Laboratory Operations Specialist

Laboratory Operations Specialist I

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 supports the accurate and timely processing of patient samples by performing defined laboratory operations and clerical support tasks. This entry-level role focuses on learning and executing established workflows, ensuring adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs), safety requirements, and quality standards. This position is designed for individuals new to laboratory operations or the medical testing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform assigned laboratory support tasks following established SOPs and work instructions.
• Handles patient samples, including blocks and slides, retrieving them and filing them with extreme care.
• Print, label, and triage slides based on ordered tests; prepare cases for downstream processing.
• Transport cases and materials between laboratory departments according to workflow requirements.
• Assist with slide preparation activities including loading/unloading stainers, printing, labeling, cover-slipping, drying, staging, and case building.
• Prepare dilutions of reagents and buffers, and associate lot numbers with stainers.
• Perform routine instrument operation and basic maintenance activities under guidance.
• Accurately document case activities and required information in the Laboratory Information System (LIS).
• Verify specimen labeling and documentation to ensure alignment with LIS records.
• Safely handle and dispose of hazardous materials using appropriate PPE and safety procedures.
• Escalate issues, discrepancies, or equipment concerns to more senior team members or leadership.
• Participate in training and cross-training activities to build proficiency across departments.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to follow detailed procedures in a regulated environment.
• Successful completion of pre-employment requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior exposure to laboratory, medical, or regulated operational environments.

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.