Job purpose

Reporting to the Associate Director, Advocacy & Public Affairs, the Genetics & Policy Fellow will participate in a fellowship program designed to provide hands-on experience at the intersection of science policy, education, and public engagement related to genetics and genomics. The Fellow will also work alongside the Senior Director, Strategic Content and Scientific Programs, and other staff leaders.

The fellow will gain a comprehensive understanding of how nonprofit organizations, government entities, and other stakeholders work together to shape public policy, professional education, and public understanding of genetics and genomics. Through a combination of policy-focused work and education and engagement initiatives, the fellow will contribute meaningfully to advocacy, education, and outreach efforts that support the genetics and genomics community.

This is a contract position for 1 year that is renewable for a second year, funding permitting. The initial Fellowship period is July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027.

Major Duties & Responsibilities

Science Policy and Advocacy

• Search for, summarize, and analyze scientific information for policy relevance and implications
• Monitor and analyze proposed legislation, congressional activity, and federal funding related tohumangenetics and genomics
• Draft a wide variety of policy-related materials, including position statements, issue briefs, testimony, budget justifications, memos, and calls to action
• Facilitate advocacy certificate program for trainees; develop training materials to prepare members and stakeholders for advocacy activities
• Draft concise memos and background documents summarizing scientific and technical information for non-scientific audiences
• Support engagement with policymakers and legislative staff, including preparation for meetings and briefings

Education

• Develop, update, andmaintaineducational resources onhumangenetics and genomics for diverse audiences, including professionals, students, and the public
• Coordinate and support activities for annual and one-time eventsthat advance ASHG’s mission 
• Collaborate on the development, implementation, and evaluation ofeducationalactivities 
• Research emerging topics ingenetics and genomicstoassistin new program development.
• Coordinate updates to programmatic websites and educational platforms
• Stay current on best practices in science education, public engagement, and inclusive outreach
• Develop 1-pagers, FAQ sheets and other resources for members, policymakersand the public
• Contribute to the development of professional guidances, annual meeting, and other educational programs

Collaboration & Communication

• Collaborate with internal staff and external partners on existing projects and new initiatives
• Provide regular progress updates to staff and stakeholders andmaintainproactive, ongoing communication
• Represent the organization at local and national meetings, conferences, and events
• Development of abstract and meeting summaries for the media and public
• Deliver presentations and posters;disseminateproject outcomes and gather information relevant to program goals
• Engage with policymakers and congressional staff to coordinate poster tours on research advances during the annual meeting

Other

• Perform other duties as assigned in support of fellowship and organizational goals

Qualifications

Education and Training

• An advanced degree (e.g., Master’s, PhD, MD, or JD)in genetics,genomicsor a related field
• Demonstrated expertise and strong interest in genetics and genomics

Required Skills and Experience

• Demonstrated interest in science policy, advocacy, education, and/or public engagement
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to quicklyidentify, synthesize, and analyze scientific information
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Experience working effectively both independently and as part of a team
• Professionalism, strong work ethic, and reliability
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Preferred or Complementary Experience

• Experience (volunteer or paid) in science education, policy,public engagement and/or advocacy initiatives
• Passion for engaging broad audiences around human genetics and genomics
• Commitment to building an inclusive, collaborative genetics and genomics enterprise
• Experience leading training workshops and/or committee organization skills
• Interest in developing project management skills through collaboration and co-creation

Working Conditions

• ASHG’s officeislocated inRockville, MD near the North Bethesda Metro in office space with free parking, onsite fitness facility, and dining options. We offer a work environment with a great mission, collegial team, and professional trust and respect.
• ASHG has adopted a flexible work environment that enables the employee to work with their supervisor regarding remote work and in-person activity. To achieve the needed functions of some positions, ASHG reserves the right to require in-person weekly office hours in ASHG’s Rockville office. This position is a Rockville, MD-based position and requires in-person availability1-2 times a week and willingness during key time periods or at the supervisor’s request.
• 37.5 hours/week, full-time.
• Occasional evening or weekend meetings or events, and travel 1-2x/year, including totheAnnual Meeting. 

Physical Requirements

• This position requires sitting (90%), standing (5%), and walking (5%). 
• It requires computer work involving extensive use of keyboard, mouse, and monitor; and 
• Occasionally requires lifting materials of ~20 lbs.