Laboratory Shipping Specialist 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 Laboratory Shipping Specialist I is responsible for supporting the department with all clerical and ancillary duties, as well as shipping and archival of all specimens received. While maintaining job functions, the Laboratory Shipping Specialist is to progress in their learning of the regulations (CLIA, CAP and NYS) which the laboratory functions by. Laboratory Shipping Specialists support Laboratory Operations Specialists, Specimen Processing Clerks, Histology Technicians, Histology Technologists, Pathology Assistants, Pathologists and Molecular Technicians. The Laboratory Shipping Specialist will maintain a close working relationship with Customer Support. This position works under the direction of the Supervisor and follows standard laboratory procedures and policies.

Job Responsibilities

• Responsible for filing, tracking, retrieval, and accurate record keeping.

• Routinely checks and verifies that surgical case numbers match blocks and slides; prints labels as appropriate.

• Logs appropriate information into the Laboratory Information System (LIS) and other logs as necessary.

• Responsible for Quality Assurance (QA)/Quality Control (QC) of specimens being returned to the corresponding pathology labs.

• Responsible for pulling and shipping all specimens back to the corresponding pathology labs.

• Responsible for performing audits and checking lab queues to ensure all specimens are returned in a timely manner.

• Adheres to shipping regulations when sending specimens out internationally.

• Creates patient cases via Ambry portal as necessary and will send out the corresponding DNA daily and/or frozen RNA PAXgene whole blood tubes.

• Responsible for packaging send-outs and records every specimen shipped out via the video receipt detail camera.

• Assists as needed to perform other related duties and special projects to support the laboratory as required.

• Accepts other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent required.

Preferred Qualifications

• One to three years' experience in general laboratory operations preferred.

• Demonstrated ability to take and follow direction and to know who the resources are for their direction.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Word, Excel, Outlook, and general working knowledge of Internet for business use.

• Ability to multi-task and work in a fast-past, deadline driven environment.

• Enthusiasm and dedication to meeting group objectives.

• Executes with a strong attention to detail.

• Drive for Results (Service, Quality, and Continuous Improvement) - Ensure procedures and processes are in place that lead to delivery of quality results and continually reassess their effectiveness to achieve continuous improvement.

• Communication - Proficient verbal and written communication skills. Willingness to share and receive information and ideas from all levels of the organization in order to achieve the desired results.

• Teamwork - Commitment to the successful achievement of team and organizational goals through a desire to participate with and help other members of the team.

• Customer Service Focus - Demonstrate a focus on listening to and understanding client/customer needs and then delighting the client/customer by exceeding service and quality expectations.

• Ability to work under routine and stressful situations in an accurate and timely manner.

• Knowledge of laboratory safety procedures for biohazards and chemicals, as well as quality control procedures and regulations.

• Ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment.

• Effective verbal and written communication skills. Proven attention to detail with effective organizational skills.

• Effective interpersonal and team skills.

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.

• 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.

• May have exposure to extreme temperatures, high noise levels, fumes and bio-hazardous material/chemicals including formalin in the lab environment.

Required Training

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

Other

• This position requires 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.