Research Associate II
Caris Life Sciences
August 30, 2026
On-site
Tempe, AZ
Clinical Research and Development
Position Summary
Research Associate II (RAII) performs molecular, cellular, and protein-based laboratory techniques including staining/scanning of FFPE tissue, FFPE macro-dissection, RNA/DNA extraction, nucleic acid quantification/QC, PCR/real-time PCR, Next-Generation Sequencing, protein extraction, protein quantification/QC, Western blotting, ELISA/ELONA, mass spectrometry sample prep, aptamer selection, biomarker discovery/target ID, affinity purification, immunoprecipitation, proximity labeling assays, cell culture, cell growth/viability assays, cytotoxicity assays, and immunocytochemistry. Maintains equipment and lab operations (maintenance logs, inventory, sample tracking, ordering/receiving supplies) and trains Molecular Lab Operations Specialists, Molecular Technologists, and Research Associates.
Job Responsibilities
- Participate in planning experiments and execute them.
- Train staff on new technologies/technology changes and upon hire.
- Maintain laboratory equipment (cleaning, sterilization, maintenance, shutdown) per daily/weekly requirements.
- Unpack/log reagent orders, create labels/tracking documentation/QC forms, and store under proper conditions.
- Accept other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- BS in a science field + 2 years post-graduate lab experience, or MS in a science field + 1 year lab experience.
- Ability to explain molecular assay experience, including positive/negative controls, sample results, and data interpretation.
- Hands-on experience in at least 5 listed technologies (FFPE staining/scanning, FFPE macro-dissection, RNA/DNA extraction, nucleic acid QC, PCR/real-time PCR, NGS, protein extraction/QC, Western blotting, ELISA/ELONA, mass spec prep, aptamer selection, biomarker discovery/target ID, affinity purification, immunoprecipitation, proximity labeling, cell culture, growth/viability, cytotoxicity, immunocytochemistry).
Preferred Qualifications
- Experimental design and troubleshooting experience.
- Ability to analyze/interpret/summarize/present research results.
- Demonstrated ownership in projects/experiments.
Other
- Periodic travel and some evenings/weekends/holidays.
- Pre-employment: background check, drug screening, (credit check for some roles), and reference verification.
Research Associate II (RAII) performs molecular, cellular, and protein-based laboratory techniques including staining/scanning of FFPE tissue, FFPE macro-dissection, RNA/DNA extraction, nucleic acid quantification/QC, PCR/real-time PCR, Next-Generation Sequencing, protein extraction, protein quantification/QC, Western blotting, ELISA/ELONA, mass spectrometry sample prep, aptamer selection, biomarker discovery/target ID, affinity purification, immunoprecipitation, proximity labeling assays, cell culture, cell growth/viability assays, cytotoxicity assays, and immunocytochemistry. Maintains equipment and lab operations (maintenance logs, inventory, sample tracking, ordering/receiving supplies) and trains Molecular Lab Operations Specialists, Molecular Technologists, and Research Associates.
Job Responsibilities
- Participate in planning experiments and execute them.
- Train staff on new technologies/technology changes and upon hire.
- Maintain laboratory equipment (cleaning, sterilization, maintenance, shutdown) per daily/weekly requirements.
- Unpack/log reagent orders, create labels/tracking documentation/QC forms, and store under proper conditions.
- Accept other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- BS in a science field + 2 years post-graduate lab experience, or MS in a science field + 1 year lab experience.
- Ability to explain molecular assay experience, including positive/negative controls, sample results, and data interpretation.
- Hands-on experience in at least 5 listed technologies (FFPE staining/scanning, FFPE macro-dissection, RNA/DNA extraction, nucleic acid QC, PCR/real-time PCR, NGS, protein extraction/QC, Western blotting, ELISA/ELONA, mass spec prep, aptamer selection, biomarker discovery/target ID, affinity purification, immunoprecipitation, proximity labeling, cell culture, growth/viability, cytotoxicity, immunocytochemistry).
Preferred Qualifications
- Experimental design and troubleshooting experience.
- Ability to analyze/interpret/summarize/present research results.
- Demonstrated ownership in projects/experiments.
Other
- Periodic travel and some evenings/weekends/holidays.
- Pre-employment: background check, drug screening, (credit check for some roles), and reference verification.