Associate Research Scientist 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 Associate Research Scientist I (ARSI) provides independent scientific expertise and leadership for pathology-related components of research and development initiatives. This role exercises advanced scientific judgment in tissue evaluation, tumor assessment, and study design support, serving as a primary pathology subject matter expert for research programs. The position operates with minimal supervision and contributes directly to research strategy, data interpretation, and methodological decision-making.

Job Responsibilities

• Serves as a primary pathology advisor for research and development experiments, providing independent scientific guidance on tissue selection, tumor assessment, and pathology-related study design.
• Communicates pathology concepts, findings, and limitations to R&D teams; educates scientists on pathology considerations relevant to experimental design and data interpretation.
• Performing Pathology report review, macrodissecting / microdissecting areas of tumor, marking of H&E (tumor and/or normal tissue). Quality control tissue.
• Independently evaluates pathology-related questions and issues arising in research studies and consults Pathologists as appropriate for complex or novel cases.
• Develops, evaluates, and refines pathology protocols and standards to support research objectives and ensure scientific rigor and reproducibility.
• Designs and contributes to the development of digital pathology tools and analytical approaches, including algorithm development, to improve interpretation and understanding of slides.
• Reviews pathology-related data, annotations, and analyses for scientific accuracy, consistency, and appropriateness for research use.
• Identifies pathology-related risks, limitations, or opportunities within research projects and recommends scientifically sound mitigation strategies.
• Operates with a high degree of independence in planning and executing pathology-related research activities, prioritizing work based on project needs and scientific impact.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a chemical, biological, clinical or medical laboratory science, or medical technology with one of the following: Certified Cytotechnologist (ASCP), Pathologist Assistant (ASCP or AAPA), Histotechnologist (ASCP), other applicable laboratory certification, or internal training.
• OR Certified as a Medical Doctor (foreign trained is acceptable).
• OR Bachelor of Science degree that does not fit into the above categories and the following:
  • At least 60 semester hours, or equivalent, from an accredited institution that, at a minimum, includes either:
    • 24 semester hours of medical laboratory technology courses; OR
    • 24 semester hours of science courses that include:
      • 6 semester hours of chemistry;
      • 6 semester hours of biology; AND
      • 12 semester hours of chemistry, biology, or medical laboratory technology in any combination.
  • AND
    • Completion of a clinical laboratory training program approved or accredited by the ABHES or the CAAHEP (this training may be included in the 60 semester hours listed above); OR
    • At least 3 months documented laboratory training in each specialty in which the individual performs high complexity testing
• Demonstrated ability to exercise independent scientific judgment in pathology-related research, including interpretation of histologic findings and advisory support for experimental design.
• Experience collaborating with research teams and communicating complex pathology concepts to non-pathology stakeholders.
• Experience developing or contributing to pathology protocols, analytical approaches, or research methodologies.
• Proficiency with laboratory information systems, digital pathology platforms, and standard scientific software tools.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to document scientific rationale and present findings clearly.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while appropriately consulting Pathologists on complex or high-impact issues.

• A high degree of care and attention with strict adherence to defined clinical testing protocols.
• Years of experience required: 3-5 

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters or MD.
• Years of experience preferred: 5+ 

Physical Demands

• Will work at a computer some of the time as well as need to keep inventory and ordering records requiring the use of 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.
• Must possess ability to use a microscope for extended periods of time.
• May have exposure to extreme temperatures, high noise levels, fumes and bio-hazardous 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.
• Continuing Education – a minimum of 12 hours must be completed on an annual basis.

Other

• This position may require periodic travel and 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.