Genetics Coordinator

Dedicated exclusively to children and their families, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) is one of the largest and most respected paediatric healthcare centres in the world. As innovators in child health, we lead and partner to improve the health of children through the integration of healthcare, leading-edge research and education. Our reputation would not have been built – nor could it be maintained – without the skills, knowledge and experience of the extraordinary people who come to work here every day. SickKids is committed to ongoing learning and development, and features a caring and supportive work environment that combines exceptionally high standards of practice.

When you join SickKids, you become part of our community. We share a commitment and determination to fulfill our vision of Healthier Children. A Better World.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to work alongside the world’s best in paediatric healthcare.

The Department of Paediatric Laboratory Medicine (DPLM) at SickKids is a leading, world-class facility working towards reducing the impact of childhood illness by providing diagnostic information that allows for early selection of best treatment options. DPLM is a valuable and integral part of the SickKids team, generating original research and providing timely, specialized diagnostic services for health care providers in Canada and around the world. The department comprises of five divisions: Clinical Biochemistry, Genome Diagnostics, Haematopathology, Microbiology, and Pathology. All DPLM laboratories are accredited by Accreditation Canada Diagnostics.

The Division of Genome Diagnostics (Molecular Genetics, Cytogenetics and Microarray, Clinical Fibroblast Service) specializes in advanced genetic testing for rare disorders and cancers affecting the paediatric population. Genome Diagnostics is also the first lab to establish a clinical genome-wide sequencing service in Canada, following the culmination of a successful pilot project that enabled testing for eligible paediatric and adult patients in Ontario.

As a valued member of a large, collaborative team comprising 100 laboratory and technical staff, you will play a key role in our complex testing pathway, which utilize the latest technology in next generation sequencing and informatics, karyotype imaging and analysis, and automated sample preparation. This is a dynamic role in a rapidly advancing field, with diverse learning and growth opportunities beyond routine testing, such as test development, case review participation, and teaching.

The Genome Diagnostic Division at the Hospital for Sick Children is currently seeking a Genetics Coordinator to become an integral member of our team dedicated to fostering an environment promoting excellence and innovation in patient care, research and education. Our molecular laboratory is the largest in the country serving over 15 million people. We currently offer testing for over 50 genetic conditions using a variety of molecular diagnostic technologies including next generation sequencing.

In this position you will be a key member of the laboratory team as a primary source for communication between clients (referring physicians or genetic counsellors) and laboratory staff. You will coordinate and track testing, inform on reported results, act as a client liaison and serve as an educator and resource for in-house staff, clients, other health care professionals and the general public. You will also be expected to keep abreast of new developments in the area of molecular diagnostics and may participate in translational research projects related to molecular diagnostics.

Here's What You¿ll Love:

• A commitment to continuing education and professional development through DPLM¿s Laboratory Professional Certification Reimbursement Program as well as several programs and resources through the Learning Institute.
• A hospital that welcomes and focuses on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
• A focus on employee wellness with our new Staff Health and Well-being Strategy. Self-care helps us support others.
• A culture of safety for both the patient and staff
• The opportunity to make an impact. Regardless of your role or professional interest, you¿ll be making a difference at SickKids and contributing to our vision of Healthier Children. A Better World.

Here¿s What You¿ll Get To Do

• Serve as primary liaison for laboratory users regarding molecular genetic testing.
• Coordinate laboratory office processes related to test intake and reporting, and liason with laboratory users.
• Participate in education of laboratory users on selection and significance of laboratory results.
• Participate in lab activities for quality assurance programs, and maintain appropriate laboratory standards.
• Assist in provision of genetic assessment and counselling on a limited basis.
• Function as a community resource by liaising with health care providers as needed and striving to improve the genetic health of individual populations through discovery, application and communication of genetic knowledge.
• Participate in teaching/supervisory opportunities in the University of Toronto/SickKids MSc Program in Genetic Counselling.
• Opportunity to aid in a genetics clinic as a clinical genetic counsellor on a limited basis

Here¿s What You¿ll Need

• A Master¿s of Science in Genetic Counselling, with certification by (or eligibility for) the Canadian Association of Genetic Counsellors (CAGC) and/or the American Board of Genetic Counselling (ABGC).
• Professional knowledge of the rapidly changing principles and practice of medical, clinical and molecular genetics.
• Superior critical thinking, organizational, detail focused, time management, decision-making, teamwork, teaching and continuous learning skills.
• Ability to work independently.
• Effective oral and written presentation and communication skills.
• Highly developed computer skills and/or the ability to learn new computer programs.
• Demonstrated commitment and actions in advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion objectives

Employment Type

Temporary, Full-time

The children and families we care for are from a variety of communities, and so are our employees. We welcome and encourage everyone to join our organization and be part of our team.

When requested, SickKids will provide access and inclusion supports to eligible candidates to support their full engagement during the interview and assessment process. Information received related to access or inclusion will be addressed confidentially.

Thank you for your interest in joining SickKids. Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. In accordance with our Hospital policy, employment at SickKids is conditional upon the Hospital’s receipt of all necessary documentation.

FOR EXTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY: As a health care institution, our highest priority is the safety of patients, families and staff. As a result, we are adopting all prevention measures to ensure the safety of our patients, families and our staff. Therefore, any offer of employment is conditional upon you submitting proof that you have been fully vaccinated with a Health Canada or World Health Organization (WHO) approved COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible and no later than fourteen (14) calendar days prior to the effective start date, in addition to satisfying any other condition(s) that may be set out in an offer. If a candidate fails to satisfy this condition (or any other condition(s) set out in an offer), any offer of employment shall be immediately rescinded.

How to Apply

Tip: Combine your cover letter and resume into ONE document of 20 pages or less as you cannot upload multiple documents as part of your application.

If you are still experiencing technical difficulties please email ask.hr@sickkids.ca to send us a short description of the issues you are experiencing. Please note that we will not accept resumes sent to this inbox but we are happy to respond to requests for technical assistance.