Scientific Program Analyst

My time at NHGRI ended up having a dramatic impact on my future in that I was exposed to people from such diverse training backgrounds, which made me reconsider my medical school plans. It was here that I realized I could combine my love for genetics and cancer into the field of molecular epidemiology, which I really only became exposed to after having candid conversations with several program advisors through the brown bag lunch opportunities.

My time as an NHGRI ERP program analyst has supported my learning and growth in the following ways thus far: 1) I have gained perspectives that help me better understand science as a human activity, influenced by society. This job has expanded my perspective on the way science is funded and the strategic thinking, planning, thought, care, and collaboration that is involved "behind the scenes." 2) I have a much deeper understanding of the landscape of the field of genomics. I get to learn about interesting science through my interactions with NHGRI staff and interactions with the broader genomics research community. 3) Being part of a workplace with many moving parts (often working with multiple consortia and groups), I have been exposed to a variety of workplace cultures and collaborative practices. This has deepened my understanding about what I value in a workplace and has provided examples of practices and skills I would like to implement or seek out in future work environments. 4) I have felt very fortunate to work with program directors who really care about my growth and development, have encouraged me to seek opportunities within my programs that align with my interests, share their insights and expertise, and value my perspective as well. There are a lot of smart, passionate people here and I have learned things from those I don’t frequently interact with as well.

The skill sets I developed and uncovered during my time as a program analyst at NHGRI have proved invaluable for my career. Interacting with different research groups spread across the globe, each with competing interests and timelines, taught me lessons in time management, organization, and most importantly communication. Learning how to adapt to different communication styles, while managing deadlines and acquiring the new "language" of scientific research gave me an incredible foundation for becoming a peer leader who can see the big picture, identify how to synthesize and prioritize tasks, and effectively set and achieve team goals.

One of the most valuable parts of the PA experience is that it put me in direct contact with leaders in the field of genomics, both inside NIH and outside. By working with my different programs, I not only gained a range of knowledge about current research directions in genomics, but was also given access to multiple mentors that helped shape my career path.

As a first year program analyst who has been working remotely for approximately 6 months, I think that I can offer some insight about the position. So far, this position has been one of a kind. I have had the opportunity to meet a wide variety of very interesting, smart, and kind people — all of whom have been willing to help me and guide me along the way. One example of this is through my program director Dr. M. We had talked briefly about my interest in genetic counseling and before I knew it, I was helping with the incoming genetic counseling awards. I was able to gain unique insight into where genetic counseling research is headed and collaborate with a variety of experts. Another example is through my work with IGNITE and the NHGRI Symposium. Drs. M and V have both encouraged me to peruse my own interests pertaining to the clinical trials and create a presentation that I was passionate about to share at the symposium. This has led to discussion about potential publications and authorship. As a recent college graduate, this has been a huge opportunity for career development and personal learning.

As a scientific program analyst, I work with amazing and inspiring leaders in genomic medicine and single-cell research, learn an extraordinary amount about cutting-edge genomics, and have been involved in multiple projects that have led me to pursue a career in medicine. Through this job, I recognized that the intersection between patient care and research will provide optimal care for patients. Additionally, by volunteering as a biocurator for one of my programs, I gained insight into how I could contribute to global health as a future clinical expert. Through this experience, I realized that I want to join the next generation of physician leaders who aim to make genomics more mainstream in clinical care.

You see firsthand how a science funding agency works, and how that institute interacts within the greater bureaucracy. The value of being a young person with some intimate knowledge of these processes is valuable, regardless of whether one transitions into government and policy, or aims for academic pursuits. There is also a degree of access to very interesting people, from NHGRI staff to broader NIH community and community of grantees, that is hard to find in a more traditional first job.

These things will change the way you think about the world and approach problems. I had thought very little of computational biology and bioinformatics, let alone the alphabet soup of government agencies. For a few years, I got to explore the terrain of both. This has been immensely valuable in graduate school as I work on genomics and science diplomacy — I certainly couldn't have done either without a few years at NHGRI.

There are a number of things that make the PA role unique. From day one you will be surrounded by a group of PA peers. Even though you will be supporting different programs, there is always someone who can help out and answer your questions. This team environment is invaluable, especially for a first job. You will also have access to a whole network of NHGRI staff that are genuinely invested in seeing you succeed and will help you pave a path to whatever comes next. This position enables you gain exposure to the latest groundbreaking science through the grant applications you hear about, talks you are invited to, and conversations you take part in. You will interact with leaders and experts in the field whose resumes and research successes are jaw-dropping. The experience is also a great way to gain insight into the grant process, funding mechanisms, and NIH structure. The PA role is a valuable and formative opportunity and is set apart from many other entry-level positions.

NHGRI is full of wonderfully dedicated, passionate people and it was inspiring to work at an institution that not only strives to advance research in human health and disease but next to the people that make it happen. The two years that you will spend at the institution will be formative in your professional career where you’ll learn what it means to be a young professional while taking the time to explore your career interests with people that are there to help you achieve your goals, whether it be graduate or medical school or getting a new job. You’ll also learn an incredible amount about genetics and genomics, while working alongside those at the forefront of their field!

This job has been invaluable to my personal and professional maturity before applying to medical school. It helped me explore my interests and decide with more certainty what my career goals are and how to achieve them.

Some of the things I appreciate about this job:

1. National (and often global) perspective on scientific research, healthcare and implementation;
2. Sweeping but comprehensive perspective on the process of incorporating scientific discovery into medicine and ultimately tangible changes in people’s health;
3. Opportunities for growth and learning with supportive staff willing to connect you to people who can help with your interests (physicians, scientists, genetic counselors, policy, communications, design, management, history, teaching, the possibilities are endless!);
4. Opportunities to interact with prominent researchers in the field, from a variety of institutions and perspectives.

This job has been invaluable to my personal and professional maturity before applying to medical school. It helped me explore my interests and decide with more certainty what my career goals are and how to achieve them.

[Some of the things] I appreciate about this job: 1) National (and often global) perspective on scientific research, healthcare, and implementation; 2) Sweeping but comprehensive perspective on the process of incorporating scientific discovery into medicine and ultimately tangible changes in people’s health; 3) Opportunities for growth and learning

with supportive staff willing to connect you to people who can help with your interests (physicians, scientists, genetic counselors, policy, communications, design, management, history, teaching, the possibilities are endless!); and 4) Opportunities to interact with prominent researchers in the field, from a variety of institutions and perspectives.

It was through my PA experience at NHGRI that I discovered the world of genomics beyond basic science research. I worked on NHGRI-funded genomic medicine implementation and ELSI programs that helped me realize exactly what I wanted to pursue for my PhD...In addition to these experiences, I was able to considerably improve my management skills through organizing large-scale program meetings (domestic and international) as well as monitoring the progress of extramural NHGRI consortia. These skills are useful in my current role as research assistant and study coordinator for research projects at my university.