Career Center

Department of Genetics
University of Alabama at Birmingham

The Department of Genetics at the University of Alabama at Birmingham is seeking applicants with the skills and interests to direct the Medical Genomics Laboratory, a CAP-certified clinical laboratory offering comprehensive genetic testing for common and rare disorders. The Medical Genomics laboratory is specialized in testing for the rasopathies including neurofibromatosis type 1 and Legius syndrome; segmental NF, spinal NF; neurofibromatoisis  type 2 and schwannomatosis; tuberous sclerosis complex.

The successful applicant will have experience in molecular genetic laboratory testing, clinical assay development and validation, quality control and quality assurance, interpretation of laboratory test results, reporting and consultation with physicians and other health care providers. Applicants require a MD, MD/PhD, or PhD degree. Candidates should be ABMG-certified, specifically in Molecular Genetics or Laboratory Genetics and Genomics. The successful candidate will take clinical and administrative responsibility for the Medical Genomics Laboratory within the Department of Genetics at UAB. He/she will also contribute, besides to the clinical service, to the research and teaching mission. Faculty rank, salary, and tenure status commensurate with experience and qualifications of the candidate. 

Examples of work performed:

- Provide clinical expertise in the interpretation of molecular genetics laboratory test results, including signing out interpretative reports
-  Provide direction and insight to the departmental administration regarding appropriate equipment and staffing needs for state-of-the-art laboratory testing

- Direct and supervise the validation of new assays, with a focus on ensuring the assays are comprehensive 

- Support laboratory quality through participation in the audit by the College of American Pathologists (CAP), review of quality issues and laboratory operation procedures, assay verifications and validations, and internal and external proficiency testing results

- Assess the need to develop and implement new assays or for retiring established assays, based on clinical need, test volume or improved technology. Recommend improvements in equipment needs

-  Participate in the training of technologists and LGG/molecular pathology fellows. The laboratory is an active component of the ABMGG Laboratory Genetics and Genomics program and the Molecular Genetic pathology fellowship, and the director will be active in those training programs

- Opportunities for collaborative research are available

Competencies: 

- Experience with interpretation and results reporting for large NGS panels, ideally whole exome sequencing

- Broad knowledge of genetic variant databases and their utility

- Understanding of interpretation and reporting workflows

- Knowledge of NGS wet-bench techniques, data quality, and bioinformatics tools

- Understanding of laboratory quality measures and familiarity with CAP regulations
-  Ability to work in a collaborative team environment, including technicians, genetic counselors, lab manager, administrative support officers, as well as lab directors of other clinical laboratories and other faculty within the department of genetics and other departments

- Desire to participate in the expansion of a clinical molecular genetics service

Known for its innovative and interdisciplinary approach to education at both the graduate and undergraduate levels, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, a part of the University of Alabama System, is an internationally renowned research university and academic medical center with more than $600 million in research awards annually, as well as Alabama's largest single employer, with some 23,000 employees, and has an annual economic impact exceeding $7 billion on the state. The pillars of UAB's mission include education, research, innovation and economic development, community engagement, and patient care. In 2021, Forbes named UAB as America's No. 1 Best Large Employer, topping a list of more than 500 public and private corporations, hospitals, universities, Fortune 500 companies and more, across dozens of industries. Forbes also named UAB America's Best Employer for Diversity among colleges and universities in 2021.

UAB Medicine is the third largest public academic medical center in the country, with more than 1,900 beds and almost 18,000 employees. UAB Hospital is the centerpiece of the UAB Health System and is the teaching hospital for the UAB School of Medicine. Situated among major research centers and clinics, UAB Hospital provides patients with a complete range of primary and specialty care services, as well as the most up-to-date treatments and innovations in health care. In addition to UAB Hospital, UAB Medicine includes The Kirklin Clinic of UAB Hospital, UAB Callahan Eye Hospital, as well as several primary and specialty care clinics, a dozen member and affiliate hospitals within Alabama, more than 10 cancer associates in the Southeast, and the Viva Health HMO.

Located in the heart of the Southeast, Birmingham is a short drive from Atlanta, Nashville, Chattanooga, New Orleans, Memphis and Gulf Coast beaches. Some of the most beautiful suburbs in the United States surround the city. With its picturesque surroundings, Birmingham has been recognized as an