Vice President - Diagnostic Partnering

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
We are seeking a strategic, externally facing Diagnostic (Dx) executive to lead biopharma partnerships and diagnostic strategy across oncology. This role is accountable for shaping, governing, and scaling all NGS- and IHC-based diagnostic collaborations that support therapeutic development, regulatory approval, and commercialization for top global pharmaceutical and biotechnology partners. This individual must bring deep companion diagnostic (CDx) domain expertise and be capable of serving not only as a business development leader, but also as a technical and strategic advisor to both external partners and internal teams across the full CDx lifecycle.

In addition to BD partnering, this position serves as a subject matter expert (SME) on priority, high-impact Top pharma programs from the Dx business, providing scientific, regulatory, and strategic input into deal structuring, biomarker strategy and program design, and execution. The individual in this role is expected to possess a strong working knowledge of companion diagnostic development, including assay fit-for-purpose considerations, analytical and clinical validation requirements, regulatory submission pathways, bridging strategies, commercialization models, and the operational realities of CDx implementation. The Executive Director will work closely with the Biopharma Business Development (BBD) lead and Alliance Management (AM) lead on major strategic accounts, while also acting as the primary, independent Partnering lead on select pharma and biotech partnerships, owning those relationships end-to-end.

The successful candidate will operate as a trusted external advisor to biopharma executives and as an internal executive sponsor across R&D, regulatory, product, commercial, and operations teams, ensuring diagnostic collaborations deliver durable strategic and financial value and improved patient outcomes. This role requires an individual who can credibly consult with biopharma partners on the technical, regulatory, and strategic aspects of CDx development and translate that expertise into differentiated partnering opportunities for Caris.

Job Responsibilities

Biopharma Dx Partnership Strategy

• Establish and own the long-term diagnostic strategy for biopharma collaborations, aligned with corporate growth objectives, oncology focus areas, and platform capabilities.

• Serve as a Dx subject matter expert for priority, top-tier pharma programs, providing authoritative input on biomarker strategy, assay selection, regulatory pathways, and development risk.

• Act as the internal and external CDx expert, advising on appropriate development strategy, assay methodology, intended use alignment, and program design considerations for therapeutic assets.

• Partner closely with the BBD lead on marquee strategic accounts, jointly shaping overall deal strategy, partner positioning, and long-term value creation.

• Independently originate, structure, and lead diagnostic partnerships for select pharma and biotech accounts, acting as the primary Partnering lead from initial engagement through execution.

• Lead CDx and advanced Dx co-development discussions, including biomarker selection, IUO/bridging approach, regulatory strategy, development timelines, and commercialization support.

• Guide partners through the technical and strategic implications of CDx development decisions, including platform selection, sample strategy, testing workflow, validation expectations, regulatory risks, and launch readiness.

• Serve as the strategic thought partner to executives and R&D leadership at biopharma companies, fostering trust and scientific alignment.

• Function as a consultative leader in external discussions, able to engage deeply on CDx science, development pathways, and feasibility considerations rather than relying solely on commercial positioning.

Commercial, BD & Market Leadership

• Serve as the lead on cross-functional teams managing Dx partnerships from early-stage evaluation through prospective testing followed by regulatory submission, approval and market launch.

• Manage program timelines, deliverables, budgets, and risk mitigation strategies to ensure successful execution of partnership goals.

• Define partnership value propositions by integrating our scientific strengths with the commercial needs of biopharma customers.

• Represent the company as a senior external leader at major partnering forums and oncology conferences (e.g., JPM, BIO, ASCO, World CDx).

• Shape diagnostic value propositions that integrate scientific differentiation, regulatory readiness, and commercial impact working with Dx product strategy team.

• Identify and pursue strategic opportunities for diagnostic and companion diagnostic programs, particularly where technical CDx expertise can strengthen Caris’ positioning with biopharma partners.

• Serve as the BD lead managing diagnostic partnerships from early-stage evaluation through deal closing.

• Define partnership value propositions by integrating our scientific strengths with the commercial needs of biopharma customers.

• Support proposal development and partner engagements with sufficient technical depth to advise on CDx scope, assumptions, risks, and feasibility.

Marketing & Messaging Collaboration

• Partner with Dx product strategy, marketing and competitive intelligence to craft differentiated messaging for Dx solutions.

• Ensure learnings from priority biopharma programs are reflected in broader Dx portfolio positioning and external narratives.

• Help strengthen external materials that clearly communicate the value of our Dx offerings to Biopharma and beyond.

• Ensure Caris’ CDx technical strengths, development capabilities, and regulatory expertise are accurately and effectively reflected in partner-facing materials and messaging.

Cross-Functional & Organizational Leadership

• Lead and influence senior cross-functional leaders across R&D, clinical development, regulatory, quality, product, and commercial teams.

• Ensure diagnostic strategies are fully integrated into the broader oncology portfolio, platform roadmap, and corporate narrative.

• Build, mentor, and develop senior leaders and teams responsible for alliance management, Dx strategy, and execution.

• Serve as a key internal resource for CDx expertise, helping educate and guide commercial and cross-functional teams on companion diagnostic strategy, terminology, and development considerations.

Required Qualifications

• MS or PhD in molecular biology, genomics, oncology, or related field.

• 12+ years of experience in the molecular diagnostics, biopharma, or precision medicine sectors, with a clear focus on diagnostics and oncology, with leadership responsibility.

• Demonstrated executive-level experience leading diagnostic, CDx, or biomarker-driven partnerships with/within biopharma.

• Track record of originating, structuring, closing or executing complex biopharma collaborations and strategic transactions.

• Deep understanding of oncology drug development, biomarker strategy, and global regulatory pathways for diagnostics.

• Deep, practical knowledge of companion diagnostic development, including assay development strategy, analytical and clinical validation, regulatory submissions, bridging studies, labeling considerations, and commercialization planning.

• Experience operating as the senior external representative of an organization with biopharma partners.

• Strong executive presence with exceptional communication, negotiation, and strategic leadership skills.

• Ability to engage credibly with sophisticated biopharma stakeholders as both a business development leader and a technical CDx consultant.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD, MBA or equivalent commercial experience strongly preferred.

• Prior responsibility for Dx or CDx strategy.

• Prior hands-on experience supporting or leading companion diagnostic programs in partnership with biopharma, including direct involvement in technical, regulatory, and strategic decision-making.

• Deep understanding of NGS technologies (panel-based, whole exome/genome, RNAseq) and their clinical application in oncology.

• Experience with both LDT and IVD business models in a partner-driven context.

• Familiarity with clinical trial design, biomarker assay development, and the evolving landscape of personalized medicine.

• Familiarity with CDx-specific regulatory frameworks, submission expectations, and the intersection of therapeutic and diagnostic development timelines.

Physical Demands

• Will work at a computer most of the time, with some time spent collaborating with subject matter experts and business group leaders either in person or through remote conferencing.

• Visual acuity and analytical skill to distinguish fine detail.

• Must possess ability to sit and/or stand for long periods of time.

Training

• All job specific, safety, and compliance training are assigned based on the job functions associated with this employee.

Other

• Job may require after-hours response to emergency issues.

• This position may require periodic travel and some evenings, weekends, and/or holidays.

Annual Hiring Range

$260,000 - $300,000

Actual compensation offer to candidate may vary from posted hiring range based upon geographic location, work experience, education, and/or skill level. The pay ratio between base pay and target incentive (if applicable) will be finalized at offer.

Description of Benefits

• Highly competitive and inclusive medical, dental and vision coverage options

• Health Savings Account for medical expenses and dependent care expenses

• Flexible Spending Account to pay for certain out-of-pocket expenses

• Paid time off, including: vacation, sick time and holidays

• 401k match and Financial Planning tools

• LTD and STD insurance coverages, as well as voluntary benefit options

• Employee Assistance Program

• Pet Insurance

• Legal Assistance

• Tuition Assistance

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.