Sr. Director - 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 and collaborative Companion Diagnostic Lead to spearhead our biopharma partnerships and drive the co-development and lead opportunities for NGS-based companion diagnostics in oncology. This role is central to shaping and executing partnership strategies that leverage our companion diagnostic platform with the biomarker and therapeutic needs of leading biopharmaceutical companies. The ideal candidate brings a deep understanding of the precision oncology landscape, a strong commercial mindset, and the ability to build and manage cross-functional initiatives that deliver value to partners and patients.

Job Responsibilities
Biopharma Partnership Strategy

• Develop and own the diagnostic strategy for biopharma collaborations, aligning our oncology-focused NGS offerings with partners’ therapeutic pipelines.

• Identify strategic opportunities for companion diagnostic programs for targeted therapies and immuno-oncology agents.

• Lead co-development discussions, including biomarker selection, regulatory strategy, development timelines, and commercialization support.

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

Commercial and Strategic Execution

• Serve as the lead on cross-functional teams managing diagnostic partnerships—from early-stage evaluation through regulatory 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.

• Oversee implementation of joint go-to-market plans, ensuring alignment on launch timing, geographies, messaging, and field deployment.

Marketing & Messaging Collaboration

• Partner with marketing and competitive intelligence to craft differentiated messaging for diagnostic solutions.

• Ensure partner strategies are reflected in the broader NGS oncology portfolio and promotional content.

• Help strengthen external materials that clearly communicate the value of our diagnostic offerings to clinicians, KOLs, and payers.

Sales Enablement & Partner Support

• Lead diagnostic partnerships.

• Support BBD leads and alliance managers with partnership-specific training, sales tools, and technical messaging to drive adoption of diagnostic products.

• Act as liaison between sales, medical affairs, and partners to ensure feedback loops, field support, and aligned customer engagement.

• Act as a key escalation point, ensuring consistent communication between internal stakeholders and partner organizations.

Required Qualifications

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

• A minimum of 10 years professional work experience.

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

• Proven experience managing or supporting biopharma partnerships involving NGS or biomarker-driven programs.

• Strong grasp of oncology therapeutic development, biomarker strategy, and regulatory pathways for diagnostics in global markets.

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and program leadership skills.

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Preferred Qualifications

• MBA or equivalent commercial experience strongly preferred.

• Business development or alliance management experience preferred.

• 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.

• Prior involvement in co-commercialization or co-branding efforts for diagnostic products.

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

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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

$210,000 - $240,000

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.