Senior Research Scientist
Caris Life Sciences
1 month ago
On-site
Tempe, AZ
Clinical Research and Development
Positions Summary
Senior Research Scientists (SRS) conduct scientific research leading to discovery and development of high value, proprietary molecular diagnostic products and related technologies. Responsibilities include performing or supervising research staff who use techniques such as IHC staining (autostainer preferred), FFPE tissue scanning and macro-dissection, RNA/DNA extractions and nucleic acid quantification/QC, PCR and real-time PCR, Next Generation Sequencing, protein extraction and protein quantification/QC, western blotting, ELISA/ELONA, mass spectrometry sample prep, mass spectrometry/proteomics, chemical synthesis and/or conjugation, aptamer selection, biomarker discovery/target ID, affinity purification, immunoprecipitation, proximity labeling assays, cell culture, cell growth/viability assays, cytotoxicity assays, and immunocytochemistry.
Job Responsibilities
- Design and conduct experiments; collect and analyze data in support of project objectives.
- Lead and direct a cohort of researchers (Research Associate I–Research Scientist II) to complete tasks, timelines, and milestones.
- Lead multidisciplinary teams coordinating multiple research projects.
- Design/perform/oversee experiments and data collection to ensure integrity, QC, and protocol compliance.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of state-of-the-art technology/equipment/systems.
- Train lab staff on new technologies and technology changes.
- Maintain laboratory equipment (clean/sterilize, maintain, shut down; complete logs/maintenance daily/weekly).
- Assist with lab planning and equipment calibration/maintenance.
- Support publication efforts (papers, abstracts, manuscripts) and prepare reports/summaries for internal use and patents.
- Engage in continuous learning and skill development.
- Maintain laboratory records; follow SOPs, safety/security policies, and complete required paperwork.
- Assist with related duties and special projects as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- PhD in a science field plus at least 5 years of post-doctoral experience.
- Ability to explain molecular assay experience, including positive/negative controls and data interpretation.
- Deep knowledge of precision medicine for drug target discovery (ADCs, small molecule inhibitors, degraders), tumor biology, and immune signatures (CAR-T, TILs, TCRs).
- Familiarity with precision medicine analytical platforms generating proteomic/genomic data for patient therapy.
- General biostatistics familiarity for analysis/visualization of large datasets.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Strong attention to detail and multitasking in fast-paced, deadline-driven settings.
- Team skills and constructive collaboration.
- Ability to design and interpret complex directions and scientific project plans.
- Ability to propose novel, scientifically rigorous research ideas; assess new technologies.
- Independent judgment; ability to solve problems and escalate appropriately; maintain project confidentiality.
- High integrity and ethics.
- Strong Microsoft Office skills (Access, Word, Excel, Outlook) and working internet knowledge.
Preferred Qualifications
- Highly self-motivated and detail-oriented.
- Experience in complex matrix, team-oriented environments.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
- Drive for results (service, quality, continuous improvement).
- Proficient verbal/written communication; focus on understanding client/customer needs and exceeding expectations.
Physical Demands / Other
- Potential lab exposure to fumes, bio-hazardous materials, and hazardous waste; may lift >30 lbs.
- May require periodic travel and evenings/weekends/holidays; after-hours response and on-call for technical emergencies may be required.
- Required training: job-specific safety/compliance training assigned based on job functions.
Conditions of Employment
Must complete pre-employment process including criminal background check, drug screening, credit check (for certain positions), and reference verification.
Senior Research Scientists (SRS) conduct scientific research leading to discovery and development of high value, proprietary molecular diagnostic products and related technologies. Responsibilities include performing or supervising research staff who use techniques such as IHC staining (autostainer preferred), FFPE tissue scanning and macro-dissection, RNA/DNA extractions and nucleic acid quantification/QC, PCR and real-time PCR, Next Generation Sequencing, protein extraction and protein quantification/QC, western blotting, ELISA/ELONA, mass spectrometry sample prep, mass spectrometry/proteomics, chemical synthesis and/or conjugation, aptamer selection, biomarker discovery/target ID, affinity purification, immunoprecipitation, proximity labeling assays, cell culture, cell growth/viability assays, cytotoxicity assays, and immunocytochemistry.
Job Responsibilities
- Design and conduct experiments; collect and analyze data in support of project objectives.
- Lead and direct a cohort of researchers (Research Associate I–Research Scientist II) to complete tasks, timelines, and milestones.
- Lead multidisciplinary teams coordinating multiple research projects.
- Design/perform/oversee experiments and data collection to ensure integrity, QC, and protocol compliance.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of state-of-the-art technology/equipment/systems.
- Train lab staff on new technologies and technology changes.
- Maintain laboratory equipment (clean/sterilize, maintain, shut down; complete logs/maintenance daily/weekly).
- Assist with lab planning and equipment calibration/maintenance.
- Support publication efforts (papers, abstracts, manuscripts) and prepare reports/summaries for internal use and patents.
- Engage in continuous learning and skill development.
- Maintain laboratory records; follow SOPs, safety/security policies, and complete required paperwork.
- Assist with related duties and special projects as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- PhD in a science field plus at least 5 years of post-doctoral experience.
- Ability to explain molecular assay experience, including positive/negative controls and data interpretation.
- Deep knowledge of precision medicine for drug target discovery (ADCs, small molecule inhibitors, degraders), tumor biology, and immune signatures (CAR-T, TILs, TCRs).
- Familiarity with precision medicine analytical platforms generating proteomic/genomic data for patient therapy.
- General biostatistics familiarity for analysis/visualization of large datasets.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Strong attention to detail and multitasking in fast-paced, deadline-driven settings.
- Team skills and constructive collaboration.
- Ability to design and interpret complex directions and scientific project plans.
- Ability to propose novel, scientifically rigorous research ideas; assess new technologies.
- Independent judgment; ability to solve problems and escalate appropriately; maintain project confidentiality.
- High integrity and ethics.
- Strong Microsoft Office skills (Access, Word, Excel, Outlook) and working internet knowledge.
Preferred Qualifications
- Highly self-motivated and detail-oriented.
- Experience in complex matrix, team-oriented environments.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
- Drive for results (service, quality, continuous improvement).
- Proficient verbal/written communication; focus on understanding client/customer needs and exceeding expectations.
Physical Demands / Other
- Potential lab exposure to fumes, bio-hazardous materials, and hazardous waste; may lift >30 lbs.
- May require periodic travel and evenings/weekends/holidays; after-hours response and on-call for technical emergencies may be required.
- Required training: job-specific safety/compliance training assigned based on job functions.
Conditions of Employment
Must complete pre-employment process including criminal background check, drug screening, credit check (for certain positions), and reference verification.