Genetics Education & Engagement Fellowship

Applications for the 2018-19 Genetics Education & Engagement Fellowship are now open. Apply by Friday, April 27, 2018.

Sponsored by:

• The American Society of Human Genetics
• The National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health

Background

(L-R) Beth Tuck, MS, 2014-15 Genetics & Education Fellow; Julie Nadel, PhD, 2015-16 Genetics & Education Fellow; and Teresa Ramirez, PhD, 2016-17 Genetics & Education Fellow.

Rapid advances in genetics and genomics research and personalized medicine have been paralleled by innovations in science education and public engagement. The American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) and the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) co-sponsor the Genetics Education & Engagement Fellowship to support early-career genetics professionals wishing to transition to careers in genetics education and public engagement. This unique fellowship provides several experiences: working with NHGRI’s Education and Community Involvement Branch; working with the education department at ASHG; and an optional third experience working with another organization involved in substantive science education or public engagement initiatives.

NOTE: This is NOT a clinical or research fellowship. Trainees and early-career scientists interested in tenure-track academic research careers should investigate other opportunities.

Fellowship Description

Overview: This fellowship program is designed for genetics professionals (or life scientists with substantial experience in genetics or genomics) who: have an advanced degree, are early in their careers, and are interested in developing and implementing genetic and genomic literacy, engagement, diversity, and/or professional development initiatives for audiences comprising K-12, undergraduate, graduate, post-graduate, and professional. The fellow will participate in rotations at the NHGRI and ASHG, and typically a third organization involved in genetic and genomic literacy, engagement, diversity, or professional development.

Eligibility:

Julie Nadel, PhD, 2015-16 Genetics & Education Fellow, describes her experience.

• Advanced training in genetics/genomics (e.g., MA, MS, PhD);
• Eligibility to work in the United States (i.e., the fellowship organizations will not sponsor visas); and
• An intention to work in genetics/genomics education or engagement in the U.S. after the fellowship.

Attributes of Ideal Candidates:

• A passion to improve genetic and genomic literacy;
• An entrepreneurial spirit;
• Volunteer or paid experience in science education, public engagement, diversity, or similar;
• Some understanding of science pedagogy; and
• A desire to advance sponsor organizations’ interests in working with diverse communities.

Duration of Fellowship: 16 months

Start Date: August to early September (negotiable)

Compensation Package: annual $72k stipend plus benefits

Designated Mentor(s):

• Carla Easter, PhD 
  Chief, Education and Community Involvement Branch, NHGRI
   
• Derek Scholes, PhD
  Senior Director of Policy and Advocacy, ASHG

Current and Former Fellows: Where They Are Now

Rotations (schedule approximate)

Sept. 2018 – Jan. 2019

Education and Community Involvement Branch, Division of Policy, Communications, and Education at NHGRI: Participate as a member of the Branch on a variety of projects related to genomic literacy, education, and public engagement.

Feb. 2019 – June 2019

American Society of Human Genetics: Participate in educational or professional development programming involving a range of audiences, including K-12, undergraduate, graduate, health professionals, and the public.

July 2019 – Dec. 2019

Public or private organization involved in genomic literacy, genetics education, public engagement, science communications/outreach, e.g., educational foundations, museums and science centers, curriculum development groups, professional societies, departments of education (optional).

Selection Process

A committee of representatives from ASHG and NHGRI will review application materials in May and interview finalists in early June. The selected fellows will be notified in early July. Candidates are asked in the application materials to explain their motivation, areas of interest, and future plans.

Applications for the 2018-19 Genetics Education & Engagement Fellowship are now open. Apply by Friday, April 27, 2018.

Contact

Questions can be directed to: