Genetic Counselor
About the role
Staff - Non Union
Job Category
M&P - AAPS
Job Profile
AAPS Salaried - Genetic Counsellor, Level A
Job Title
Genetic Counselor
Department
Demos Laboratory | Department of Paediatrics | Faculty of Medicine
Compensation Range
$6,747.50 - $9,701.42 CAD Monthly
The Compensation Range is the span between the minimum and maximum base salary for a position. The midpoint of the range is approximately halfway between the minimum and the maximum and represents an employee that possesses full job knowledge, qualifications and experience for the position. In the normal course, employees will be hired, transferred or promoted between the minimum and midpoint of the salary range for a job.
Posting End Date
March 6, 2026
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
Job End Date
December 31, 2026
This position is expected to be filled by promotion/reassignment and is included here to inform you of its vacancy at the University.
This position is subject to the satisfactory completion of required background checks.
Note: Only the Full Time Compensation Range is displayed on the job posting details advertised on the UBC Career sites. This position will work 0.20FTE (7 hours per week). Salary will be pro-rated based on FTE.
At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.
Job Summary
Provides genetic counselling, including pre-and post-test genetic counselling, education, and support to participants in several clinical research projects in Pediatric Epilepsy.
Genetic Counselling is an important component of the diagnostic process. The current standard of clinical care is comprehensive non-directive genetic counselling prior to and following genetic testing. Appropriate genetic counselling and education will facilitate the families understanding of the genetic risk factors, their child s condition and the details of the genomic testing they will be undertaking. Thus, each family will meet with one of the study s genetic counsellors to discuss important issues and considerations regarding the genetic testing process, the possible results they may receive and the implications of receiving results. Post-test genetic counselling is helpful in the family s understanding and adaption to the information that they have been given. In some situations the genetic counsellors also help families find patient-oriented support groups or connect families who want to meet someone else with the same condition.
Liaises with pediatric neurologists epileptologists and pediatric neurologists-geneticists and other health professionals at BC Children s Hospital to do genetic counselling to the families of the study participants.
Organizational Status
This position is within the Division of Pediatric Neurology, at BC Children s Hospital. This position is in addition of the genetic counsellor position with the Department of Medical Genetics. The division, under direction of Dr. Connolly, consists of about 15 pediatric neurologists, 10 full time study coordinators, research director, nurses, research assistants, an administrative assistant. The position will work most closely with the research coordinators, and the research director, and will ultimately report to the principal investigators, Dr. Demos, Dr. Connolly and others.
Work Performed
The position's purpose is to support and take a leadership role in few of the ongoing clinical genomic projects. Below are the core responsibilities of the position.
The position s purpose is to support and take a leadership role in few of the ongoing clinical genomic projects. Below are the core responsibilities of the position.
Provides genetic counselling to research participants in the studies by performing duties such as:
- Effectively engaging with families to establish and maintain rapport, explain the study protocol, and obtain consent
- Providing pre- and post-test genetic counselling including participating in the disclosure of results sessions with the neurologists.
- Helping families adapt to the GWS findings including identifying patient-oriented support groups when necessary
- Working with the research team to review outcomes related to genomic testing.
- Maintaining up-to-date documentation for all study-based interactions.
Provides presentations and in-services on medical genetics topics, as well as updates on the progress and findings of research studies to the Division of Neurology.
Provides educational presentations to public and professional groups, as well as lectures to students in the areas of genetic counselling and genomic testing.
Is involved in writing grant proposals to fund new and on-going research studies. Collaborates with members of the research team to develop, devise, and conduct clinical research. This may include proposing amendments to the research ethics board, analyzing data, summarizing results, and disseminating findings in oral or written format. Contributes to the design, review, data input, maintenance, and evaluation of the QI/QA database.
Conducts semi-structured interviews and focus groups of study participants and healthcare professionals.
Participates in the analysis of quantitative and qualitative data from genetic counselling research studies.
Is involved in the planning, development and evaluation of programs and services related to the studies.
Disseminates research findings though writing manuscripts, and presenting to professional and academic audiences.
Participates in laboratory, clinical, and research meetings and conferences.
Maintains knowledge of current developments in Genomics and Genetic Counselling through methods such as reviewing relevant literature, consulting with other professionals, attending relevant education programs .
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Consequence of Error/Judgement
This position is key to the ethical and effective recruitment of study participants and the management of the research project. Errors in judgement may lead to inappropriate recruitment, participant drop out, lack of trust between participants and study personnel, inaccurate data collection and analysis. This could ultimately lead to incomplete or inaccurate findings, and failure of the project.
Supervision Received
In general, this position works in close consultation with the neurologists including former Division Head Dr. Mary Connolly and Interim Division Head Dr. Michelle Demos. This position is required to be self-sufficient, and accountable, with the ability to use in-dept knowledge and experience in genetic counselling and research.
Supervision Given
N/A
Minimum Qualifications
Master’s degree in Medical Genetics or Genetic Counselling and one year of internship in medical genetics, or the equivalent in training and experience. Board eligible for certification under the Canadian Association of Genetic Counselling or American Board of Genetic Counselling.
-
Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own
-
Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion
Preferred Qualifications
-
Demonstrates knowledge and clinical experience with families undergoing genome-wide sequencing approaches
-
Demonstrates sound clinical judgment in interaction with patients, clinicians and staff
-
Demonstrates knowledge and experience with both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies.
-
Demonstrates ability to communicate effectively with families and colleagues
-
Demonstrates ability to work independently and co-operatively as part of an interdisciplinary team.
-
Has administrative experience including supervisory experience in a clinical or research setting, as well as familiarity and experience with study protocols and UBC's ethical approval processes.
-
Demonstrates ability to use computerized database/information systems and a variety of word processing and database software including REDCap.
-
Has completed the TriCouncil Policy Ethics course
-
Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own
-
Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing her own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion
About Us
The University of British Columbia is a global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities globally. A large part of what makes us unique is the community of engaged students, faculty, and staff who are collectively committed to shaping a better world.
Recognized as a leading employer in British Columbia and Canada, UBC supports inspired students, faculty and staff on their journey of discovery, and challenges them to realize their greatest potential. New ideas, changing infrastructure, innovative technology, and fresh approaches are opening up possibilities for the future of research, teaching, and work. Are you ready to embrace the future together?
Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, and/or Indigenous person.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
If you have any accommodation or accessibility needs during the job application process, please contact the Centre for Workplace Accessibility at
workplace.accessibility@ubc.ca
.
Genetic Counselor
About the role
Staff - Non Union
Job Category
M&P - AAPS
Job Profile
AAPS Salaried - Genetic Counsellor, Level A
Job Title
Genetic Counselor
Department
Demos Laboratory | Department of Paediatrics | Faculty of Medicine
Compensation Range
$6,747.50 - $9,701.42 CAD Monthly
The Compensation Range is the span between the minimum and maximum base salary for a position. The midpoint of the range is approximately halfway between the minimum and the maximum and represents an employee that possesses full job knowledge, qualifications and experience for the position. In the normal course, employees will be hired, transferred or promoted between the minimum and midpoint of the salary range for a job.
Posting End Date
March 6, 2026
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
Job End Date
December 31, 2026
This position is expected to be filled by promotion/reassignment and is included here to inform you of its vacancy at the University.
This position is subject to the satisfactory completion of required background checks.
Note: Only the Full Time Compensation Range is displayed on the job posting details advertised on the UBC Career sites. This position will work 0.20FTE (7 hours per week). Salary will be pro-rated based on FTE.
At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.
Job Summary
Provides genetic counselling, including pre-and post-test genetic counselling, education, and support to participants in several clinical research projects in Pediatric Epilepsy.
Genetic Counselling is an important component of the diagnostic process. The current standard of clinical care is comprehensive non-directive genetic counselling prior to and following genetic testing. Appropriate genetic counselling and education will facilitate the families understanding of the genetic risk factors, their child s condition and the details of the genomic testing they will be undertaking. Thus, each family will meet with one of the study s genetic counsellors to discuss important issues and considerations regarding the genetic testing process, the possible results they may receive and the implications of receiving results. Post-test genetic counselling is helpful in the family s understanding and adaption to the information that they have been given. In some situations the genetic counsellors also help families find patient-oriented support groups or connect families who want to meet someone else with the same condition.
Liaises with pediatric neurologists epileptologists and pediatric neurologists-geneticists and other health professionals at BC Children s Hospital to do genetic counselling to the families of the study participants.
Organizational Status
This position is within the Division of Pediatric Neurology, at BC Children s Hospital. This position is in addition of the genetic counsellor position with the Department of Medical Genetics. The division, under direction of Dr. Connolly, consists of about 15 pediatric neurologists, 10 full time study coordinators, research director, nurses, research assistants, an administrative assistant. The position will work most closely with the research coordinators, and the research director, and will ultimately report to the principal investigators, Dr. Demos, Dr. Connolly and others.
Work Performed
The position's purpose is to support and take a leadership role in few of the ongoing clinical genomic projects. Below are the core responsibilities of the position.
The position s purpose is to support and take a leadership role in few of the ongoing clinical genomic projects. Below are the core responsibilities of the position.
Provides genetic counselling to research participants in the studies by performing duties such as:
- Effectively engaging with families to establish and maintain rapport, explain the study protocol, and obtain consent
- Providing pre- and post-test genetic counselling including participating in the disclosure of results sessions with the neurologists.
- Helping families adapt to the GWS findings including identifying patient-oriented support groups when necessary
- Working with the research team to review outcomes related to genomic testing.
- Maintaining up-to-date documentation for all study-based interactions.
Provides presentations and in-services on medical genetics topics, as well as updates on the progress and findings of research studies to the Division of Neurology.
Provides educational presentations to public and professional groups, as well as lectures to students in the areas of genetic counselling and genomic testing.
Is involved in writing grant proposals to fund new and on-going research studies. Collaborates with members of the research team to develop, devise, and conduct clinical research. This may include proposing amendments to the research ethics board, analyzing data, summarizing results, and disseminating findings in oral or written format. Contributes to the design, review, data input, maintenance, and evaluation of the QI/QA database.
Conducts semi-structured interviews and focus groups of study participants and healthcare professionals.
Participates in the analysis of quantitative and qualitative data from genetic counselling research studies.
Is involved in the planning, development and evaluation of programs and services related to the studies.
Disseminates research findings though writing manuscripts, and presenting to professional and academic audiences.
Participates in laboratory, clinical, and research meetings and conferences.
Maintains knowledge of current developments in Genomics and Genetic Counselling through methods such as reviewing relevant literature, consulting with other professionals, attending relevant education programs .
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Consequence of Error/Judgement
This position is key to the ethical and effective recruitment of study participants and the management of the research project. Errors in judgement may lead to inappropriate recruitment, participant drop out, lack of trust between participants and study personnel, inaccurate data collection and analysis. This could ultimately lead to incomplete or inaccurate findings, and failure of the project.
Supervision Received
In general, this position works in close consultation with the neurologists including former Division Head Dr. Mary Connolly and Interim Division Head Dr. Michelle Demos. This position is required to be self-sufficient, and accountable, with the ability to use in-dept knowledge and experience in genetic counselling and research.
Supervision Given
N/A
Minimum Qualifications
Master’s degree in Medical Genetics or Genetic Counselling and one year of internship in medical genetics, or the equivalent in training and experience. Board eligible for certification under the Canadian Association of Genetic Counselling or American Board of Genetic Counselling.
-
Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own
-
Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion
Preferred Qualifications
-
Demonstrates knowledge and clinical experience with families undergoing genome-wide sequencing approaches
-
Demonstrates sound clinical judgment in interaction with patients, clinicians and staff
-
Demonstrates knowledge and experience with both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies.
-
Demonstrates ability to communicate effectively with families and colleagues
-
Demonstrates ability to work independently and co-operatively as part of an interdisciplinary team.
-
Has administrative experience including supervisory experience in a clinical or research setting, as well as familiarity and experience with study protocols and UBC's ethical approval processes.
-
Demonstrates ability to use computerized database/information systems and a variety of word processing and database software including REDCap.
-
Has completed the TriCouncil Policy Ethics course
-
Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own
-
Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing her own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion
About Us
The University of British Columbia is a global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities globally. A large part of what makes us unique is the community of engaged students, faculty, and staff who are collectively committed to shaping a better world.
Recognized as a leading employer in British Columbia and Canada, UBC supports inspired students, faculty and staff on their journey of discovery, and challenges them to realize their greatest potential. New ideas, changing infrastructure, innovative technology, and fresh approaches are opening up possibilities for the future of research, teaching, and work. Are you ready to embrace the future together?
Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, and/or Indigenous person.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
If you have any accommodation or accessibility needs during the job application process, please contact the Centre for Workplace Accessibility at
workplace.accessibility@ubc.ca
.