HudsonAlpha - Genetic Counseling Assistant

HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology • Huntsville, AL

2d • $20 • Onsite

About The Position

The Genetic Counseling Assistant (GCA) will support the genetic counseling team at the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology. This position will assist with genetic counseling tasks related to clinical genetic counseling, genomic research, and educational activities. Tasks include assisting with referral triage and scheduling as well as case preparation and follow-up for patients seen at the Smith Family Clinic for Genomic Medicine, located on HudsonAlpha's campus. The GCA will also be expected to facilitate informed consent for genomic research, use standardized criteria to classify family health history information, review scientific literature, organize data, and help develop educational materials for patient and provider audiences.
This is a full-time (40 hours per week) position. This is a termed position specifically for the period of 7/1/2024 through 6/30/2025. This position is based at the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology in Huntsville, Alabama.
The ideal candidate for this position is an individual who is completing, or has recently completed, an undergraduate degree in biology or a related field who is planning to pursue a career as a genetic counselor. This position will involve opportunities to observe and participate in the work done by the HudsonAlpha genetic counseling team. This position requires technology proficiency, attention to detail, multitasking, and a commitment to patient privacy. In addition, the GCA must comply with clinic immunization policies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in biology, genetics, or a related field preferred (college seniors are also welcome to apply)
• Basic familiarity with pedigree symbols and nomenclature
• Proficiency with technology
• Attention to detail and ability to multitask
• Compliance with staff immunization policy at the Smith Family Clinic or Genomic Medicine. This includes documentation of influenza vaccination (annually), Hepatitis B, and COVID-19, as well as a negative TB skin test (annually).
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position (sit or stand) for prolonged periods (50% of the time).
• Frequently position self (e.g. stoop, crouch, crawl, bend) and pull and push to maintain computers and audio/visual equipment in the clinic/classroom/laboratory.
• Must be able to transport materials required for various experiences. This includes lifting and moving up to 25 pounds of materials (e.g. small stacks of textbooks, equipment) between rooms and to and from parking lots and buildings.
• Frequent operation of common office equipment (e.g. computers, mobile devices, calculators, copiers, scanners).
• Vision abilities - close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust/focus.
• Continuous mental and visual attention requiring constant alertness or activity.
• Maintain emotional control under stress.
• Ability to understand complex problems and to collaborate and explore alternative solutions.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in the English language.
• Convey genomic science information in a clear, concise, and easily understandable manner.
• Use interpersonal skills to foster a stimulating, accepting learning environment.

Responsibilities

• Use family health history data and standardized criteria to identify cases at increased risk of genetic disease
• Use standardized templates to draft summaries of genomic evaluation and test results for patients and research participants
• Identify and evaluate patient/participant support resources
• Facilitate informed consent for genomic research studies
• Build family history pedigrees on paper and in electronic systems
• Enter and manage data using Microsoft Excel and Google Drive
• Read and synthesize scientific literature

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees