuous Improvement. Identify opportunities to improve specimen management workflows, inventory processes, documentation practices, and supporting technologies to enhance operational efficiency, quality, customer service, and regulatory compliance while maintaining specimen integrity.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration. Collaborate with Laboratory Operations, research scientists, quality assurance personnel, Clinical Operations, and other internal stakeholders to coordinate specimen management activities, communicate specimen status, resolve operation