Vice President Government Affairs

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 Vice President of Government Affairs will lead Caris’ federal and state government relations efforts. This executive will develop and execute comprehensive advocacy strategies to advance our interests in the lab diagnostics, healthcare, and AI sectors, working collaboratively with existing consultants to shape policy outcomes favorable to our business objectives.
Job Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic government affairs plans at federal and state levels to advance company priorities.

• Build and maintain relationships with key government officials, legislators, regulators, and industry associations.

• Monitor, analyze, and respond to legislative and regulatory developments affecting our business.

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to identify policy risks and opportunities.

• Represent the company at industry events, hearings, and meetings with government officials.

• Prepare policy positions, briefing materials, and talking points for senior leadership.

• Manage external consultants and government affairs budget.

• Partner with communications and legal teams on public policy messaging and compliance matters.

• Lead advocacy efforts for healthcare innovation, diagnostic testing policies, and responsible AI governance.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.

• 10+ years of progressive experience in government affairs in the clinical laboratory, molecular diagnostics, or precision medicine sectors.

• Demonstrated understanding of federal and state legislative and regulatory processes affecting clinical laboratories and diagnostic testing.

• Familiarity with FDA regulation of laboratory developed tests (LDTs), in vitro diagnostics (IVDs), and companion diagnostics.

• Experience navigating CMS coverage and reimbursement processes, including the CLFS, PAMA reporting, and MolDX.

• Strong network of relationships with relevant government officials and agencies.

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.

• Strategic thinking with ability to anticipate policy trends and their business impact.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in law, public policy, healthcare administration, or related field preferred.

Physical Demands

• Must possess ability to sit and/or stand for long periods of time.

• Must possess ability to perform repetitive motion.

• Ability to lift to 25 pounds.

Training

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

Other

• This position requires periodic travel and some evenings, weekends and/or holidays.

Annual Hiring Range

$250,000 - $310,000

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.

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.