Lab-Based Genetic Counsellor, Clinical Genomics

IWK Health; Halifax; On-site; CAD 57,787 - 72,234; Full time

Job summary

IWK Health in Halifax is seeking a full-time Genetic Counsellor to join their Clinical Genomics Lab. This role focuses on facilitating genetic testing and supporting the Precision Medicine program. The successful candidate must possess a Master’s Degree in Genetic Counselling and relevant certification.

The position requires excellent communication skills, independence in handling responsibilities, and collaboration with multi-disciplinary teams. Experience in a Clinical Laboratory Environment is preferred.

Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Genetic Counselling, certification required.
• Experience in a Clinical Laboratory Environment preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate the ordering of genetic testing.
• Support the development and implementation of new testing services.
• Serve as a key liaison between the diagnostic lab and clinical teams.

Skills

Communication skills

Ability to work independently

Team collaboration

Scientific writing

Multilingual capabilities

Education

Master’s Degree in Genetic Counselling

Job description

Click here to apply as an internal applicant.

Company

IWK Health is a respected academic health sciences centre located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, providing tertiary and primary care for two million children, youth, adults and families each year across the Atlantic region. We have a team of approximately 4000 employees, physicians, volunteers and learners at sites across Nova Scotia. People build careers with IWK Health with our focus on training and mentorship opportunities. We recognize each other’s talent and celebrate our successes. We collaborate in modern facilities or virtually from home, align our work to our values, and enjoy access to enhanced benefits and wellness programs. We are proud to support our patients, families and communities and are grateful for the generous donor support we receive.

Job Information

• Req ID: 222218
• Department/Program: Clinical Genomics, Clinical Care & Chief Nursing Executive
• Location: On site at main campus - 5850/5980 University Avenue, Halifax, NS B3K 6R8
• Type of Employment: Permanent Hourly FT (100% FTE)
• Start Date: ASAP
• Union Status: Non-union, Management/Non Union Bargaining Unit
• Compensation: $41.9479 – $52.4348/hour
• Closing Date: June 15, 2026

Opportunity

Genetic counsellors are health professionals with specific training in the field of genetics requiring a Master of Science degree in genetic counselling. With their in‑depth training, genetic counsellors are integral members of the Precision Medicine team and contribute significantly to high‑quality genetic service delivery across laboratory and clinical settings. Genetic counsellors also serve as educators, patient advocates, and a resource with genetic expertise for health professionals.

This position is for a lab‑based Genetic Counsellor working in the Clinical Genomics Lab — the provider of comprehensive genetics diagnostic testing services in the Maritime Provinces — as part of the Precision Medicine program at IWK Health. The successful candidate will facilitate the ordering of genetic testing, support the development and implementation of new or improved testing services, contribute to variant assessment and the interpretation and communication of genetic test results, and serve as a key liaison between the diagnostic laboratory and clinical teams.

Hours of Work

Monday to Friday, 7.5‑hour shifts. In person – position location is on‑site at the IWK Main campus.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Genetic Counselling, and certification (or eligible for certification) by the Canadian Association of Genetic Counsellors and/or the American Board of Genetic Counselling required.
• Experience working in a Clinical Laboratory Environment preferred.
• Demonstrated experience working independently required, including the ability to review genetic test requests for clinical appropriateness, interpret genomic findings within established guidelines, and manage multiple lab‑based responsibilities.
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a multi‑disciplinary team required, working collaboratively with laboratory scientists, genomic specialists, clinicians, and IT partners to support accurate and timely genetic testing workflows.
• Superior communication and interpersonal skills required, including strong scientific writing abilities and the capacity to prepare clear, concise documentation for laboratory and clinical audiences.
• Experience with classification of genetic variants following published guidelines an asset.
• Experience supporting development of testing algorithms, laboratory policies, quality improvement activities, or research initiatives is considered an asset.
• Competencies in other languages an asset.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Promoting an anti‑racist environment and calling out discrimination as we work and provide care is important to us. We are located in Mi’kma’ki, the unceded and ancestral territory of the Mi’kmaq people. We welcome all interested persons who self‑identify as Indigenous, Black/African Nova Scotians, Persons of Colour, Immigrants/Newcomers, Persons with Disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ to apply to support our goal for our workforce to be representative of the patients, families and communities that we care for at all job levels.

Application Note

We only contact applicants selected for interview/testing. If invited to an assessment process (such as an interview or testing), you have the right to request accommodation. Please discuss your needs when invited to the assessment process.

This is a Management/Non Union bargaining unit position. Preference is given to bargaining unit employees for unionized positions. Successful applicants changing unions, bargaining units, or employment status, are advised to seek clarification regarding their seniority, benefits, and vacation entitlement and/or usage before accepting the position.

An offer of employment is conditional upon the completion and satisfactory results of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials.

Internal employees, please apply through the internal careers page to ensure you are flagged as an internal applicant.