Genetic Counselor I- Pulmonary

Position Summary

The Division of Pulmonary Medicine, in close collaboration with Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH), is seeking a Genetic Counselor I to join our growing Pulmonary Genetics Program in a hybrid clinical and research role. A unique opportunity to contribute to an exciting and rapidly expanding field - pulmonary genetics - and to work within nationally recognized institutions at the leading edge of patient care and genomic discovery. They will work closely with pulmonologists, medical geneticists, and research teams across both institutions to support individuals and families with known or suspected genetic contributions to their lung disease. They will provide comprehensive genetic counseling services, including the collection and interpretation of family histories, genetic risk assessment, patient education, coordination and follow-up of genetic testing, and return of clinical and research results. The role also includes preparation of patient and family letters and participation in multidisciplinary care discussions. Research responsibilities involve counseling research participants, collecting family histories, returning genetic findings, and supporting ongoing studies in at-risk relative screening and gene discovery for rare pediatric lung diseases. For applicants with interest in exome/genome interpretation, the position offers additional opportunities to contribute to variant analysis and the identification of novel disease-associated genes.

Key Responsibilities

• Provides genetic counseling to individuals and families at risk for specific hereditary disorders. Interprets family history, clinical and genetic findings to predict risk to patient. Obtains and reviews medical, developmental, and family history information as part of diagnostic team. Ascertains needs and agendas of patients/ families. Preparation of patient and family letters and participation in multidisciplinary care discussions. Collaborate closely with pulmonologists, clinical and research teams across BCH and BWH in a highly integrated, multidisciplinary environment.
• Responds to inquiries related to diagnostic evaluations, hereditary risks, genetic testing, and pregnancy exposures. Participates in communication process and educating families. Provides documentation of evaluation for families, referring physicians, medical record.
• Oversees and coordinates daily operations of assigned research study(s). Acts as liaison between principal investigator, study staff, and project collaborators. Contributes to the development of research protocols and/or consent forms as required for review by the Institutional Review Board. Assists in preparing applications for research funding.
• Responds to inquiries related to research eligibility and procedures, diagnostic evaluations, hereditary risks, and genetic testing within scope of research project.
• Identifies, contacts, and screens potential participants/families for eligibility of participation in research studies. Obtains informed consent for study participation from eligible individuals/families.
• Collects and interprets family/medical history, clinical and genetic findings for research studies.
• Monitors and reviews data/sample collection, computer entry, and related activities to ensure compliance and consistency of application.
• Develops and participates in genetics education programs for physicians, other health professionals, and lay populations. Trains, supervises, and evaluates graduate-level counseling students.
• Collaborates in developing written documents and web-based materials for a variety of purposes including journal publications and conference presentations.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

• Master's Degree in Genetic Counseling

Licensure/ Certifications:

• MA Genetic Counselor License
• Genetic Counselor certification from the American Board of Genetic Counseling or from the American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics