Genetics Education and Engagement Fellowship

The Genetics Education and Engagement Fellowship provides several experiences: working with NHGRI's Education and Community Involvement Branch; working with the education department at ASHG; and an optional third experience working with another organization involved in substantive science education or public engagement initiatives.

The fellowship program is designed for genetics professionals (or life scientists with substantial experience in genetics or genomics) who: have an advanced degree, are early in their careers, and are interested in developing and implementing genetic and genomic literacy, engagement, diversity, and/or professional development initiatives for audiences comprising K-12, undergraduate, graduate, post-graduate, and professional. This is not a clinical or research fellowship. Trainees and early-career scientists interested in tenure-track academic research careers should investigate other opportunities.

Duration of Fellowship: 16 months
Start Date: August to early September (negotiable)
Compensation Package: annual $72,000 stipend plus benefits

A committee of representatives from ASHG and NHGRI will review application materials in May and interview finalists in early June. The selected fellows will be notified in early July. Candidates are asked in the application materials to explain their motivation, areas of interest and future plans.

Eligibility:

• Advanced training in genetics/genomics (e.g., M.A., M.S., Ph.D.).
• Eligibility to work in the United States (i.e., the fellowship organizations will not sponsor visas).
• An intention to work in genetics/genomics education or engagement in the U.S. after the fellowship.
   

Attributes of Ideal Candidates:

• A passion to improve genetic and genomic literacy.
• An entrepreneurial spirit.
• Volunteer or paid experience in science education, public engagement, diversity, or similar.
• Some understanding of science pedagogy.
• A desire to advance sponsor organizations' interests in working with diverse communities.
   

For information about how to apply, contact the fellowship leaders:

• Carla Easter, Ph.D.
  Chief, Education and Community Involvement Branch
  National Human Genome Research Institute, NIH
  E-mail: easterc@mail.nih.gov
   

• Kanika Pulliam, Ph.D.
  Senior Manager, Education & Career Development Programs
  American Society of Human Genetics
  E-mail: kpulliam@ashg.org

Rotations (schedule approximate)

• Sept. 2018 - Jan. 2019
  Education and Community Involvement Branch, Division of Policy, Communications, and Education at NHGRI. Participate as a member of the Branch on a variety of projects related to genomics education.
   
• Feb. 2019 - June 2019
  American Society of Human Genetics. Participate in educational research and/or program development involving a range of audiences, including K-12, undergraduate, graduate, professional, and the public.
   
• July 2019 - Dec. 2019
  Public or private organization involved in genetics education, e.g., Smithsonian Institution, National Science Foundation, educational foundations, museums, curriculum development groups (optional). Participate in educational program administration, grant oversight and evaluation, science policy development, curriculum development, public outreach.
   

Designated Mentor(s):

• Carla Easter, Ph.D.
  Chief, Education and Community Involvement Branch, NHGRI
   
• Kanika Pulliam, Ph.D.
  Senior Manager, Education & Career Development Programs, ASHG