HudsonAlpha - Genetic Counselor

Position: Genetic Counselor

Position Type: Full-Time

Location: Huntsville, AL

 

INSTITUTE OVERVIEW

HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology is a nonprofit advancing discoveries in genomics and biotechnology to improve human health, strengthen the innovation economy, and inspire learners of all ages. Based in Huntsville, Alabama, HudsonAlpha is part of a vibrant science and technology community and is home to research labs, education programs, and an innovation ecosystem.

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DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

HudsonAlpha's Educational Outreach advances the Institute's mission by growing interest in STEM through engaging programs for students and educators. These efforts are guided by two goals: preparing the future biotechnology workforce and increasing public understanding of how genetics and biotechnology impact everyday life.

The Smith Family Clinic for Genomic Medicine is a private-practice genetics clinic on HudsonAlpha's campus and a wholly owned subsidiary of the Institute. Founded in 2015, the clinic provides genomic medicine-focused care to local and regional communities, and, through philanthropic support and a partnership with the Alabama State Department of Children's Rehabilitation Services, helps reduce barriers to genetic services for patients and families.

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POSITION SUMMARY

HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology is seeking a Genetic Counselor to join our team in Huntsville, Alabama. This position combines clinical genetic counseling, support for clinical research initiatives, and genomics education/outreach. The role includes in-person and telemedicine care and close collaboration with a board-certified medical geneticist and the HudsonAlpha genetic counseling team.

JOB SPECIFIC TASKS 

• Provide clinical genetic counseling for pediatric and adult patients at The Smith Family Clinic for Genomic Medicine, LLC (in-person and via telemedicine)
• Support triage of incoming referrals and provide peer-to-peer support/education to local healthcare providers
• Deliver genetic counseling and education support for HudsonAlpha clinical research projects and initiatives (e.g., AGHI, HOPE-AD, Parkinson's biomarker studies)
• Design, develop, and deliver genetics/genomics education and training for healthcare providers and clinical trainees
• Communicate complex genetics/genomics concepts clearly in both written and verbal formats
• Collaborate across clinical, research, and education teams; manage timelines and deliverables using project management tools
• Present project experiences and program data at local, regional, and national meetings

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EDUCATION AND REQUIRED SKILLS EXPERIENCE

Education and Experience:

• Master's degree in Genetic Counseling
• ABGC board-certified or board-eligible (certification expected at the first opportunity after hire)

Required Skills:

• Ability to provide genetic counseling across a range of clinical indications and patient populations
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong presentation and educational content development skills
• Proficiency with common technology applications
• Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and priorities; high attention to detail
• Willingness to comply with HudsonAlpha and Smith Family Clinic policies and procedures

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Physical Demands/Environmental Factors/Mental Functions 

ADA Requirements The physical demands, work environment factors, and mental functions described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential function of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Disclaimer - All job requirements are subject to possible revision to reflect changes in the position requirements or to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a threat or risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties which will be required in this position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor/manager (within guidelines and compliance with Federal and State Laws). Continued employment remains on an "at-will" basis.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position (sit or stand) for prolonged periods (50% of the time).
• Constant moving during hosted events and while providing patient care.
• Frequently position self (e.g. stoop, crouch, crawl, bend) and pull and push to maintain computers and audio/visual equipment in the 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, media equipment, and other classroom equipment) between classrooms/laboratories and to and from parking lots and buildings.
• Frequent operation of common office equipment (e.g. computers, mobile devices, calculators, copiers, scanners).
• Frequently move around a classroom or HudsonAlpha campus to monitor guests of HudsonAlpha.
• Occasional air/car travel for meetings, conferences, or other activities which may require overnight stay(s). 
• Frequent communication with guests of HudsonAlpha in an auditorium, atrium, or classroom/laboratory.
• Vision abilities - close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust/focus.

Environmental Factors

• Moderate noise level (i.e. business office with computers, phone, and printers, light traffic).
• Workspace is generally an indoor office setting and in other common and education spaces throughout HudsonAlpha to include the Smith Family Clinic for Genomic Medicine, LLC, with controlled temperature conditions.
• Occasional exposure to outdoor environment during portions of the workday including extreme cold or hot temperatures, or inclement weather conditions.
• Prolonged and irregular working hours, which include early morning and/or evening hours, as business dictates.
• Periodic overnight travel to regional and national meetings and some local travel will be required.

Mental Functions

• 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.

It is the policy of HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, in accordance with all applicable laws, to recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.