Description
The Department of Medical Genetics in the Cumming School of Medicine invites applications for a Research Genetic Counsellor. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 12 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.
This project will develop and deliver a genetic counselling and education approach to participants in a pilot newborn screening program for Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), based on genetic risk score testing via newborn screening programs in multiple provinces across the country Canscreen T1D. This is an exciting opportunity to develop and evaluate an approach to genetic counselling for polygenic risk scores in the context of newborn screening for multifactorial diseases. The role will involve development of the initial genetic counselling and education materials, obtaining formal feedback from public/patient focus groups on the materials and then delivering genetic counselling and acting as a support framework for the pilot research newborn screening program for T1D. The role will also include supervision of other students working on the project and coordinating with genetic counsellors newborn screening programs teams across the country.
Reporting to the Program Manager.
Position is located at the Alberta Children's Hospital.
Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):
- Coordinate and administer research project per established study protocols
- Process research referrals, obtain informed consent
- Ensure appropriate and timely follow-up counselling including disclosure of results
- Provide participant with appropriate documentation of their participation in the study
- Hold focus groups for feedback on genetic counselling materials and adapt them with this feedback
- Organization of genetic testing in accordance with participant preference
- Follow up of research results and organization of appropriate clinical referrals when required
- Responsible for ensuring complete and accurate data collection and entry of data into electronic databases in a timely fashion
- Supports and delegates appropriate tasks to the research coordinator
- Collaborates with the investigative team, physicians and clinic staff and newborn screening programs across the country for ensuring timely implementation and completion of research activities
- Completion of Tri-council Policy Statement CORE module version
- Completion of Alberta Health Services Privacy and Confidentiality module
Qualifications / Requirements:
- MSc in Genetic Counselling with a preference for certification by the Canadian Association of Genetic Counsellors/American Board of Genetic Counselling or certification eligible
- Experience in 1:1 genetic counselling meeting the principles of informed consent, return of results, implication of diagnosis, inheritance and management
- Ability to work with multiple clinicians in various genetic subspecialties
- Fluent in English with excellent spoken and written communication skills
- Computer literacy, intermediate to advanced skills in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
- Knowledge of Phenotips database and/or genomic analysis would be an asset
- Demonstrated commitment to accuracy and attention to detail
- Tri-council ethics training
- Must be able to work independently and with others
- Strong organizational skills, highly conscientious and detail oriented
- Strong interpersonal skills and professional demeanor
- Cooperative and dependable
- Effective multi-tasking skills
- Appropriately recognizes the need for advice/support and seeks it out when required
- Ability to provide support to other members of the team
- Ability to solve complex problems
Application Deadline: July 31, 2025
We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.
This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Specialist/Advisor Job Family, Phase 3.
For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website.
About the University of Calgary
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We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.