Research Associate for Genetic Counselling

ABOUT THE UNIT

The Genetic Counselling Unit’s overarching goal is to improve care of individuals with inherited predisposition to disease risk. Our aim is to empower these individuals to make medical and healthcare choices based on their genetic profiles.

SUMMARY

The Research Associate will assist in implementation science research programmes aimed at improving access to lifesaving genetics services. This will include the development and testing of interventions to increase access to and uptake of genetics services in different parts of the patient’s and healthy person’s journey. In particular, the Research Associate will be involved in projects related to understanding the uptake of risk management strategies in carriers of cancer predisposition genes (MyCarrier study), evaluating the impact of personalised cancer genetic risk scores on genetic counselling and testing uptake (ARiCa study), and identifying barriers and motivators to improve access of genetic services for individuals at risk of Lynch syndrome (GECCO study).

RESPONSIBILTIES

a. Plan and perform experiments that are necessary to meet direct project goals.

b. Ensure that the research projects meet the defined objectives in time.

c. Assist in preparing reports and proposals for the donors and grant organizations

d. Assist in ensuring the financial sustainability of the research program.

e. Assist in the supervision of others undertaking original research leading to high quality publications.

f. Conduct pre-clinic intakes and assist the Consultant Genetic Counsellor/Clinical Geneticist to provide pre-test and results disclosure. Provide comprehensive client consultation, assessment, and genetic counselling which involves diagnosing, communicating and educating clients and/or their families regarding genetic disorders or conditions; reviewing and discussing genetic tests results; outlining and recommending screening or medical availability including participating in research related to their condition; and explaining or arranging a course of action. Meetings can also involve reviewing results of genetic testing, counselling or discussing implications, and completing documentation.

g. Assisting the Risk Management Team (consultant surgeon, consultant gynae oncologist, consultant radiologist, consultant clinical geneticist) to provide appropriate risk management to relevant patients

h. Maintaining patient records in hard and soft copy

i. Complying with safety, ethical and regulatory requirements.

j. other responsibilities include:

• To deputies for the Deputy Head of Genetic Counselling when appropriate
• To represent the team and Cancer Research Malaysia when appropriate
• To undertake other administrative tasks as required

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS

1. MSc Genetic Counselling from an accredited program

2. Experience in study design and grant writing will be an advantage.

3. Multilingual and able to communicate effectively in Chinese (Preferred), Malay and English to cater to the diverse linguistic needs of our clients.

4. Demonstrated skill in handling data and successfully presenting the data both in spoken (conference) or written (publication) form.

5. Driven by a strong sense of making an impact, with problem solving skills, including conflict resolution skills

6. The ability to prioritise own workload and work to deadlines

7. Adopts a pro-active attitude to work

8. Assumes full responsibilities within role

9. Passion for CRMY's mission