Career Center

The ASHG-NHGRI Genetics and Public Policy Fellowship is for genetics/genomics professionals with an advanced degree who are early in their careers and interested in the development and implementation of policies related to genetics/genomics research and genomic medicine at a national level.

The fellowship provides experiences working:

• at NHGRI within the Executive Branch
• with ASHG in the non-profit science policy and advocacy sector
• in a staff position on Capitol Hill, serving elected officials in the Legislative Branch

To apply: Please visit our website: https://apply.ashg.org/a/page/fellowships/genetics-public-policy-fellowship

Roles and Responsibilities

Over the course of two years, the selected fellow will participate in three different rotations in the following three areas: six months each at NHGRI and ASHG, followed by one year on Capitol Hill.

NHGRI Policy and Program Analysis Branch: Fellows will participate in a variety of projects related to genomics policies and other activities, such as the development of the institute’s federal budget justification.

Advocacy at ASHG: Fellows will work within the ASHG Policy and Advocacy Department on society advocacy initiatives and on policy issues related to genetics research and non-clinical applications of genetics in society.

Congressional Office and/or Committee: Fellows will work within the office of a member of Congress or a Congressional committee with jurisdiction over health or science. Fellows determine their positions based on availability and their own interests and participate fully in staff functions during this time.

The fellow’s activities will vary with each rotation. They will include research and analysis on a wide range of policy issues impacting biomedical research and its clinical applications and summarizing those analyses for different audiences. Writing tasks may include crafting new policy position statements, preparing testimony, summarizing legislation and drafting speeches. 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.

In addition to regular responsibilities, the fellows will participate in colloquia and professional development events designed for the broader Genomics and Public Service Fellowship Program.

The qualified candidate is expected to:

• Have earned (or will earn prior to the start of the fellowship) an advanced degree (e.g., Masters, PhD, MD, or JD) and be eligible to work in the United States
• Have demonstrated expertise and/or interest relevant to human genetics and/or genomics

About American Society of Human Genetics

ASHG is a dynamic professional community of human genetics researchers, clinicians and other specialists who work at the leading edge of discovery, generating new genetic knowledge and translating it rapidly to improve human health and well-being. A non-profit founded in 1948, ASHG has nearly 8,000 members worldwide; hosts as many as 9,000 attendees annually at the world’s largest genetics and genomics meeting; publishes two respected journals, the flagship American Journal of Human Genetics and a new OA journal Human Genetics and Genomics Advances; and undertakes a growing array of public outreach, education, policy, and advocacy programs throughout the year. ASHG is a dynamic and healthy organization with 31 staff, an annual budget of nearly $8 million, and prudent reserves.

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