VARIANT REVIEW SCIENTIST (FULL-TIME, DAYS)

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Job description

The Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology serves as a regional resource for clinical laboratory services required for patient care, research and educational programs in laboratory medicine and pathology. The department now employs 900 people who work at the award-winning University of Washington Medical Center, Harborview Medical Center and many other clinical and research facilities in the area. The University of Washington (UW) is proud to be one of the nation's premier educational and research institutions. Our people are the most important asset in our pursuit of achieving excellence in education, research, and community service. Our staff not only enjoys outstanding benefits and professional growth opportunities, but also an environment noted for diversity, community involvement, intellectual excitement and natural beauty.

Our LABORATORY MEDICINE AND PATHOLOGY DEPARTMENT has an outstanding full-time position for a Variant Review Scientist. This individual will review and interpret genetic variants from molecular testing and assist lab directors with interpretation and reporting of exciting new genomic-based diagnostic testing in genetics, with a focus on next-generation sequencing for inherited disorders. This includes the review of complex genetic panels, exomes, clinical genomes, and other advanced diagnostic testing applied to large research studies supported by the genetics division of Laboratory Medicine, reviewing research genetics testing results, providing expert interpretation, and developing novel methods and techniques to analyze data.

Data Analysis

• Generates data and responsible for review and interpretation of genomic test results under direction of clinical laboratory directors.
  
  
• Provide analysis and consultant to physicians and scientists in other departments as needed to guide development, implementation and interpretation of genomic test services.
  
  
• Review patient medical history to determine eligibility for exome NGS testing.
  
  
• Write patient reports for review by genetics, neurology, and other healthcare specialty clients.
  
  
• Interpret data from high complexity genomic techniques including next generation sequencing and arrays.
  
  
• Develop and coordinate data analysis strategies and implementation for large research projects.
  
  
• Develop relationships and independently consult experts in the field to assist with interpretation of challenging variants.

Development and Maintenance

• Responsible to review genomic data and maintain the active knowledgebase for variant interpretation.
  
  
• Update variant curation strategies, variant scoring process, interpretation process, and reporting process on an ongoing basis.
  
  
• Develop expertise in interpreting genetic data from open source and proprietary analysis softwares and databases.
  
  
• Design of tools to assist in more efficient variant review for the variant review scientist and affiliated faculty.

Scholarly activities

• Responsible for extensive literature review and provide consult, input and collaborates in interdepartmental journal clubs for ongoing education.
  
  
• Responsible to generate, develop, and provide data at client meetings and conferences, when required.

Requirements

Master's Degree in genetics, genomics, molecular biology, chemistry, biochemistry or related discipline and two to three years of experience.

Equivalent experience substitute for degree requirement.

Desired

Ph.D. in genetics, genomics, molecular biology, chemistry, biochemistry or related discipline.

This position provides opportunities to work in a fast-paced, challenging, diverse and rewarding environment. As an employee you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs. For detailed information on Benefits for this position, click here.

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.

Committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, the University of Washington will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.

The University of Washington is a leader in environmental stewardship & sustainability, and committed to becoming climate neutral.

The University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at or .

COVID-19 VACCINATION REQUIREMENT

Governor Inslee's Proclamation 21-14.2 requires employees of higher education and healthcare institutions to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 unless a medical or religious exemption is approved. Being fully vaccinated means that an individual is at least two weeks past their final dose of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine regimen. As a condition of employment, newly hired employees will be required to provide proof of their COVID-19 vaccination. View the Final candidate guide to COVID-19 vaccination requirement webpage for information about the medical or religious exemption process for final candidates.