Research Associate for Genetic Counselling

Fairview International School; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An independent, non-profit cancer research organization seeks a dedicated Research Associate for Genetic Counselling. This role focuses on implementing research programs to improve access to essential genetics services. You will engage in impactful projects, including evaluating cancer risk management strategies and enhancing the uptake of genetic testing. Join a forward-thinking team committed to reversing the stigma surrounding cancer and empowering individuals through innovative research and outreach. If you're passionate about making a difference in the lives of cancer patients, this opportunity is for you.

Qualifications

• MSc in Genetic Counselling from an accredited program is required.
• Experience in study design and grant writing is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Plan and perform experiments necessary to meet project goals.
• Conduct pre-clinic intakes and assist in providing genetic counselling.

Skills

Genetic Counselling

Data Handling

Multilingual Abilities

Problem-Solving

Conflict Resolution

Education

MSc in Genetic Counselling

Job description

Research Associate for Genetic Counselling

The Genetic Counselling Unit’s overarching goal is to improve care for individuals with inherited predispositions to disease risk. Our aim is to empower these individuals to make informed medical and healthcare choices based on their genetic profiles.

SUMMARY

The Research Associate will assist in implementation science research programmes aimed at improving access to lifesaving genetics services. This includes developing and testing interventions to increase access to and uptake of genetics services throughout the patient’s and healthy individual’s journey. Specifically, the Research Associate will be involved in projects related to understanding the uptake of risk management strategies in carriers of cancer predisposition genes (MyCarrier study), evaluating the impact of personalized cancer genetic risk scores on genetic counselling and testing uptake (ARiCa study), and identifying barriers and motivators to improve access to genetic services for individuals at risk of Lynch syndrome (GECCO study).

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Plan and perform experiments necessary to meet project goals.
2. Ensure research projects meet defined objectives on time.
3. Assist in preparing reports and proposals for donors and grant organizations.
4. Assist in ensuring the financial sustainability of the research program.
5. Assist in supervising others undertaking original research leading to high-quality publications.
6. Conduct pre-clinic intakes and assist the Consultant Genetic Counsellor/Clinical Geneticist in providing pre-test and results disclosure. Provide comprehensive client consultation, assessment, and genetic counselling involving diagnosis, communication, education, and review of genetic test results. Discuss implications and outline courses of action, including research participation.
7. Assist the Risk Management Team (including surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, geneticists) to provide appropriate risk management to relevant patients.
8. Maintain patient records in both hard and soft copies.
9. Comply with safety, ethical, and regulatory requirements.
10. Additional responsibilities include:

• Deputizing for the Deputy Head of Genetic Counselling when appropriate.
• Representing the team and Cancer Research Malaysia when needed.
• Undertaking other administrative tasks as required.

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS

1. MSc in Genetic Counselling from an accredited program.
2. Experience in study design and grant writing is advantageous.
3. Multilingual abilities, especially in Chinese (preferred), Malay, and English, to serve diverse clients.
4. Skill in data handling and presentation, both orally (conferences) and in writing (publications).
5. Strong motivation to make an impact, with problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.
6. Ability to prioritize workload and meet deadlines.
7. Proactive attitude towards work.
8. Full responsibility and accountability within the role.

We are an independent, non-profit cancer research organization based in Malaysia, funded by donations and research grants. We focus on niche cancers prevalent in our Asian population.

Cancer remains a significant stigma, often spoken about in hushed tones, associated with bad karma, high costs, and despair. CRM is committed to reversing this narrative by developing research-backed tools to combat cancer effectively.

We aim to reverse the grip of cancer in our lives by promoting prevention and cure through innovative research, impactful outreach, and empowering the public to participate in screenings and treatments.

Our goals include:

• Improving survival rates of Asian cancer patients, especially in neglected research areas.
• Empowering Asians with proper screening and treatment options.
• Enhancing accessibility to existing cures to save lives.
• Making treatments affordable and timely by drug repurposing, acknowledging the high costs and risks of new drug development.
• Positioning Malaysia in the global cancer research arena through collaboration and nurturing future Malaysian cancer researchers.