Clinical Genomic Scientist, Molecular Diagnostics Lab

About the New York Genome Center

The New York Genome Center (NYGC) is an independent, non-profit organization that leverages the collaborative resources of leading academic medical centers, research universities, and commercial organizations. Our vision is to transform medical research and clinical care in New York and beyond through the creation of one of the largest genomics facilities in North America, integrating sequencing, bioinformatics, and data management, as well as performing cutting-edge genomics research.

The New York Genome Center is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, creed, color, gender, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic predisposition or carrier status, protected veteran or military status, domestic violence victim status, partnership status, caregiver status, alienage or citizenship status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. The New York Genome Center takes affirmative action in support of its policy to hire and advance in employment individuals who are minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

Position Description

The New York Genome Center is looking for a highly motivated, detail-oriented individual to join our rapidly expanding CLIA certified Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory. Clinical Genomic Scientist (CGS) will report to the Laboratory Directors and will be responsible for clinical analysis and interpretation of Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) data. Responsibilities include but are not limited to variant curation and interpretation following the most current ACMG and ClinGen guidelines, genotype-phenotype correlation, variant database maintenance and mining, assistance with drafting clinical reports, and assisting Lab Directors with other day-to-day tasks. Clinical Genomic Scientists will work as a part of a team of highly experienced molecular diagnostic laboratory and informatics staff to produce clinical reports from WGS data. These positions are anticipated to be remote or hybrid remote / onsite.

Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

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  Identify, annotate and investigate the clinical significance of variants found in NGS-based clinical tests;

  
  
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  Prepare variant assessment summary, classify variants as per ACMG criteria, maintain accurate and detailed records of variant classification;

  
  
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  Identify and prioritize variants of interest using information from clinical notes;

  
  
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  Assist with literature review for variants of clinical interest;

  
  
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  Review results of Sanger sequencing qPCR, chromosomal microarray, or other assays used for confirmation of NGS findings and prepare variant level summary for clinical reporting;

  
  
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  Prepare presentations for clinical case reviews and present evidence for multi-disciplinary review meetings;

  
  
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  Participate in new assay validations and translational clinical activities as assigned.

  
  

Position Requirements:

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  Masters or PhD in molecular biology, human genetics, biochemistry, or a related field is required.

  
  
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  Experience in searching and extracting information from commonly used genomics databases such as ClinVar, gnomAD, HPO, NCBI etc;

  
  
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  Strong knowledge of Molecular Biology and Mendelian genetic diseases;

  
  
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  Excellent general laboratory and organizational skills, including the ability to work independently with minimal supervision and to train others in laboratory methods;

  
  
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  Strong communication skills to work as a member of a collaborative team

  
  
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  Thrives in a fast-paced, rapidly changing, start-up like environment;

  
  
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  Self-motivated and capable of analyzing and solving complex problems through innovative thought and experience.

  
  

Preferred

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  Prior experience working in a high volume molecular diagnostic laboratory;

  
  
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  Experience with germline variant classification and gene curation as per ACMG and ClinGen guidelines;

  
  
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  Previous exposure to NGS based molecular diagnostic testing such as WGS, WES, and gene panels;

  
  
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  Knowledge of phenotype ontologies;

  
  
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  Prior experience with variant curation and interpretation from the clinical genome or exome data is highly desirable;

  
  
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  Prior experience with somatic variant curation, database mining and reporting is a plus.

  
  

Competencies

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  Technical and Professional Skills: Consistently demonstrates skills and knowledge relevant for current role; strives to expand the depth and breadth of technical and professional skills; works with a high level of integrity; exhibits focus and discipline; appropriately prioritizes, manages expectations and delivers on commitments.

  
  
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  Collaborative & Communicative: Models collaboration and teamwork; brings out the best in others; effectively works with all levels, internally and externally; respects and embraces diversity of perspective; communicates clearly and listens carefully; uses good judgment as to what to communicate and when to do so.

  
  
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  Adaptable & Innovative: Adaptable and embraces change; develops new insights and pursues improvements and efficiency; fosters exchange of new ideas and willing to challenge the status quo; takes initiative and is solution-oriented; engages in work with passion and curiosity.

  
  

Work Flexibility

NYGC has established a flexible work policy to give employees and other staff more ability to balance their work, personal commitments, and commuting challenges. The incumbent in this position is eligible for a flexible work schedule, a hybrid remote work arrangement or a fully remote work arrangement with supervisory approval.

Salary

The pay range for this position is $85K-100K per year; base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition, NYGC offers a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits as well as generous time off.

About the New York Genome Center

The New York Genome Center (NYGC) is an independent, nonprofit, academic research organization dedicated to advancing genomic research. NYGC scientists and staff are furthering new approaches to diagnosing and treating neurological diseases and cancer through their unique capabilities in whole genome sequencing, RNA sequencing, state-of-the art analytics, and the development of genomic tools. NYGC concentrates specifically on disease-based research in the following areas: neuropsychiatric disease (autism, schizophrenia, bipolar); neurodegenerative disease (ALS, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's), and cancer.

Located in Lower Manhattan, the New York Genome Center was founded by and remains closely affiliated with twelve leading academic medical centers and research universities in the New York region and beyond, engaging in research projects with and for these institutions. Essential to our collaborative work is an outstanding faculty, whose members typically hold a joint appointment at NYGC and a partner university. They support our scientific mission by conducting independent research in areas of mutual interest to us and the wider scientific community.

Equal Opportunity

We are committed to fostering a workplace environment that is welcoming and fair to all, ensuring that every employee has the opportunity to thrive. We believe that bringing together individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives leads to greater collaboration, innovation, and discovery. Valuing and supporting each employee in reaching their full potential strengthens our organization and enhances our collective success. We recognize that creating an environment where all employees feel valued and included requires sustained effort and dedication from the entire organization.

The New York Genome Center is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, creed, color, gender, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic predisposition or carrier status, protected veteran or military status, domestic violence victim status, partnership status, caregiver status, alienage or citizenship status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. NYGC takes affirmative action in support of its policy to hire and advance in employment individuals who are protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

FLSA Status - Exempt

This position is eligible for visa sponsorship and relocation assistance.