Research Associate II
Caris Life Sciences
June 27, 2026
On-site
Tempe, AZ
Clinical Research and Development
Position Summary
Research Associate II (RAII) performs molecular and cellular lab techniques, including staining/scanning and macro-dissection of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue; RNA/DNA extraction; nucleic acid quantification/QC; PCR and real-time PCR; Next Generation Sequencing; protein extraction; protein quantification/QC; Western blotting; ELISA/ELONA; mass spectrometry sample preparation; aptamer selection; biomarker discovery/target ID; affinity purification; immunoprecipitation; proximity labeling assays; cell culture; cell growth/viability assays; cytotoxicity assays; and immunocytochemistry. Maintains equipment, laboratory inventory, sample tracking, orders supplies, receives packages, and trains Molecular Lab Operations Specialists and Molecular Technologists under standard lab procedures.
Job Responsibilities
- Participate in planning experiments and execute them.
- Train staff in new technologies, technology changes, or on hire.
- Maintain equipment (cleaning/sterilization, logs/maintenance, daily/weekly shutdown as required).
- Unpack reagent orders; log in reagent database; create labels/tracking/QC forms; store properly.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s in a science field + 2 years post-graduate lab experience, or Master’s + 1 year lab experience.
- Ability to explain molecular assay work, including positive/negative controls, results, and data interpretation.
- Hands-on experience in at least 5 of: FFPE staining/scanning & macro-dissection; RNA/DNA extraction & nucleic acid QC; PCR/real-time PCR; NGS; protein extraction & quantification/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 of projects/experiments.
Other
- Periodic travel and some evenings, weekends, and/or holidays.
Research Associate II (RAII) performs molecular and cellular lab techniques, including staining/scanning and macro-dissection of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue; RNA/DNA extraction; nucleic acid quantification/QC; PCR and real-time PCR; Next Generation Sequencing; protein extraction; protein quantification/QC; Western blotting; ELISA/ELONA; mass spectrometry sample preparation; aptamer selection; biomarker discovery/target ID; affinity purification; immunoprecipitation; proximity labeling assays; cell culture; cell growth/viability assays; cytotoxicity assays; and immunocytochemistry. Maintains equipment, laboratory inventory, sample tracking, orders supplies, receives packages, and trains Molecular Lab Operations Specialists and Molecular Technologists under standard lab procedures.
Job Responsibilities
- Participate in planning experiments and execute them.
- Train staff in new technologies, technology changes, or on hire.
- Maintain equipment (cleaning/sterilization, logs/maintenance, daily/weekly shutdown as required).
- Unpack reagent orders; log in reagent database; create labels/tracking/QC forms; store properly.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s in a science field + 2 years post-graduate lab experience, or Master’s + 1 year lab experience.
- Ability to explain molecular assay work, including positive/negative controls, results, and data interpretation.
- Hands-on experience in at least 5 of: FFPE staining/scanning & macro-dissection; RNA/DNA extraction & nucleic acid QC; PCR/real-time PCR; NGS; protein extraction & quantification/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 of projects/experiments.
Other
- Periodic travel and some evenings, weekends, and/or holidays.