Clinical Variant Scientist - Pathology & Immunology

Scheduled Hours

40

Position Summary

Supports clinical genomic testing workflows, clinical education initiatives, and clinical translational research. Focuses on all aspects of genetic variant analysis, curation, and interpretation. Participates in i) evaluation of new tools and platforms; ii) clinical test development and validation; iii) production of standard operating procedures and scholarly/educational materials; iv) communications with clinical providers and translational research collaborators; and v) facilitating regulatory compliance.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Supports clinical and research faculty/staff with translational research projects.
• Involvement with clinical genomics test development, improvement, optimization, validation, and assurance of regulatory compliance.
• Analysis, assessment, and interpretation of genetic variation identified via clinical genomic testing workflows (targeted and comprehensive genomic testing).
• Assesses quality control metrics as they relate to next generation sequencing and variant interpretation.
• Interpretation of genetic variation in accordance with up-to-date professional society guidelines.
• Aids with maintaining standard operating procedures for clinical genomic workflows.
• Analysis and integration of complex information from multiple sources to determine applicability of identified genetic variation to clinical care.
• Aids clinical staff, residents, and fellows with conducting variant interpretation.
• Development, implementation, and evaluation of information, tools, and processes to assist clinical faculty/staff with clinical genomic testing, variant analysis/interpretation, and reporting.

Work Location

It is preferred that the incumbent will work on-site at the Washington University School of Medicine; however, individuals who wish to work off-site, remotely, will certainly be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to work both independently and as a contributory team member.
• Ability to communicate clearly in oral and written forms; effective communication with laboratory colleagues and for technical presentations/publications.
• Ability to understand and assess analytical processes; optimize for efficiency and productivity.
• Ability to understand and accurately apply guidelines sponsored by professional societies (ACMG/AMP/ASCO/CAP/ClinGen) to variant interpretation and classification.
• Demonstrated abilities with the Microsoft Office Suite.
• Analytical, reasoning, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively under urgent clinical deadlines/timelines; attentiveness to detail and error minimization is a must.
• Effective verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to interact/collaborate with laboratory colleagues in a way that increases productivity and promotes progress.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of standard clinical laboratory policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of, or familiarity with, next generation sequencing, analysis and interpretation of sequencing data, variant assessment and interpretation, integration of data from multiple sources (including clinical and research databases, primary literature), and compliance with clinical laboratory regulatory and data security policies is desired.
• Effective organization skills and ability to prioritize workload.
• Ph.D. (or an equivalent terminal degree) in biology or another genetics-related field.
• Ability to apply scientific literature to NGS-identified variation.

Required Qualifications

Ph.D. (or an equivalent terminal degree) or master's degree with at least three years of relevant professional experience.

Grade

C14

Salary Range

$71,700.00 - $111,200.00 / Annually

The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email [email protected] or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

Pre-Employment Screening

All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement

Personal

• Want to Live Near Your Work and/or improve your commute? Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees. We also offer a forgivable home loan of up to $12,500 for closing costs and a down payment for homes in eligible neighborhoods.
• WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.
• Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.
• Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.

Wellness

• Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!

Family

• We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We’ve got you covered.
• WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.

For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/

EEO/AA Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Diversity Statement

Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.