Research Associate (Genomicist, Genome Analyst, Research Genetic Counsellor)

Position Description

Responsibilities of the Cardiac Research Associate:

• To work with ongoing collaborations with clinicians, research scientists and bioinformaticians to identify new genomic analytic methodology.
• To coordinate the in-depth analysis of samples with team members conducting and interpreting genomic analysis and variant interpretation.
• To conduct the development, validation and implementation of new genomic analytic tools and technologies for use in the laboratory and ensure that they meet the needs of the clinical programs of the Hospital.
• To participate in strategic planning, implementation and ongoing development of the Cardiac Genome Clinic, particularly as it relates to implementation of latest sequencing technologies into clinical diagnostics to directly benefit Canadian and international health care.
• To work within the framework of the Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research and TCAG, and with stakeholders from the Division of Clinical and Metabolic Genetics, the Centre for Computational Medicine (CCM), and the Labatt Family Heart Centre to introduce and support clinical whole genome sequencing into its molecular diagnostics laboratory to serve the Cardiac Genome Clinic and SickKids/UHN in general.
• To ensure that written procedures/protocols are developed and approved for each methodology implemented and the ongoing review and approval of all changes at an established frequency to ensure protocols remain current with advances in technology and laboratory practice.
• To liaise with the Genome Diagnostics/TCAG to establish appropriate procedures for recording and reporting of genomic test results within defined time expectations (TATs).

• To work with the clinical investigators/collaborators on translational research initiatives, including the follow-up of new genomic testing and reporting and in the development of new knowledge to extend the utility of cardiac genomic testing.
• To establish resources (patient and control cohort collections, data sets, and infrastructure) available for broad use in the long term by the Canadian and international scientific and clinical communities
• To continually update professional knowledge and skills through reading scientific literature and attending national and international conferences.
• To augment the stature of the hospital through excellence in genomic research, teaching and/or participation in national and international genetic organizations.

Here’s What You’ll Need

• PhD and post-doctoral training in human molecular genetics, population genetics, cardiac genomics, or related field (preferred),
• Or Master’s in Genetic Counselling (ABGC, CAGC) with experience in variant interpretation,
• Or Master’s in Medical Genomics with experience in variant interpretation

Experience:

• Previous training or experience in human genomic analysis (experience with cardiac disease an asset).
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research and experience in the development of research manuscripts.
• Broad understanding of the latest research tools and techniques and developments in genomic technology bioinformatics and variant interpretation as it pertains to genetic cardiac diagnostics.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to analyze complex problems.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work in a team environment.

Employment Type: 1-year contract with modified benefits