Announcements

Employment Opportunities

Cytogenetics Laboratory Technologist.—The Division of Medical Genetics at the Royal University Hospital and the University of Saskatchewan, in Saskatoon, SK, Canada, is a rapidly expanding genetics facility and invites applications to fill immediately the position of cytogenetics laboratory technologist. The University of Saskatchewan is located near downtown in the city of Saskatoon, on the banks of the South Saskatchewan River. The city is a cultural center with year-round recreational facilities and is within 2 hours of many provincial and national parks, lakes, beaches, golf courses, and wilderness areas. The university annually welcomes >19,000 full- and part-time undergraduate and graduate students to what is reputed to be among the most picturesque campuses in North America. The Royal University Hospital is a 490-bed facility located adjacent to the University of Saskatchewan. The Cytogenetics Laboratory is located at the Royal University Hospital and is part of the Division of Medical Genetics. This is a new and permanent full-time cytogenetics technologist position to perform computer-aided karotype and FISH analysis on amniotic fluid, peripheral blood, and bone marrow specimens. The preferred candidate will have subject certification in cytogenetics. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package. Position-specific questions can be directed to Dr. Janette van den Berghe by telephone, at (306) 655-1708, or by e-mail, at vandenberghej@sdh.sk.ca. Please forward your resume to Barry Barss, Employment Services, Saskatoon District Health, 103 Hospital Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 0W8; fax: (306) 655-2444; e-mail: barssb@sdh.sk.ca

Genetic Counselor.—The Division of Medical Genetics at the Royal University Hospital and the University of Saskatchewan, in Saskatoon, SK, Canada, is a rapidly expanding facility and invites applications to fill immediately the position of genetic counselor. The University of Saskatchewan is located near downtown in the city of Saskatoon, on the banks of the South Saskatchewan River. The city is a cultural center with year-round recreational facilities and is within 2 hours of many provincial and national parks, lakes, beaches, golf courses, and wilderness areas. The university annually welcomes >19,000 full- and part-time undergraduate and graduate students to what is reputed to be among the most picturesque campuses in North America. The Royal University Hospital is a 490-bed facility located adjacent to the University of Saskatchewan. The position is within the Division of Medical Genetics, which currently consists of one medical geneticist, two genetic counselors, one Ph.D. cytogeneticist, and support staff. Under the direction of the medical geneticist, the genetic counselor will participate in the coordination and day-to-day administration of a busy general genetics program. This involves screening and accepting patient referrals, preparation and follow-up of families for genetic assessment, and counseling, teaching, and liaison with other related fields and professionals. Candidates must demonstrate organizational skills, good communication and interpersonal skills, cooperativeness, and dependability. The genetic counselor will have ample opportunity to counsel patients independently but must also work well in a team setting. Basic computer skills are essential. Applicants must have a master's degree in genetic counseling/genetics or 2 years of recent genetic counseling experience and an equivalent education level. The successful candidate must be eligible for membership and certification in the Canadian Association of Genetic Counselors (CAGC). We offer a competitive salary and benefits package. Position-specific questions can be directed to Dr. Edmond G. Lemire by telephone, at (306) 655-1692, or by e-mail, at lemiree@sdh.sk.ca. Please forward your resume to Ms. Jill Lockhart, Saskatoon District Health Human Resources, 103 Hospital Drive, Royal University Hospital, Saskatoon, SK Canada S7N 0W8; fax: (306) 655-2444; e-mail: lockhartj@sdh.sk.ca

Director of the Metabolic Diseases Program.—The Division of Medical Genetics at the Royal University Hospital and the University of Saskatchewan, in Saskatoon, SK, Canada, is a rapidly expanding genetics facility and invites applications to fill immediately the position of Director of the Metabolic Diseases Program. The University of Saskatchewan is located near downtown in the city of Saskatoon, on the banks of the South Saskatchewan River. The city is a cultural center with year-round recreational facilities and is within 2 hours of many provincial and national parks, lakes, beaches, golf courses, and wilderness areas. The university annually welcomes >19,000 full- and part-time undergraduate and graduate students to what is reputed to be among the most picturesque campuses in North America. The Royal University Hospital is a 490-bed facility located adjacent to the University of Saskatchewan. The Metabolic Diseases Program is a part of the Division of Medical Genetics. The Division of Medical Genetics currently consists of one medical geneticist, two genetic counselors, one Ph.D. cytogeneticist, and support staff. The director will lead a team involved in the diagnosis and management of patients with metabolic disorders and will be involved with the provincial newborn-screening program. The Provincial Laboratory in Regina has recently acquired a tandem mass spectrometer for use in the newborn-screening program. There is a metabolic laboratory with two full-time technologists. The director's responsibilities will include participation in clinical care, medical education, and research. Applicants must possess an M.D. degree and must be certified or eligible for certification in medical genetics and/or pediatrics through the Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons of Canada and must have experience in the treatment of patients with metabolic disorders. Candidates with clinical experience in biochemical genetics who are certified through the CCMG and/or the ABMG will also be considered. Licensure by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan is necessary. Salary and rank will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. Interested individuals should submit a curriculum vitae, along with three letters of reference, to Dr. Edmond G. Lemire, Division of Medical Genetics, Royal University Hospital, 103 Hospital Drive, Saskatoon, SK, Canada S7N 0W8. For further information, please contact Dr. Edmond Lemire by e-mail, at lemiree@sdh.sk.ca; by telephone, at (306) 655-1692; or by fax, at (306) 655-1736.

Medical Geneticist.—The Division of Medical Genetics at the Royal University Hospital and the University of Saskatchewan, in Saskatoon, SK, Canada, is a rapidly expanding genetics facility and invites applications to fill immediately the position of medical geneticist. The University of Saskatchewan is located near downtown in the city of Saskatoon, on the banks of the South Saskatchewan River. The city is a cultural center with year-round recreational facilities and is within 2 hours of many provincial and national parks, lakes, beaches, golf courses, and wilderness areas. The university annually welcomes >19,000 full- and part-time undergraduate and graduate students to what is reputed to be among the most picturesque campuses in North America. The Royal University Hospital is a 490-bed facility located adjacent to the University of Saskatchewan. The Division of Medical Genetics currently consists of one medical geneticist, two genetic counselors, one Ph.D. cytogeneticist, and support staff. It provides a wide range of inpatient and outpatient genetic services to the population of Saskatchewan. The successful applicant's responsibilities will include participation in clinical care, medical education, and research. Preferred applicants will possess an M.D. and will be certified or eligible for certification in medical genetics. Individuals with certification through the CCMG and/or the ABMG may also be considered. Licensure by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan is necessary. Salary and rank will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. Interested individuals should submit a curriculum vitae, along with three letters of reference, to Dr. Edmond G. Lemire, Division of Medical Genetics, Royal University Hospital, 103 Hospital Drive, Saskatoon, SK, Canada S7N 0W8. For further information, please contact Dr. Edmond Lemire by e-mail, at lemiree@sdh.sk.ca; by telephone, at (306) 655-1692; or by fax, at (306) 655-1736.

Clinical Cytogenetics.—The Center of Human Genetics in Leuven is seeking a cytogeneticist for its “constitutional cytogenetics” laboratory. He/she will be involved in the daily organization of routine constitutional and prenatal karyotyping services and will be responsible both for the development and implementation of novel applications and for cell culture. Training in biomedical sciences and a doctoral degree, preferably in cytogenetics, are required. Preference will be given to candidates with good training in FISH and practical knowledge of computers (both hardware and software). Hands-on experience in the recent innovations in the field of molecular cytogenetics (multicolor FISH, FISH & CHIPS, single-cell applications, and padlock probes) is an asset. Candidates must be able to conduct research in this field and must speak Dutch or be willing to learn Dutch. The Center for Human Genetics at the University of Leuven, Belgium, is a major research center with affiliations with the University Hospital. Applicants should send a curriculum vitae, including a research summary, and the names of two references to Professor J.-P. Fryns, Center for Human Genetics, University Hospital, Gasthuisberg ON6, Herestraat 49, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium. E-mail: marleen.vanleemputten@uz.kuleuven.ac.be; fax: 32-16-346051.

Cytogenetics Laboratory Manager (Director).—The Queen's Medical Center has an opening for a laboratory manager (director) for our clinical cytogenetics laboratory. We provide comprehensive genetics testing and counseling services. Our cytogenetic laboratory currently processes solid-tissue, amniotic fluid, blood, and bone marrow samples. In addition to assumption of day-to-day management and budgetary responsibilities for the cytogenetics laboratory, the laboratory manager will be responsible for cytogenetics consultation and report sign-out. Minimum qualifications include a Hawaii state license and certification in clinical cytogenetics by the American Board of Medical Genetics. The successful candidate must also have experience in all aspects of laboratory management, as well as excellent written and verbal communication skills. Experience with FISH and personal computing skills are necessary, and knowledge of DNA-based testing is preferred. We are located in the heart of Honolulu, HI, with numerous ongoing educational opportunities. For additional information, please call Mark H. Bogart, Ph.D., at (808) 591-1183. Qualified applicants are welcome to mail or fax resumes to Human Resources, General Services Building, Room 103, The Queen's Medical Center, 1301 Punchbowl Street, Honolulu, HI 96813; fax: (808) 537-7887. More information is available at our Web site (http://www.queens.org). The Queen's Medical Center is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.

Clinical Geneticist.—The section of medical genetics in the Center for Complex Diseases at Children's National Medical Center is recruiting a full-time clinical geneticist, either board certified or eligible for such certification. This academic appointment in the Department of Pediatrics at The George Washington University School of Medicine will be at the level of assistant or associate professor, depending on experience. The successful candidate will have broad experience in clinical dysmorphology. Clinical research opportunities are available through an NIH-sponsored pediatric clinical research center. Inquiries and applications, which should include a curriculum vitae and three letters of reference, should be addressed to Cynthia J. Tifft, M.D., Ph.D., Chair, Genetics, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Center for Complex Diseases, Children's National Medical Center, 111 Michigan Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20010-2970.

Research Study Coordinator.—The Division of Metabolism in the Department of Pediatrics at Oregon Health Sciences University is seeking a clinical research manager and patient-care coordinator. The successful applicant's duties will include managing clinical research trials and coordinating the care of patients with lysosomal storage diseases. The manager will provide direction for the planning, implementation, operations, and evaluation of all regulatory and patient-care aspects of clinical research projects. Requires either a master's degree—in genetics counseling, from a physician-assistant program, or in nursing—or other health-related field and research experience. Nurse-practitioner or physician-assistant certification is preferred. Knowledge of guidelines that govern clinical research is a plus. Strong organizational, interpersonal, and written skills are required. To apply, please send a letter of interest that outlines past research, patient-care training and experience, and genetics background; a current curriculum vitae or resume; and the names, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of three references to OHSU/CDRCP, attention: Sylvia Hathaway, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97201.

Postdoctoral Fellow.—The Max McGee National Research Center for Juvenile Diabetes at the Medical College of Wisconsin and Children's Hospital of Wisconsin seeks an enthusiastic and able postdoctoral fellow to take a lead analytical role in the center's mission of finding genetic determinants for type 1 diabetes. The applicant must either have a Ph.D. in mathematics, computer science, or statistics or be a very able quantitative biologist. The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary team at the center, with backgrounds both in biology and in mathematics and the physical sciences, who will use emerging technologies to integrate mapping, sequencing, and expression data to produce a functional genomics framework to delineate diabetogenic pathways for further investigation. The position will provide excellent training in statistical genetics and good exposure to molecular genetics and functional genomics. Interested candidates may send a curriculum vitae with the names and addresses of three references to Jane Martell, Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, MFRC 756, Milwaukee, WI 53226; e-mail: jmartell@mcw.edu

Postgraduate/Postdoctoral Positions in Statistical Genetics/Genetic Epidemiology.—Three immediate openings exist for appointments in postgraduate/postdoctoral research at the Institute for Medical Biometry, Informatics, and Epidemiology at the University of Bonn, Germany. The ideal candidate will have a background in computation and statistics. The positions are within a recently established program on linkage, fine mapping, and positional candidate analyses of genes for several complex genetic disorders: atopic dermatitis, androgenetic alopecia, familial febrile convulsions, migraine with aura, chronic inflammatory bowel disease, and type 2 diabetes. Responsibilities will include collaboration in the analysis of these studies and the development of statistical methodology in the area of linkage analysis (see Strauch et al. [2000], Am J Hum Genet 66:1945–1957) and linkage disequilibrium mapping (see Horvath et al. [2000], Am J Hum Genet 66:1161–1167). Salary will be in the range of DM 68,000–82,000 per year, and the positions are initially funded for 3 years. Applications, including a full curriculum vitae and the addresses of at least two referees, should be sent to Dr. Thomas F. Wienker, Head of the Group for Genetic Epidemiology, or Dr. Michael Knapp, IMBIE, University of Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Str. 25, 53105 Bonn, Germany. E-mail: wienker@uni-bonn.de or knapp@imsdd.meb.uni-bonn.de

Fellowship Opportunity

Jane Engelberg Memorial Fellowship.—The Jane Engelberg Memorial Fellowship (JEMF) is open to genetic counselors who are full members, in good standing, of the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) and are certified in genetic counseling by the American Board of Medical Genetics or the American Board of Genetic Counseling. Individuals who have been granted active candidate status by the American Board of Genetic Counseling also are eligible to apply for a JEMF. The ninth fellowship award, an annual $50,000 grant from the Engelberg Foundation to the NSGC, will be awarded for 2001–2002 to one genetic counselor (or more than one genetic counselor who will share the award) for study, research, writing, or exploration of new interests to enhance present skills, develop new skills, contribute to the body of knowledge in the field of genetic counseling, or expand professional roles. Applicants must demonstrate that the work supported by the fellowship will produce results that (1) will be of sufficiently broad interest to warrant professional publication and/or presentation and (2) will enrich the base of knowledge in the professional community concerned with genetic counseling. Applicants may elect to pursue fellowship work, on a part-time or full-time basis, for a maximum of 1 year. The award will be presented at the annual NSGC Education Conference in 2001. Applications are due May 1, 2001. A program application and guideline booklet will be mailed in January to all NSGC full members. For more information, contact Joan A. Scott, M.S., Chair, JEMF Board, c/o Gene Logic, Inc., 708 Quince Orchard Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20878; telephone: (240) 631-7477; fax: (301) 926-6125; e-mail: jscott@genelogic.com

Call for Abstracts

National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) 20th Annual Education Conference.—The NSGC's 20th Annual Education Conference will be held in Washington, DC, on November 4–7, 2001. Members are asked to submit abstracts for consideration as posters or platform presentations. The theme of this year's conference is “Current Advances: Anticipating Change.” The conference will provide learning opportunities that address the recent and anticipated advances in genetics and prepare the genetic counseling profession for what has yet to be discovered. Although abstracts related to the conference theme are encouraged, any high-quality abstract of interest to genetic counselors is welcome. Students and nonmembers are encouraged to submit abstracts with sponsorship by a full member of the NSGC. Abstracts must be submitted electronically by 11:59 PM EST on Friday, June 15, 2001. Guidelines for abstract submission can be found on the NSGC Web site (http://www.NSGC.org). The Journal of Genetic Counseling strongly recommends submission of articles for publication based on presentations and posters. Members of the abstract committee are available to provide guidance to members and students who would like assistance in the development of presentations or posters. For questions regarding abstract submission and/or development, contact either Susan Estabrooks, M.S.—by telephone, at (919) 684-4996, or by e-mail, at sestabrooks@chg.mc.duke.edu—or Liz Melvin, M.S., by telephone, at (919) 684-4787, or by e-mail, at emelvin@chg.mc.duke.edu

Conference

Anophthalmia/Microphthalmia Conference.—The Second International Anophthalmia/Microphthalmia (A/M) Conference will be held in Chicago, IL, April 20–22, 2001. The conference will be hosted by the International Children's Anophthalmia Network (ICAN), a parent support group for A/M, Albert Einstein Medical Center, the University of Illinois at Chicago, and the Chicago Lighthouse for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired. Both parents and professionals are welcome. Updates on treatment, research, and the genetics of A/M will be provided. Other events include educational seminars, a panel of parents and professionals, and medical consultations. This conference will provide opportunities for families to establish support networks. The keynote speaker will be a lawyer who has bilateral microphthalmia. For additional information and registration materials for the conference, please contact Mary Dwyer at Albert Einstein Medical Center, 5501 Old York Road, Levy 2 West, Philadelphia, PA 19141; telephone (215) 456-8722; e-mail: aemcgenetics2@hotmail.com

Employment Sought

Cytogeneticist.—Board-certified general clinical cytogeneticist with Ph.D. and certificates of qualifications/licenses as a lab director in Florida, Georgia, and New York. Highly experienced in cancer and in prenatal and postnatal cytogenetics/molecular cytogenetics. Willing to move to anywhere in the United States or Canada. Available immediately. Please contact Navnit S. Mitter by e-mail (navnit@rain.org) or by phone/fax at (805) 523-3045.