Career Center

Genetic Counselor II
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Boston, MA
Full Time

This position is for a genetic counselor with oncology experience, ideally pediatric oncology experience, to work in the Pediatric Cancer Genetic Risk Program, part of the Division of Cancer Genetics & Prevention, and the Dana-Farber/Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center. While each genetic counselor may develop certain areas of expertise, all genetic counselors are cross-trained to be able to see patients with the full range of hereditary cancer conditions, including but not limited to Li Fraumeni syndrome, FAP,  DICER1 syndrome, and SDHx associated syndromes, as well as children who are diagnosed with or are a survivor of a wide variety of cancer types including neuroblastoma, Wilms’ tumor, sarcomas, other solid tumors, brain tumors, and hematologic malignancies. We also provide genetic counseling for the Bone Marrow Failure and Myelodysplastic Syndrome Program, which includes patients who have Shwachman Diamond syndrome, Fanconi Anemia, Telomere biology disorders and other conditions. Participation in numerous research initiatives is also possible and encouraged. 

Responsibilities:

• Provide genetic counseling for patients in the Pediatric Cancer Genetic Risk Program, part of the Division of Cancer Genetics &   and the Dana-Farber/Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center.
• Actively participate in the development and expansion of existing Dana-Farber clinics / consult programs.
• Review and synthesize patient and family medical records to provide a comprehensive hereditary cancer or bone marrow failure risk assessment.
• Evaluate and select most appropriate genetic testing options and optimal laboratory.
• Coordinate collection of blood and tissue samples for genetic analysis.
• Complete detailed documentation in electronic medical record.
• Assist with variant interpretation for clinical cases as needed.
• Provide primary clinical supervision for genetic counseling graduate students
• Educate oncology and community health care providers, medical students and fellows, about cancer genetics topics and appropriate referrals.
• Communicate with media and outside organizations regarding cancer genetics, hereditary cancer syndromes and genetic counseling services.
• Aid in clinical research studies on hereditary cancer topics.
• Submit data for presentation at major genetics and / or oncology meetings,  and assist or lead with submission of manuscripts for publication.

Qualifications:

• Masters in Human Genetics / Genetic Counseling and Board-Certified by the American Board of Genetic Counseling.
• Licensed or Provisionally-Licensed as a Genetic Counselor by the State of Massachusetts.
• A minimum of 3 years work experience in clinical cancer genetic counseling, ideally with at least one year or more in pediatric oncology.
• Ability to provide genetic counseling through collection of family history, assessment and evaluation of histories, knowledge of genetics and appropriate testing, and psychosocial support.
• Expert knowledge of hereditary cancer syndromes, cancer genetics and cancer risk assessment tools .
• Ability to tailor, translate and communicate complex information in a simple, relevant way for a broad range of audiences (in both oral and written format).
• Ability to navigate clinical care and support for patients and families in significant emotional distress.
• Ability to work in a collaborative environment with other members of the Division of Cancer Genetics & Prevention and Pediatric Oncology.
• Strong interpersonal skills and emotional awareness.
• Research skills, especially the ability to review and synthesize relevant medical literature.
• Advanced presentation skills and teaching abilities.

For more information and to apply, please visit:
https://careers.dana-farber.org/genetic-counselor-ii

About Dana-Farber:
Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong.  As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are equally committed to diversifying our faculty and staff.  Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and diverse professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other groups as protected by law.