Manager - Pathology Operations (Monday - Friday, 12:00pm - 8:30pm)

Caris Life Sciences•Phoenix, AZ

About The Position

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 Manager - Pathology Operations works closely with all leaders of the Pathology department. This position is responsible for the daily operations of the Pathologist Assistants, Pathology Operation, and Pathology Support teams. The manager monitors that all areas (Marking and Ordering, CISH and Microdissection) are performing at the level it should be, meeting all goals, and the quality of results being reported are at the appropriate level and are meeting all necessary Quality Control (QC) guidelines. This position troubleshoots any problems that arise with dissection, marking and ordering and CISH workflow. The manager is also responsible for the Pathologist Operations daily workflow ensuring all tasks to include Distribution of Cases to Pathologists, Discrepancy reviews and PAQA, PathQA and dissection QAs are being performed effectively. The manager resolves any professional conflicts, track the department employee hours, and schedule employee’s time. The manager is responsible for ensuring and tracking that all the Pathologist Assistants and Pathology Associates in the department meet their task requirements including competencies, continuing education credits and safety training. The manager maintains communication with direct reports through one-on-ones and coordinates with other departments as needed. This position works with supervisors and upper management to ensure all policies and procedures are carried out, and that their unit meets all necessary regulatory guidelines. This position assists and coordinates the Pathologists work schedule, daily workflow, competencies and trainings. This position performs other management tasks as assigned. The Manager-Pathology operations also performs the tasks of the Pathologists Assistant IV

Requirements

4+ years of progressive leadership experience in a Pathology laboratory in a CLIA, NYS, CAP, ISO regulated environment.
Bachelor’s degree in a chemical, biological, clinical or medical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited institution.
OR Bachelor’s 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
A high degree of care and attention with strict adherence to defined clinical testing protocols.

Nice To Haves

Relevant qualifications in the technical aspects of pathology.
7+ years of experience in a Pathology laboratory in a CLIA, NYS, CAP, ISO regulated environment.
Bachelors, Masters, or PhD in a chemical, biological, clinical or medical laboratory science, or medical technology, or certified as Medical Doctor (foreign trained is acceptable), Cytotechnologist (ASCP), Pathologist Assistant (ASCP or AAPA), Histotechnologist (ASCP), or other applicable laboratory certification.
Knowledge of laboratory safety and quality control procedures and regulations.
Ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and Internet for business use
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 and 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

Responsibilities

Reports to the Director – Pathology Operations.
Supports the Pathologist Assistant Managers and Directors in the day-to-day operation of the Pathology Assistant department.
Manages the Pathologist Assistant, Pathology Operation, and Pathology Support teams.
Maintains high degree of technical knowledge in the Pathologist Assistants’ daily responsibilities.
Maintains high degree of technical knowledge in the Pathologist Operations’ daily responsibilities.
Is highly competent in reading Pathology Reports and reviewing H&E staining to determine the primary site of the specimen.
Demonstrates the ability to identify areas of tumor (and normal tissue when needed) on a stained NFR slide and collect the marked areas for molecular analysis using Micro and/or Macro techniques.
Ability to assess CISH stains for gene amplification.
Ability to assess tumor content of tissue (and normal tissue when needed) and order the appropriate testing.
Ability to perform Limited Tissue Letter reviews and Discrepancy reviews.
Identifies missing or wrong information and opens discrepancies to resolve before the case is activated.
Ability to assign and distribute cases to the Pathologists.
Is highly competent in complex troubleshooting for the department.
Works closely with the Pathologists refining workflow between the Pathologists and Pathologist Assistants and Pathology Operation Specialists.
Leads training for the Pathology team, ensuring that all employees are competent in the skills necessary for the functionality of the Pathology department
Assists and supports the Director of Pathology Operations in any validations, CAP competencies, training materials and studies needed by the Pathology department.
Maintains laboratory procedures.
Ensures compliance to applicable policies and procedures by laboratory personnel.
Recommends changes as needed.
Performs and documents the operation, troubleshooting and preventive maintenance of microdissection equipment.
Leads and coordinates with the department supervisors, meetings and huddles as needed.
Organizes and maintains Quality Assurance metrics for the department, collecting data, generating tables, and assists with any other Quality requests
Demonstrates the ability to accurately prioritize and triage specimens, handles and disposes of specimens and chemical waste based on the laboratory’s procedural manual, and ensures compliance with regulatory agencies
Maintains confidentiality of sensitive information concerning patients, physicians, employees, clients, vendors and the company
Reports all concerns of test quality and/or patient or employee safety to a Director or Safety Officer
Has a good understanding and working knowledge of Laboratory Information Systems
Maintains and implements laboratory procedures, ensures compliance to applicable policies and procedures by laboratory personnel, recommends changes as needed.
Manages the preventive maintenance of microdissection equipment, troubleshoots and documents maintenance procedures, as necessary
Communicates, and keeps the Director – Pathology Operations and or management team abreast of laboratory problems and non-conformities
Fosters a unified culture and promotes a positive work environment by collaboration, cooperation, sharing of information and mutual teamwork
Performs Quality Control and Quality Assurance tests as required and maintains all necessary documentation and logs.
Assists as needed to perform other related duties and special projects as required.