Genetic Counsellor

University of British Columbia; View Royal; Hybrid; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading academic institution in British Columbia is seeking a Genetic Counsellor to engage with Indigenous communities while providing genetic counselling in a hybrid work model. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to important research projects focused on health and genetics within Indigenous populations. Candidates should have a Master's degree in Medical Genetics or Genetic Counselling and strong interpersonal skills. The role involves participation in community engagement and research study enrollment responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Medical Genetics or Genetic Counselling required.
• One year of internship experience in medical genetics preferred.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion is essential.

Responsibilities

• Provide genetic counselling to research participants and families.
• Engage with families and communities regarding research projects.
• Enroll participants in research studies and obtain informed consent.

Skills

Genetic counselling

Interpersonal skills

Cultural competency

Organizational skills

Time-management

Education

Master’s degree in Medical Genetics or Genetic Counselling

Tools

REDCap

Statistical software (SPSS, R)

Word and Excel

Job description

Staff - Non Union Job Category M&P - AAPS Job Profile AAPS Salaried - Genetic Counsellor, Level A Job Title Genetic Counsellor Department Arbour Laboratory | Department of Medical Genetics | Faculty of Medicine Compensation Range $6,747.50 - $9,701.42 CAD Monthly

The Compensation Range is the span between the minimum and maximum base salary for a position. The midpoint of the range is approximately halfway between the minimum and the maximum and represents an employee that possesses full job knowledge, qualifications and experience for the position. In the normal course, employees will be hired, transferred or promoted between the minimum and midpoint of the salary range for a job.

Posting End Date

December 14, 2025

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

Job End Date

December 31, 2026

At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.

Job Summary

The UBC Department of Medical Genetics seeks to be an inspiring and productive community of scholars; an outstanding provider of knowledge, technical expertise, and compassionate care for our patients; contributors to the scientific advance of our discipline; and a credible and respected source of information and advice to society at large. While focusing on areas of genetic medicine that we deem to be particularly important, we view diversity of approach and techniques to be an essential strength of our Department.

We acknowledge that the University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine and its distributed programs, which include four university academic campuses, are located on traditional, ancestral and unceded territories of Indigenous peoples around the province.

This 1.0 FTE (0.8 will also be considered if preferred by the candidate) Genetic Counsellor/Research Assistant position is situated at our Community Genetics Research Program, located in Victoria BC at the UBC Island Medical Program (UVIC campus).

This interesting and varied position presents a unique opportunity to gain experience in research and Indigenous health, while utilizing clinical genetic counselling skills. The genetic counsellor/research team member will be responsible for providing genetic counselling, and participate in research activities for the Community Genetics Research Program. The Community Genetics Research Program is focused on health and genetics in Indigenous populations which includes studies related to the Silent Genomes Program (Activity 2), the genetics of Cerebral aneurysm and Primary biliary cholangitis in British Columbia First Nations, studies involving maternal child health in Nunavut and the Impact of Long QT syndrome on First Nations People of Northern BC. For more information about our projects and our research team, please see the Community Genetics Research Program website at: www.uvic.ca/medsci/people/faculty/arbourlaura.php. This position will be hybrid, with in-person attendance 3 days per week, at the research offices situated within the Medical Sciences Building at the University of Victoria (Island Medical Program site).

Travel (short trips) to Indigenous communities in BC and other jurisdictions is possible.

Organizational Status

The successful candidate will report to Dr. Laura Arbour (Medical Geneticist and Principal Investigator, UBC Department of Medical Genetics) with supervision from Alexa McAdam (Senior Genetic Counselor). For certain research related tasks, Jimena Gonzalez Lema will supervise. This position requires a high degree of independence, initiative, and professional judgement in carrying out responsibilities related to research protocols and genetic counselling. The genetic counsellor/research team member will provide supervision to students and volunteers working on research studies.

Work Performed

• Engage with families, communities, organizations and health care providers regarding research planning, study enrolment, results delivery, and general information about the projects.
• Consult with various community, government, and Indigenous stakeholders regarding project development, implementation, and troubleshooting.
• Enroll participants in research studies, including:
  • Explain all aspects of the research study
  • Review consent forms with the study participants
  • Obtain written informed consent from study participants
  • Administer medical questionnaires
  • Arrange medical tests and/or sample collection
  • Obtain medical records
  • Obtain detailed pedigrees from study participants
  • Liaise with laboratories to track biological samples, facilitate genetic testing, and receive test results
  • Provide genetic counselling to research participants as needed
  • Communicate genetic test results (when pertinent) verbally and in writing to research participants, their families, and health care providers
  • Coordinate medical follow-up, as needed with the support of the medical lead (Dr. Arbour). (e.g. cardiology referrals)
  • Create and update study enrollment forms (consent forms, ROIs, medical questionnaires, etc)
  • Create and update knowledge translation materials for research participants (e.g. pamphlets, resources)
  • Submit ethics applications for UBC Clinical Research Ethics Board & other applicable ethics boards
  • Provide mentoring and assistance to research assistants based in remote communities
  • Supervise undergraduate and/or graduate students, volunteers, and research assistants working within the Community Genetics Research Program
• Data management:
  • Maintain and organize confidential medical records and charts
  • Review medical records
  • Enter data into research databases
  • Track missing data, blood/saliva samples and test results
  • Present to community members and health care providers
  • Develop educational materials as necessary
  • Participate and organize in person and virtual meetings as necessary
  • Participate in the preparation and submission of academic publications
  • Carry out pertinent literature searches
  • Participate in data analysis and interpretation of result
  • Prepare manuscripts
• Other duties related to the research projects, as required.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

The successful candidate will exercise a high level of judgment and initiative in the delivery of genetic counselling and overall coordination of research activities. Lack of careful attention to protocols and regulatory and ethical guidelines could suspend the Investigator and University as a site for further research and/or funding. Performance must strictly conform to research protocols, Tri-Council policy statement, and standard Canadian guidelines for health research involving Indigenous People.

Errors in the dissemination of genetic test results or any breach of patient confidentiality could jeopardize this research study and Dr. Arbour’s research program. A confidentiality agreement must be signed, stating that any identifying and/or personal information will be held in the strictest confidence. Inaccuracies or incompleteness of data collection, or errors in the collection and handling of biological samples could result in erroneous data analysis and study results; therefore, it is imperative that the successful candidate is detail‑oriented and very careful with his/her work.

A high level of cultural competency and sensitivity is necessary in this position, as any insensitive actions could jeopardize our longstanding research relationship with the Indigenous communities we work with.

Supervision Received

The genetic counsellor/research coordinator will report to Dr. Laura Arbour (Principal Investigator, UBC Department of Medical Genetics) or Alexa McAdam. Initial training will be provided by both Alexa McAdam and Jimena Gonzalez Lema. A high level of independence is required in this role.

Supervision Given

The successful candidate will share responsibility for project-related supervision of students (e.g. MSc, honours, directed studies, and/or medical students), and volunteers.

Minimum Qualifications

Master’s degree in Medical Genetics or Genetic Counselling and one year of internship in medical genetics, or the equivalent in training and experience. Board eligible for certification under the Canadian Association of Genetic Counselling or American Board of Genetic Counselling.

Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own.

Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Preferred Qualifications

• Recent work experience in genetic counselling and/or genetic related research.
• Keen interest in Indigenous health. Demonstrated knowledge, previous experience and/or training in the ethical, social, and cultural issues around conducting research in Indigenous communities is preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal manner and communication skills, including clear, concise writing skills.
• Excellent organizational, time-management and trouble‑shooting skills, with strong attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Word, and Excel software is required. Experience with REDCap, Progeny software, Referencing programs (ie, endnote, Mendeley), Illustrator and/or Photoshop is an asset.
• Ability to use statistical software including SPSS, STATA, SAS and/or R an asset.
• Successful completion of Tri-Council Policy Statement (TCPS) online tutorial (may be completed upon hiring).
• Successful completion of an Indigenous Cultural Safety Course (may be completed upon hiring).