Development Associate
Caris Life Sciences
Summary
The Development Associate works within the Product Development and Validation Department and plays a critical role in supporting the development, validation, transfer, and launch of new molecular assays, instrumentation, and methodologies into the clinical laboratory. This position is responsible for planning, designing, and performing laboratory experiments, as well as documentation, reagent tracking, data analysis, and presentation of results. The Development Associate contributes both technically and intellectually to improve the quality and efficiency of development projects and supports cross-functional knowledge transfer.
Job description
Position Summary
The Development Associate works within the Product Development and Validation Department and plays a critical role in supporting the development, validation, transfer, and launch of new molecular assays, instrumentation, and methodologies into the clinical laboratory. This position is responsible for planning, designing, and performing laboratory experiments, as well as documentation, reagent tracking, data analysis, and presentation of results. The Development Associate contributes both technically and intellectually to improve the quality and efficiency of development projects and supports cross-functional knowledge transfer.
Job Responsibilities
- Work closely with team members to support development, troubleshooting, and validation activities.
- Participate in the planning and execution of laboratory experiments.
- Follow all applicable quality and regulatory requirements as they relate to specific assay validation projects.
- Assist in drafting validation plans, reports, SOPs, and supporting documentation.
- Perform required training and maintain competencies in a timely manner.
- Train laboratory personnel on methods and processes needed.
- Maintain laboratory equipment, including cleaning, sterilization, routine maintenance, and documentation logs. Receive, manage, log, and store inventory of reagents and supplies; create tracking documentation and QC forms.
- Manage inventory of reagents, samples, and supplies, including tracking and storage.
- Create and maintain tracking documentation and experimental records.
- Support data analysis, summarization, and presentation of experimental results.
- Accepts other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Molecular Biology, Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry, or a related field.
- Minimum of 1-2 years of experience in a research or clinical laboratory setting.
- Ability to perform routine laboratory techniques (e.g., PCR, gels, nucleic acid quantification) with minimal supervision.
- Experience executing established protocols and ability to adapt to new or unfamiliar methods.
- Basic understanding of experimental design, controls, and data interpretation.
- Strong data recording and documentation skills to support accurate analysis.
- Working knowledge of nucleic acid extraction and NGS library preparation using at least one platform.
- Ability to maintain laboratory organization, including inventory, equipment, and cleanliness.
- Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively with team members.
- Demonstrated attention to detail with minimal errors and commitment to continuous improvement.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and general internet use.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with laboratory automation across multiple platforms.
- Experience in high-throughput assay development and applications.
- Experience working with multiple NGS platforms.
- Advanced proficiency in a range of analytical and data interpretation methods.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Molecular Biology, Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry, or a related field
- Minimum of 1-2 years of experience in a research or clinical laboratory setting
- Ability to perform routine laboratory techniques (e.g., PCR, gels, nucleic acid quantification) with minimal supervision
- Experience executing established protocols and ability to adapt to new or unfamiliar methods
- Basic understanding of experimental design, controls, and data interpretation
- Strong data recording and documentation skills to support accurate analysis
- Working knowledge of nucleic acid extraction and NGS library preparation using at least one platform
- Ability to maintain laboratory organization, including inventory, equipment, and cleanliness
- Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively with team members
- Demonstrated attention to detail with minimal errors and commitment to continuous improvement
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and general internet use
- Experience with laboratory automation across multiple platforms
- Experience in high-throughput assay development and applications
- Experience working with multiple NGS platforms
- Advanced proficiency in a range of analytical and data interpretation methods
Company overview
Caris Life Sciences is a pioneering next-generation AI TechBio company and precision medicine leader that is revolutionizing healthcare through advanced molecular science and artificial intelligence. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Irving, Texas, Caris specializes in comprehensive molecular profiling using Whole Exome and Whole Transcriptome Sequencing technologies. The company has created one of the world's largest multimodal clinico-genomic databases, containing over 660,000 matched patient records, which it leverages with sophisticated AI and machine learning algorithms to unravel the molecular complexity of disease. Caris provides innovative diagnostic solutions for cancer detection, therapy selection, and treatment monitoring through its flagship products like Caris Assure (blood-based profiling) and MI Profile (tissue-based profiling). With a global presence including offices in Phoenix, New York, Tokyo, and Basel, Caris serves patients, physicians, and biopharmaceutical partners worldwide, driving the transformation from empirical medicine to precision-based healthcare approaches.