Associate Staff Scientist - Clinical Variant Curator

Cincinnati Children's; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Cincinnati Children’s is seeking a highly motivated scientist with a PhD (or equivalent) in molecular genetics, molecular biology, or related field to apply life-science knowledge to clinical data analysis and interpretation.

You will join a team of genomic scientists, bioinformaticians, genetic counselors, and laboratory directors to perform NGS data processing and analysis on clinical samples, focusing on variant interpretations in molecular diagnostic tests and test development in a clinical

Qualifications

• PhD in molecular genetics, molecular biology, or related field.
• 3+ years of work experience in a related discipline.
• MSc in Genetic Counselling encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and genetic data analysis, including variant interpretation for clinical genome sequencing, exome sequencing, NGS panel, and single gene tests.
• Design, execute, and record laboratory experiments; improve current methods and evaluate innovative techniques.
• Contribute to analysis pipeline and procedure optimization, updating internal databases.
• Assist development of clinical tests, standard operating procedures, and validation.
• Engage in scientific discussions, present findings in laboratory meetings and conferences.
• Draft, write, and edit scientific reports, papers, and abstracts.
• Collaborate with physicians, variant curators, counselors, technologists, and bioinformatic specialists; supervise and train personnel as needed.
• Assist in budget preparation, monitoring expenditures, and financial management of the laboratory.
• Act as mentor to junior staff and provide guidance on complex issues.

Skills

Genetic data interpretation

Clinical communication

Education

PhD in molecular genetics

PhD in molecular biology

MSc in Genetic Counselling

Tools

NGS data analysis

Bioinformatics pipelines

Variant interpretation pipelines

Job description

We are looking for a highly motivated individual with a PhD (or equivalent) degree in molecular genetics, molecular biology, or related field, who is passionate in applying life-science knowledge to clinical data analysis and interpretation. Candidates with an MSc in Genetic Counselling are encouraged to apply.

The candidate will join a team of genomic scientists (clinical variant curators), bioinformaticians, genetic counselors, and board‑certified laboratory genetics directors who perform next‑generation sequencing (NGS) data processing and analysis on clinical samples. The candidate would be mainly focused on conducting variant interpretations in molecular diagnostic tests and participating in molecular test development in a clinical laboratory.

The Genetics and Genomics Diagnostic Laboratory (GGDL) is a CLIA‑experienced, CAP‑accredited laboratory in the Division of Human Genetics. We combine state‑of‑the‑art genetic testing with comprehensive interpretation by board‑certified clinical specialists, PhD genomic scientists, and genetic counselors to offer a broad range of molecular and cytogenetic diagnostic services. We translate scientific discoveries into robust genetic diagnostics and are moving exome- and genome‑based testing into mainstream pediatric diagnosis.

Job Responsibilities

• Conduct research and genetic data analysis, including variant interpretation for clinical genome sequencing, exome sequencing, NGS panel, and single gene tests. Understand medical terminologies, major human genetics databases, review clinical history, establish genotype-phenotype correlations, and evaluate pathogenicity of variants.
• Design, execute, and record laboratory experiments; improve current methods and evaluate innovative techniques.
• Contribute to analysis pipeline and procedure optimization, updating internal databases.
• Assist development of clinical tests, standard operating procedures, and validation.
• Engage in scientific discussions, present findings in laboratory meetings and conferences.
• Draft, write, and edit scientific reports, papers, and abstracts.
• Collaborate with physicians, variant curators, counselors, technologists, and bioinformatic specialists; supervise and train personnel as needed.
• Assist in budget preparation, monitoring expenditures, and financial management of the laboratory.
• Act as mentor to junior staff and provide guidance on complex issues.

Job Qualifications

• PhD in molecular genetics, molecular biology, or related field.
• 3+ years of work experience in a related discipline.

Cincinnati Children’s is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an environment of dignity and respect for all our employees, patients, and families. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, genetic information, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status. EEO/Veteran/Disability.