Fellowship and Public Health Research and Practice Program

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Fellowship is now closed.

Sponsored by:

The American Society of Human Genetics

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Title: Integrating Genetics and Genomics into Public Health Practice

ID#: 04059

Availability: 1 position

Primary Location: Atlanta, GA

Program Description

The objectives of this co-sponsored Fellowship are to enhance the CDC’s current activities and develop new approaches in integrating genetics and genomics into public health policy and programs at the national, state, and local levels. A wide range of challenges and opportunities for health policy makers and program staff associated with the integration of genetics and genomics are emerging within these health agencies.
Key issues of planning, workforce training, expansion of surveillance systems, health policy development and changes in disease prevention programs are important program activities.

The Fellow is expected to work independently and in conjunction with epidemiologists, geneticists, public health specialists, and communications specialists across CDC. Activities may include:

• Planning and development of current and future projects in genetics and
  genomics with CDC

• Providing technical assistance to CDC programs, and collaboratively with CDC
  programs, providing assistance to state and local health agencies on the
  integration of genomics into policy and practice around specific diseases.

• Collaborating with national public health organizations and professional
  organizations, including ASHG, in the planning and development of national
  public health strategies associated with genomics and disease prevention.

• Participating in ASHG activities related to the work at CDC to promote timely
  transfer of information about policy and program development.
  Participating in writing reports about the impact of genomics and public health
  policy and practice.

• Enhancing awareness about the importance of genomics in public health by
  providing content for the ASHG website and materials for the Mentor network.

• Assisting with the development and delivery of training and educational activities
  related to genomics and public health.

Required and/or Desired Skills and Knowledge:
Successful applicants must have either an MD or PhD degree or a master’s degree in
genetics, genetic counseling or a related field, with experience or interest in public health
genetics. Each applicant must qualify as early career (3 years experience) or mid-career
professionals.

Expected Benefits:
This career development opportunity will offer a broad experience in the emerging role of
genomics in public health practice. The Fellow will learn strategies for and practical
skills in integrating genomics into specific health policies and programs associated with
disease prevention and health promotion. Benefits include access to and cooperation of
genetics and public health professionals to enhance collaboration between the fields.
The Fellow will work closely with CDC staff and state and local health agencies to
assess and develop the role of genomics in public health activities. The Fellow will gain
insight and expertise through the training of, and with, public health professionals as well
as development and delivery of workshops and case studies appropriate for a variety of
audiences.

Period of assignment:
The length of the fellowship is two years for early career candidates and one year
for mid-career candidates. The start date for the Fellow is July 1, 2008.