Announcements

Employment Opportunities

Researcher.—A position is available immediately for a laboratory technician in the Division of Genetics and Metabolism, Children's Hospital, Boston, for an individual with a good background in molecular biology and genetics and the ability to work independently. Our research is focused on identifying and studying the gene(s) mutated in a hereditary myopathy associated with Paget disease of bone and frontotemporal dementia. We use standard positional cloning techniques, including linkage analysis, physical mapping, and classical methods of gene and protein analysis, and state-of-the-art gene-expression array technology. Experience with these techniques, as well as proficiency using Mac- and IBM-based computer programs and Web-based databases, will be an asset. Candidates should have an interest in genetics and in learning new molecular techniques, be organized and detail oriented, and enjoy interacting with others in the laboratory. A bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, or a related field is required. Responsibilities of the successful candidate will include assisting postdoctoral fellows with their experiments, performing his or her own experiments, interpreting data, and conducting Web-based investigations using data from the human genome project. In addition, the successful candidate will be responsible for general laboratory maintenance and ordering and will participate in laboratory and departmental meetings and presentations. Please send a cover letter and resume to Dr. Virginia Kimonis, Division of Genetics and Metabolism, Fegan 5, Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115 (phone: [617] 355-4697 or [617] 335-8315; e-mail: virginia.kimonis@tch.harvard.edu), or Marcy Belliveau, Manager, Division of Genetics, Children's Hospital, Enders 561, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115 (phone: [617] 355-3480; fax: [617] 355-7588; e-mail: marcy.belliveau@tch.harvard.edu).

Faculty Position in Clinical Genetics, Children's Hospital Boston and Harvard Medical School—The Division of Genetics at Children's Hospital Boston is seeking a clinical geneticist to join our growing clinical program in genetics and metabolism, which is currently composed of seven clinical and/or biochemical geneticists, two genetic counselors, and one nurse-practitioner. Applicants should be board certified or board eligible in clinical genetics and pediatrics. Primary responsibilities will include clinical consultation of patients referred for evaluation and/or genetic counseling in our outpatient clinics; participation in the newly formed multidisciplinary Advanced Fetal Care Center; consultation about patients in the inpatient service; supervision of genetic counselors and fellows in the Harvard Medical School Fellowship Program; and teaching of students, residents, and fellows. Expertise in clinical molecular diagnostic testing is desirable. Opportunities exist for clinical research and teaching. The position offers a competitive salary and full benefits. Applicants should submit a letter of interest and a curriculum vitae to Mira Irons, M.D., Associate Chief, Division of Genetics, Fegan 5, The Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115; telephone: (617) 355-3480; e-mail: mira.irons @tch.harvard.edu

Research Positions in Molecular Genetics of CAD and MI.—Two research positions (as either postdoctoral research fellow, research associate, or research technologist) are available immediately in the Center for Cardiovascular Genetics in the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation (CCF). The center applies cutting-edge technology to map, clone, and characterize susceptibility genes for premature coronary artery disease (CAD) and myocardial infarction (MI), the number one killer disease in the developed countries. The CCF heart program is one of the largest programs in the United States and has been ranked first for the past 8 consecutive years by U.S. News and World Report. More than 450 families with premature CAD and MI are already available for the project, and we have access to thousands of new patients each year at CCF. Our preliminary study has mapped four new genetic loci for premature CAD and MI, and future studies will focus on gene-discovery efforts. State-of-the-art research facilities are available for the project. Interested applicants, please submit a curriculum vitae and the names and contact information of three references to Dr. Qing Wang, Director, Center for Cardiovascular Genetics, ND40, Lerner Research Institute, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195; fax: (216) 444-2682; e-mail: wangq2@ccf.org

Biochemical Geneticist.—The Hayward Genetics Center seeks a board-certified or board-eligible biochemical geneticist for a faculty position as an assistant or associate professor at Tulane University Health Sciences Center. The Hayward Genetics Center serves as the referral center for inborn errors of metabolism and also conducts an active clinical and cytogenetics service. Specific responsibilities of this position include directorship of the clinical biochemical genetics laboratory and participation in teaching and research. A curriculum vitae and three letters of reference should be sent to Jess Thoene, M.D., Director, Hayward Genetics Center, Box SL#31, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, 1430 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70112; telephone: (504) 588-5229; fax: (504) 584-1763; e-mail: jthoene@tulane.edu. This search will remain open until a qualified candidate has been identified. Tulane University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, and applications from qualified women and minority group members are especially encouraged.

Associate Scientific Director of Molecular Genetics.—Quest Diagnostics, Inc., a Fortune 500 company that is listed on the S&P 500 index, is the worldwide leader in providing clinical diagnostic services to physicians, hospitals, and managed care organizations. We seek a highly motivated individual to join the molecular genetics department at Nichols Institute in San Juan Capistrano, CA, to participate in the exciting work of providing technical interpretations of molecular-testing results, providing consultations with physicians, and participating in the research and development efforts of the department. Candidates must have a Ph.D. or an M.D. degree, with certification (or eligibility for certification) by the American Board of Medical Genetics in clinical molecular genetics or in molecular pathology. Good verbal and written communication skills, as well as good decision-making capabilities, are required. A strong research background and/or exposure to high-throughput mutation-detection technology platforms is desirable. Enjoy the Southern California lifestyle with a friendly team of coworkers in a casual, friendly work environment. Quest Diagnostics, Inc. offers competitive compensation and an excellent benefits package. For immediate consideration, please send your resume, with salary history and requirements, to Quest Diagnostics, Inc., attn.: Charles M. Strom, M.D., Ph.D., Molecular Genetics Department, 33608 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92690-6130; fax: (949) 728-4732; e-mail: Charles.M.Strom@questdiagnostics.com (electronic submissions are preferred).

Clinical Cytogeneticist/Molecular Geneticist.—The Duke University Health System Clinical Laboratory is seeking candidates for the position of assistant director of clinical cytogenetics and clinical molecular diagnostics. The two laboratories are located together in a spacious new facility in Durham, NC, recently rated one of the top places to live in the United States. This is a faculty-level position as an assistant clinical professor in the Duke University Department of Pathology. The successful candidate will be certified in both clinical cytogenetics and clinical molecular genetics by the American Board of Medical Genetics, with significant experience in both laboratory areas. The assistant director will have supervisory responsibilities in each laboratory, including case interpretation, technical oversight, and monitoring of compliance with CAP/ACMG guidelines for both laboratories. The assistant director will also assist the directors of clinical cytogenetics and clinical molecular diagnostics in new test development and implementation. Independent investigation and publication are encouraged. Duke University is an equal opportunity employer. Please submit a curriculum vitae, a letter of interest, and the names of three references to Barbara K. Goodman, Ph.D., FACMG, Director, Clinical Cytogenetics Laboratory, Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology, DUMC Box 3712, Durham, NC 27710.

Cytogenetics Director.—The Department of Diagnostic Genetics at Laboratory Corporation of America (LabCorp) is seeking applicants for the position of cytogenetics director. Candidates should have a Ph.D. and/or an M.D. and should be certified in clinical cytogenetics by the American Board of Medical Genetics. The laboratory processes an extensive cross section of cytogenetics, molecular cytogenetics, and adjunctive molecular tests, and ancillary tests—including immunocytometry, immunohistochemistry, identity testing, biochemical genetics, and molecular genetics—are performed in contiguous laboratories. Duties will include preparing and reviewing cytogenetics case reports, test protocol development/refining, and training of sales specialists. Excellent communication skills are required. Salary will be commensurate with experience. LabCorp is a national clinical laboratory providing services to private doctors, hospitals, and managed care organizations. The laboratory is located in the Center for Molecular Biology and Pathology in Research Triangle Park, NC. Its size affords a very comprehensive benefits package. The laboratory is in an excellent location amid numerous university, research, and industrial corporations that participate in substantial technological development and medical advancement. Please send a curriculum vitae and a list of three references to Dr. Peter Papenhausen, National Director of Genetics, LabCorp, 1912 Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709; telephone: (800) 533-0567, extension 7142; e-mail: papenhp@labcorp.com

Conference

Third International Anophthalmia/Microphthalmia Conference.—The Third International Anophthalmia/Microphthalmia (A/M) Conference will be held in St. Louis, MO, on April 11–13, 2003. The conference will be sponsored by the International Children's Anophthalmia Network (ican), a parent-run support group for A/M; Albert Einstein Medical Center (Philadelphia), Genetics Division; Washington University, St. Louis; and The Delta Gamma Center for Children with Visual Impairments, St. Louis. Both parents and professionals are welcome. Updates on treatment and genetics research will be provided. Other events include educational seminars, a panel of professionals who treat individuals with A/M, a panel of affected individuals of varying ages, and medical consultations. This conference will also provide opportunities for families to establish support networks. For additional information and registration materials for the conference, please contact Tanya Bardakjian, M.S., C.G.C., at Albert Einstein Medical Center, Genetics, Levy 2 West, 5501 Old York Road, Philadelphia, PA 19141; telephone: (215) 456-8722.

Call for Abstracts

National Society of Genetic Counselors 22nd Annual Educational Conference Call For Abstracts.—The National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) 22nd Annual Education Conference will be held in Charlotte, North Carolina, on September 12–16, 2003. The theme of this year's conference is 'Putting Science into Practice: Strategies in Genetic Counseling for the 21st Century.' This conference will explore scientific advances in the field of genetics, the counseling skills required to apply this knowledge to the clinical setting, and the opportunities that these advances provide for nontraditional roles for the genetic counselor. We invite anyone to submit an abstract that will be of interest to the genetic counseling profession and related fields. Abstracts will be considered for either platform or poster presentation. Abstracts must be submitted electronically by 11:59 p.m. EST, Friday, May 2, 2003. Guidelines for abstract submission may be found on the NSGC Web site (http://www.nsgc.org/). For questions regarding abstract submission and/or development, contact Noelle Agan, M.S. (phone: [314] 569-6884; e-mail: agannr@stlo.smhs.com), or Shannan DeLany, M.S. (phone: [706] 721-2809; e-mail: sdelany@mail.mcg.edu).

Call for Patients

Patients Needed for Study on Genetic Causes of Kidney Cancer.—Patients with kidney cancer who have one or more affected relatives are encouraged to enroll in a study at the National Cancer Institute. Female and minority patients are particularly encouraged to apply. Researchers at the National Cancer Institute in Frederick, MD, are searching for the gene(s) contributing to risk for renal carcinoma. Participants will be requested to give a blood sample, fill out a family-history questionnaire, and send copies of medical records, including a pathology report on the kidney tumor. More information can be obtained from our Web site (http://web.ncifcrf.gov/research/kidney/), from Dr. Berton Zbar (telephone: [301] 846-1558; e-mail: zbarb@mail.ncifcrf.gov), or by writing to us at NCI-Frederick, Building 560, Room 12-71, Frederick, MD 21702.