Senior Research Scientist

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.

Positions Summary
Senior Research Scientists (SRS) are responsible for conducting scientific research leading to the discovery and development of high value, proprietary molecular diagnostic products and related technologies.
 

SRSs are responsible for performing or supervising Research Associates, Associate Research Scientists, and Research Scientists I’s performing various techniques that include, but are not limited to, IHC staining using an autostainer (preferred but manual staining experience is okay), scanning of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue, formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue macro-dissection, RNA/DNA extractions, assays for nucleic acid quantification and QC, PCR and real time PCR, Next Generation Sequencing, protein extraction, assays for protein quantification and QC, western Blotting, ELISA and ELONA, sample preparation for mass spectrometry, mass spectrometry, proteomics, chemical synthesis and/or conjugation, aptamer selection, biomarker discovery / target ID, affinity purification, immunoprecipitation, proximity labeling assays, cell culture, cell growth and viability assays, cytotoxicity assays, and immunocytochemistry.
 

This position works under the direction of directors of R&D or the VP of R&D and follows standard laboratory procedures and policies.

Job Responsibilities

• Design and conduct experiments, collect data and analyze results in support of department project development objectives.
• Senior Scientist leads and directs a cohort of researchers of various levels (Research Associate I – Research Scientist II) to complete tasks, timelines and milestones.
• Lead a multidisciplinary team that designs, organizes, and coordinates multiple research projects.
• Design, perform, and/or oversee experiments and data collection to ensure data integrity, quality control, and protocol compliance.
• Maintain knowledge and stay up to date with relevant state-of-the-art technology, equipment, and/or systems.
• Train Molecular Lab Operations Specialists, Molecular Technologists, and Research Associates in new technologies, implementing technology changes, or upon hire.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, including completing logs and maintenance, e.g. clean, sterilize, maintain, and shut down laboratory equipment, accessories, and instruments used in research experiments, daily and weekly as required.
• Assist with lab planning and equipment calibration and maintenance.
• Assist in the preparation of scholarly articles for publication. Present results of independent research; write reports/summaries for internal communications as well as patents and complete scientific papers for peer reviewed journals, publishing abstracts, manuscripts, or industry requirements.
• Engage in continuous learning and skill development, including both scientific and laboratory technology education.
• Assist as needed to perform other related duties and special projects as required.
• Maintain laboratory records in accordance with company standards.
• Follow all standard operating procedures, safety and security policies and prescribed practices, policies and guidelines; use Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) manual as reference to support work performed. Completes all necessary paperwork related to job duties.
• Accept other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• PhD in a science field with at least 5 years of post-doctoral experience required.
• Demonstrate clear ability to explain previous molecular assay experience, including the function of positive/negative controls, sample results, and data interpretation.
• Deep knowledge of precision medicine as it pertains to drug target discovery (antibody drug conjugates, small molecule inhibitors, degraders), tumor biology (metastasis, metabolic regulators, protein modifications), and immune signatures (CAR-T, TILs, TCRs).
• Familiarity with precision medicine and analytical platforms utilized to generate proteomic and genomic data that directs patient therapy
• Familiarity with pharmaceutical research and cancer immunotherapies a plus
• General familiarity with biostatistics for data analysis and visualization of diverse and large data sets.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills for audiences with diverse backgrounds
• Demonstrated ability to perform tasks that require high attention to detail and multitasking in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Strong team skills with a commitment to communicate information and work constructively to support the team and collaborators
• Detail oriented with ability to capture and record complex scientific data accurately and reliably.
• Ability to design and interpret complex directions and understand complicated scientific project plans.
• Craft and propose novel, scientifically rigorous research ideas.
• Assess new technologies and future application of technologies.
• Exercise independent thinking and judgement.
• Ability to solve independently and escalate problems appropriately and in a timely manner.
• Good business judgment with ability to maintain project confidentiality.
• High level of integrity and ethics
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Access, Word, Excel, Outlook, and general working knowledge of Internet for business use.

Preferred Qualifications

• Highly self-motivated, self-directed, and attentive to detail
• Ability to work in a complex and matrix team environment; experience working in a team-oriented, collaborative environment
• Ability to handle multiple tasks, set priorities, schedule, and meet deadlines
• Drive for Results (Service, Quality, and Continuous Improvement) – Ensure procedures and processes are in place that lead to delivery of quality results and continually reassess their effectiveness to achieve continuous improvement.
• Communication – Proficient verbal and written communication skills. Willingness to share and receive information and ideas from all levels of the organization in order to achieve the desired results.
• Demonstrate a focus on listening to and understanding client/customer needs and then delighting the client/customer by exceeding service and quality expectations.
• Teamwork – Commitment to the successful achievement of team and organizational goals through a desire to participate with and help other members of the team.

Physical Demands

• Employee may be required to lift routine office supplies and use standard office equipment.
• Ability to sit for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift objects over 30 pounds.
• May have exposure to high noise levels, fumes and bio-hazardous material in the lab environment.
• May be required to handle and transport hazardous waste materials.

Required Training

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

Other

• This position might require periodic travel and some evenings, weekends and/or holidays.
• Job may require after-hours response to emergency issues.
• Periodically scheduled on-call may require after-hours response for technical emergencies not explicitly related to assigned job responsibilities.
• At times, may be required to work weekends/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.