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Past
ASHG fellows at a recent GINA
hearing on the "Hill". From
left to right - Jennifer Leib, Derek
Scholes, Daryl Pritchard, Michael
Stebbins.
Not pictured is the current fellow
Ed Ramos who is serving in Senator
Barack Obama's office. |
Genetics & Public Policy Fellowship
Sponsored by:
The American
Society of Human Genetics
The National Human Genome Research Institute
National Institutes of Health
Background
The advancement of biotechnology continues
to fuel new discoveries across scientific
disciplines, including genetics and
genomics. Attached to many of these
advances, such as rapid and large-scale DNA
genotyping, are policy questions that
address a wide range of issues. Funding for
research and the implications of scientific
studies are excellent examples of the
intersection between science and policy. The
American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG)
and the National Human Genome Research
Institute are co-sponsoring the genetics and
public policy fellowship to give genetics
professionals an opportunity to contribute
the policy-making process. This unique
fellowship provides three separate types of
experiences: time spent in the NIH as a part
of the Executive branch; a staff position on
Capitol Hill serving elected officials and
the Legislative branch; and then experience
working with ASHG in the non-profit science
advocacy sector. This variety of assignments
provides experience for the fellow from
multiple critical viewpoints and challenging
perspectives of the scientific policy-making
process.
Program Overview
Purpose: This is a fellowship program
designed for genetics professionals with an
advanced degree who are early in their
careers and interested in the development
and implementation of genetics health and
research policies at the national level. The
fellow will have the opportunity to
participate in policy analysis at the NHGRI
and the ASHG and to work directly with the
U.S. Congress.
Length of Fellowship: 16 months
Start Date: August to early September
(negotiable)
Compensation: annual $60k stipend plus
benefits
Designated Mentors:
Phyllis Frosst, PhD
Head Policy & Program Analysis
Office of the Director
NHGRI
Joann Boughman, PhD
Executive Vice President, ASHG
Profiles of Current Public Policy Fellows
Rotations (schedule approximate)
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Sept. - Dec. 2009 |
Policy and Program
Analysis Branch, Office of the
Director, at NHGRI: participate
in a variety of ongoing ethical,
legal, and policy activities as well
as other processes, such as
development of the federal budget. |
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Jan. - Sept. 2010 |
Congressional
office and/or Committee involved in
genetics-related public policy
issues: work in staff office,
participate fully in staff
functions. Fellows determine their
congressional positions based on
availability and their own
interests, and participate fully in
staff functions during this time. |
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Oct. - Dec. 2010 |
Work with the
administration of ASHG:
involvement in legislative and
policy issues, providing support for
the Board and Social Issues
Committee, and collaboration with
other organizations (e.g., ACMG,
NSGC, FASEB and AAMC) |
Activities
The fellow will do background research and
analysis on policy issues of importance to
the human genetics community and prepare
summaries on issues for a variety of
audiences. Writing tasks will include
preparation of testimony, policy analysis
documents, points-to-consider documents,
position statements and educational
articles. The fellow will participate in a
variety of forums and will be expected to
represent the involved organizations
effectively in individual meetings and
larger settings.
Qualifications and Skills
Candidates are expected to have an advanced
degree in human genetics or related field.
Exceptional applicants with other advanced
degrees and clearly demonstrated
experience-based knowledge in science policy
could be considered. Ideally, the fellow
will have completed graduate training, but
be early in the career development path. In
addition to possessing a scientific
knowledge base, the candidate must have a
well-articulated interest in public policy
development and implementation. Demonstrated
skills in both oral and written
communications are essential.
Selection Process
A committee of representatives from ASHG and
NHGRI will review application materials,
interview finalists, and recommend up to
three candidates to the organizational
leaders for the final selection decision. As
indicated in the application materials, the
experience, motivation, area of interest,
and future plans of the candidates will be
considered. Membership in ASHG is also a consideration.
The application deadline is April 25,
2009.
 2009 Application for Consideration
Contact
Questions for the ASHG/NHGRI Fellowship can
be directed to:
Phyllis Frosst, PhD
Head Policy & Program Analysis
Office of the Director
NHGRI
E-mail: frosstp@mail.nih.gov
Joann Boughman, Ph.D.
Executive Vice President
American Society of Human Genetics
E-mail:
jboughman@ashg.org
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