Supervisor - Accessioning, Liquid Profiling
About the Role
At Caris, we understand that cancer is an ugly word—a word no one wants to hear, but one that connects us all. 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. Our mission extends beyond cancer as we push the frontiers of medicine and lead a revolution in healthcare—driven by innovation, compassion, and purpose.
The Supervisor of Accessioning is responsible for overseeing clerical and ancillary duties to ensure consistent case workflow and effective management of testing turnaround times. This role includes supervising the accessioning process, conducting quality control checks, and maintaining laboratory and office equipment. The Supervisor manages employee schedules, training initiatives, and directly supervises Specimen Processing Clerks, the Laboratory Operations Courier, the Laboratory Logistics Specialist, and the Laboratory Aide. Additionally, the Supervisor addresses workflow issues and communicates with management regarding exceptions and timeline variations, while ensuring adherence to Standard Operating Procedures and regulatory guidelines.
Responsibilities
- Supervises team members by providing mentorship, coaching, performance management, and leading regular one-on-one meetings.
- Oversees case accessioning, checks quality reports, and manages all case workflow activities.
- Follows the lab's quality control policies and documents all quality control actions, including instrument and procedure checks and maintenance.
- Records all corrective actions taken when a system does not meet the lab's Standard Operating Procedures and performance specifications.
- Manages employee schedules, task rotations, new hire onboarding, and training activities.
- Approves or declines time off requests and bi-weekly timecards.
- Helps track and calculate performance metrics.
- Ensures that Accessioning has enough supplies.
- Addresses employee relations issues and recommends discipline when needed.
- Acts as the main contact for questions and keeps the team informed about new processes and updates.
- Maintains the quality of all specimens in the Accessioning Department and ensures correct patient labeling.
- Assists with other related tasks and special projects to support other departments as needed.
- Understands Accessioning protocols set by lab management and communicates any questions or uncertainties.
- Engages with leadership for guidance and development.
- Helps clean and maintain the Accessioning workspace and necessary equipment.
- Responsible for filing, tracking, retrieving, and keeping accurate records.
- Regularly checks that surgical case numbers match blocks and slides, and prints labels when needed.
- Logs necessary information into the Laboratory Information System (LIS) and other required logs.
- Ensures Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) for cases moving through the lab.
- Develops new protocols and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to solve problems and improve quality, efficiency, and safety in Accessioning.
- Works with various departments, including Customer Support, IHC, PAs, Pathologists, Lab Operations, Block Returns, and Reporting.
- Manages complex cross-functional activities within and outside the lab independently and uses strong judgement.
- Handles recruitment and training of new hires and gives coaching and feedback to employees on performance goals and improvement opportunities.
- Troubleshoots problems effectively and maintains workflow in the lab.
- Consistently shows professionalism and works to keep good relationships with colleagues and management.
- Identifies and uses resources to solve challenges, including documentation (SOPs, Job Aids, etc.) and human resources (peers, trainers, and leaders).
- Participates actively in department recruitment activities.
- Accepts other duties as assigned.
Requirements
- High School diploma or equivalent required.
- Two to five years of experience in general laboratory operations required.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline preferred.
- 2+ years' experience in an anatomical pathology laboratory preferred.
- 2+ years' experience in a Supervisor capacity preferred.
Physical Demands
- Must possess ability to sit, stand, and/or work at a computer for long periods of time.
- May have exposure to blood-borne pathogens, extreme temperatures, high noise levels, fumes, and bio-hazardous material/chemical including formalin in the lab environment.
- Visual acuity and analytical skill to distinguish fine detail.
- Ability to pass a visual color discrimination test.
- Must possess ability to perform repetitive motion.
- Ability to lift up to 30 pounds.
Schedule
This position requires periodic travel and some evenings, weekends, and/or holidays.