Supervisor - Laboratory Shipping Operations

Caris Life Sciences; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Caris Life Sciences seeks a Supervisor of Laboratory Shipping Operations to oversee clerical tasks and ensure proper management and timely return of specimens. You will supervise Laboratory Shipping Specialists, schedule staff, train, and resolve conflicts while aligning with management on exceptions and timelines.

You’ll enforce regulatory guidelines, maintain QA/QC of cases, track performance metrics, and collaborate with other departments to sustain high-quality service.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Two years’ experience in general laboratory operations.
• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline preferred.

Responsibilities

• Supervise all Laboratory Shipping Specialists - provide mentorship and coaching; performance management; oversee training and task scheduling; lead routine one-on-one meetings; resolve interpersonal conflicts; review/approve time-off requests and payroll.
• Resolve employee relations issues and recommends disciplinary action when required.
• Oversee all case workflow activities; provide direction to team based on department needs.
• Adhere to the laboratory’s quality control policies, documents all quality control activities, instrument and procedural calibrations and maintenance performed.
• Follow the laboratory’s established policies and procedures whenever test systems are not within the laboratory’s established acceptable level of performance.
• Assist with the tracking, accumulation, and computation of performance metrics.
• Ensure Block Returns has adequate inventories of supplies.
• Act as first point of contact on questions. Keeps team informed of new processes and general updates.
• Assist in the cleaning and maintenance of the Block Returns space and applicable equipment/resources.
• Log appropriate information into the Laboratory Information System (LIS) and other logs as necessary.
• Responsible for Quality Assurance (QA)/Quality Control (QC) of cases moving through the laboratory.
• Develop new protocols and SOPs to address problems and improve quality and safety within the laboratory.
• Effectively manage complex cross-functional operational activities within and outside the lab with a high degree of independence and strong managerial judgment.
• Manage/Assist in the training of new-hires and peers.
• Proficient in troubleshooting problems and successfully maintains workflow in the lab.
• Assist as needed to perform other related duties and special projects to support the laboratory as required.
• Accept other duties as assigned.

Skills

Leadership

Laboratory operations

Regulatory compliance

QA/QC

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline

Tools

LIS

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.

Position Summary

The Supervisor - Laboratory Shipping Operations is responsible for overseeing all clerical and ancillary duties and ensuring that specimens are being managed appropriately and returned in a timely manner. They have direct line supervision of all Laboratory Shipping Specialists, managing employee schedules and training, as well as, resolving any professional conflicts that may arise. The supervisor troubleshoots any problems with workflow, manages specimen turnaround times, and communicates directly with management regarding exceptions, varied timelines, etc.

They are also responsible for managing all regulatory activities, enforcing consistent adherence to required regulatory guidelines to ensure the highest quality and consistency of services. While maintaining job functions, the Supervisor of Laboratory Shipping Operations also interacts with other departments to ensure an optimal case flow is consistently achieved and all standard laboratory procedures and policies are followed.

Job Responsibilities

• Supervise all Laboratory Shipping Specialists - provide mentorship and coaching; performance management; oversee training and task scheduling; lead routine one-on-one meetings; resolve interpersonal conflicts; review/approve time-off requests and payroll.
• Resolve employee relations issues and recommends disciplinary action when required.
• Oversee all case workflow activities; provide direction to team based on department needs.
• Adhere to the laboratory’s quality control policies, documents all quality control activities, instrument and procedural calibrations and maintenance performed.
• Follow the laboratory’s established policies and procedures whenever test systems are not within the laboratory’s established acceptable level of performance.
• Assist with the tracking, accumulation, and computation of performance metrics.
• Ensure Block Returns has adequate inventories of supplies.
• Act as first point of contact on questions. Keeps team informed of new processes and general updates.
• Assist in the cleaning and maintenance of the Block Returns space and applicable equipment/resources.
• Log appropriate information into the Laboratory Information System (LIS) and other logs as necessary.
• Responsible for Quality Assurance (QA)/Quality Control (QC) of cases moving through the laboratory.
• Develop new protocols and SOPs to address problems and improve quality and safety within the laboratory.
• Effectively manage complex cross-functional operational activities within and outside the lab with a high degree of independence and strong managerial judgment.
• Manage/Assist in the training of new-hires and peers.
• Proficient in troubleshooting problems and successfully maintains workflow in the lab.
• Assist as needed to perform other related duties and special projects to support the laboratory as required.
• Accept other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Two years’ experience in general laboratory operations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline.

Physical Demands

• Must possess ability to sit, stand, and/or work at a computer for extended periods of time.
• May have exposure to blood-born pathogens, extreme temperatures, high noise levels, fumes and bio-hazardous material/chemicals including formalin in the lab environment.
• Visual acuity and analytical skill to distinguish fine detail; ability to pass a visual color discrimination test.Must possess ability to perform repetitive motion.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds.

Training

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

Other

• This position requires 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.