ASHG Genetics & Policy Education Fellow

AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HUMAN GENETICS•Rockville, MD

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Reporting to the Associate Director, Advocacy & Public Affairs, the Genetics & Policy Fellow will participate in a fellowship program designed to provide hands-on experience at the intersection of science policy, education, and public engagement related to genetics and genomics. The Fellow will also work alongside the Senior Director, Strategic Content and Scientific Programs, and other staff leaders. The fellow will gain a comprehensive understanding of how nonprofit organizations, government entities, and other stakeholders work together to shape public policy, professional education, and public understanding of genetics and genomics. Through a combination of policy-focused work and education and engagement initiatives, the fellow will contribute meaningfully to advocacy, education, and outreach efforts that support the genetics and genomics community. This is a contract position for 1 year that is renewable for a second year, funding permitting. The initial Fellowship period is July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027.

Requirements

An advanced degree (e.g., Master’s, PhD, MD, or JD) in genetics, genomics or a related field
Demonstrated expertise and strong interest in genetics and genomics
Demonstrated interest in science policy, advocacy, education, and/or public engagement
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Ability to quickly identify, synthesize, and analyze scientific information
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
Experience working effectively both independently and as part of a team
Professionalism, strong work ethic, and reliability
Working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Nice To Haves

Experience (volunteer or paid) in science education, policy, public engagement and/or advocacy initiatives
Passion for engaging broad audiences around human genetics and genomics
Commitment to building an inclusive, collaborative genetics and genomics enterprise
Experience leading training workshops and/or committee organization skills
Interest in developing project management skills through collaboration and co-creation

Responsibilities

Search for, summarize, and analyze scientific information for policy relevance and implications
Monitor and analyze proposed legislation, congressional activity, and federal funding related to human genetics and genomics
Draft a wide variety of policy-related materials, including position statements, issue briefs, testimony, budget justifications, memos, and calls to action
Facilitate advocacy certificate program for trainees; develop training materials to prepare members and stakeholders for advocacy activities
Draft concise memos and background documents summarizing scientific and technical information for non-scientific audiences
Support engagement with policymakers and legislative staff, including preparation for meetings and briefings
Develop, update, and maintain educational resources on human genetics and genomics for diverse audiences, including professionals, students, and the public
Coordinate and support activities for annual and one-time events that advance ASHG’s mission
Collaborate on the development, implementation, and evaluation of educational activities
Research emerging topics in genetics and genomics to assist in new program development.
Coordinate updates to programmatic websites and educational platforms
Stay current on best practices in science education, public engagement, and inclusive outreach
Develop 1-pagers, FAQ sheets and other resources for members, policymakers and the public
Contribute to the development of professional guidances, annual meeting, and other educational programs
Collaborate with internal staff and external partners on existing projects and new initiatives
Provide regular progress updates to staff and stakeholders and maintain proactive, ongoing communication
Represent the organization at local and national meetings, conferences, and events
Development of abstract and meeting summaries for the media and public
Deliver presentations and posters; disseminate project outcomes and gather information relevant to program goals
Engage with policymakers and congressional staff to coordinate poster tours on research advances during the annual meeting
Perform other duties as assigned in support of fellowship and organizational goals