"Alerted.org

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 Laboratory Operations Specialist I – IHC , Technical duties include, but are not limited to, administrative duties (i.e. documentation of temperatures), performing and tracking equipment maintenance (i.e. cover slipper, embedding station), perform and coordinate instrument decontaminations (prepare and refill all bulk buffers associated with the machine), slide duties (i.e. prep slides for staining, case building), disposing of hazardous chemicals from various instrumentations, receiving and unpacking packages, preparing bulk reagents for staining including the use and standardization of the pH meter.

This position works under the direction of the IHC management and follows standard laboratory procedures and policies. The Technical IHC Operations Specialist is responsible for supporting the department with all clerical and ancillary duties in keeping all equipment ready to run for patient output.

Job Responsibilities

+ Performs decontamination procedures on all Ventana and Dako autostainers.Keeps maintenance schedule and updates as needed. Sends weekly email indicating which machines will be decontaminated.

+ Ensure other Lab Operations Specialist perform maintenance on time on all instruments as scheduled.

+ Coordinates with floor techs and notifies when maintenance will be performed.

+ Properly documents maintenance in the Ventana software and Electronic Maintenance System (EMS).

+ Labels carboys with appropriate lots, decontamination date, and updates lots in Ventana software during decontamination procedure.

+ Coordinates and conducts slide printer maintenance and freezer defrost.

+ Prepares bulk fluids for stainers and refills as needed, keeping track of lot numbers and associating bulks to instruments after filling them.

+ Replaces filters monthly and blades bi-weekly on coverslippers, tissue processors, and automated Sakura stainer.

+ Completes and coordinates tissue processor maintenance.

+ Replaces pH probe monthly and document in the EMS.

+ Communicates with the Equipment Service team and Lab Supervisors when equipment needs repair.

+ Enters daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly maintenance logs for appropriate equipment.

+ Responsible for filing, tracking, retrieval, and accurate record keeping of different tasks as needed.

+ Aides in other general IHC and/or Lab Ops tasks as assigned.

+ Accepts other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

+ High school diploma or equivalent.

+ Fully trained and competent in all Lab Ops tasks.

Preferred Qualifications

+ Knowledge of Ventana and Dako maintenance preferred.

Physical Demands

+ Visual acuity and analytical skill to distinguish fine detail.

+ 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 50 pounds.

+ May have exposure to high noise levels, 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.

+ Will work at a computer some of the time

+ May be required to handle blood-borne pathogens and general laboratory reagents.

Training

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

Other

+ This position does require periodic travel but may require 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.

Caris Life Sciences is a leading innovator in molecular science and artificial intelligence focused on fulfilling the promise of precision medicine through quality and innovation.

Caris is committed to quality and excellence at our state-of-the-art laboratories. Learn more about our tissue lab and the advanced technologies that are helping improve the lives of cancer patients.