Solid Tumor Development Scientist - Phoenix, AZ

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 Solid Tumor Scientist works in the Assay Development and Validation Department and plays a critical role in the development, validation, transfer, establishment, troubleshooting, SME support, and successful launch of molecular assays, instrumentation, study execution, and methodologies for solid tumor profiling into the clinical laboratory and as the company requires. This is a combined laboratory and managerial role. The individual participates in the planning, designing, and execution of experiments;

analyzes and summarizes data; provides SME and technical support; and authors or contributes to study documentation, protocols, reports, and presentations as required. They transfer knowledge to team members and partner departments and contribute both technically and intellectually to the quality and efficiency of Caris’ solid tumor development efforts.

The Solid Tumor Scientist is expected to execute complex experiments independently, generate meaningful conclusions, and communicate clearly in a cross functional manner. The role requires working knowledge of regulated study design (analytical verification and validation for laboratory-developed tests and, as applicable, in vitro diagnostics) and the interpersonal skills to work effectively with Assay Development, Molecular Operations, Bioinformatics/Statistics, Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, Translational Science, and other stakeholders.

Job Responsibilities Plan, design, and perform laboratory experiments in support of solid tumor assay development, optimization, troubleshooting, and validation.

Execute complex, full-scale experiments with limited supervision/directives, including multi-condition studies, appropriate controls, and sample-selection strategy aligned to the study objective.

Apply knowledge of solid tumor specimen types and pre-analytical variables (including FFPE tissue, tumor cellularity/necrosis, nucleic acid yield and quality, and sample adequacy) when executing experiments and interpreting results.

Perform nucleic acid extraction and molecular methods as required, including NGS library preparation and related assays; interpret NGS quality metrics and experimental outcomes.

Troubleshoot assays technical issues; recommend and execute verification tests; discuss experimental options with the scientific lead and project team to answer the experimental question.

Maintain laboratory equipment, including completing logs and maintenance as required; manage, log, and store inventory of reagents, samples, and supplies; create tracking documentation associated with materials and experiments.

Train Molecular Lab Operations Specialists, Molecular Technologists, and PDV Associates in methods upon implementation, method changes, or as required.

Complete assigned training and competencies in a timely manner.

Contribute to study design for development and…