Assistant Professor and Associate Program Director, Human Genetics and Genetic Counseling Program

Position Description

Keck Graduate Institute, in partnership with the national search firm, Scott Healy & Associates, invites applications and nominations for the position of Assistant Professor and Associate Program Director, Human Genetics and Genetic Counseling Program. Keck Graduate Institute seeks a dynamic individual who will prepare graduates to be leaders among healthcare professionals, and who is dedicated to advancing genetic counseling for the benefit of society through the development of innovative, collaborative, culturally-engaged, and caring genetic counselors. An appreciation for an integrated, interdisciplinary approach to learning is especially desired. The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to use creative approaches to academic program development, have strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively and work effectively in a team environment.

The Associate Program Director will have teaching responsibilities in the program and must be knowledgeable about genetic counseling research. The Associate Program Director will work in conjunction with the Associate Director of Research to provide oversight of student capstone projects. Responsibilities will include vetting of student capstone project ideas and ensuring they meet capstone project criteria, serving as a domain expert in the field of genetic counseling, and identifying content experts to serve on student committees. The Associate Program Director will work with the Program Director to contribute to the program's organization, administration, continuous review and analysis of curriculum, assessment and development. The anticipated distribution of responsibilities will be 40% teaching, 40% administration and service to the program and Institute, and 20% research and scholarship. Salary and academic rank will be commensurate with experience.

Responsibilities:
In collaboration with the Program Director and other Program Leaders, the Associate Program Director should provide vision and leadership for the program. The Associate Program Director will be responsible for the planning, developing, and monitoring of those aspects of the curriculum that support students’ integration of knowledge, skills, experience, and professional ethics into the practice of genetic counseling. This may include, but is not limited to the following:

• Overseeing student capstone projects;
• Providing program coordination and instructional planning;
• Designing, implementing, coordinating, and evaluating clinical or instructional aspects of the curriculum;
• Monitoring, evaluating, and remediating student performance;
• Providing course instruction;
• Maintaining and developing relationships with internal/external partners and health care/biotechnology institutions;
• Contributing to administrative responsibilities, as needed; and
• Assisting with program admissions, marketing and recruitment.

Qualifications

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or beyond. Strong preference for a master’s in genetic counseling from an ACGC accredited program.
• Professional board certification, if applicable.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience is required. 

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong interpersonal skills with the demonstrated ability to establish and develop productive and collegial relationships, collaboration, and the ability to communicate with various constituencies. 
• The ability to work with confidential and sensitive information and records and commit to the highest ethical standards.
• Ability to effectively multitask and produce accurate professional work products under demanding timelines.
• Teaching, leadership and management experience.
• Knowledge and understanding of ACGC accreditation processes and standards.
• Knowledge about program organization, administration, fiscal management, ‎continuous review and analysis, planning, and development.
• Cultural engagement to work with diverse students, faculty, and staff.
• Ability to work highly independently, organize work with attention to detail ‎and accuracy.
• Demonstrated skill in assessing timelines and coordinating numerous ‎assignments and projects simultaneously under heavy and fluctuating workloads and ‎conflicting deadlines.

About The Institution

About Keck Graduate Institute:
Keck Graduate Institute (KGI) was founded in 1997 as the first higher education institution in the United States dedicated exclusively to education and research related to the applied life sciences. KGI offers innovative postgraduate degrees and certificates that integrate life and health sciences, business, pharmacy, engineering, and genetics, with a focus on industry projects, hands-on industry experiences, and team collaborations. KGI employs an entrepreneurial approach and industry connections that provide pathways for students to become leaders within healthcare and the applied life sciences.

Located in beautiful Claremont, California, Keck Graduate Institute is a member of the Claremont Colleges, a consortium of five undergraduate liberal arts colleges, two graduate institutions, and The Claremont Colleges Services, which provides shared institutional support services. The Claremont Colleges consistently place at the top of national college rankings, including Forbes, Money, U.S. News and World Report and the Princeton Review. Each nationally recognized college has its own campus, students and faculty, and distinctive mission, and each offers top-notch curricula, small classes, distinguished professors and personalized instruction. To learn more about KGI, please visit https://www.kgi.edu/about/

About the Human Genetics and Genetic Counseling Program:
The Master of Science in Human Genetics and Genetic Counseling (MSGC) program at Keck Graduate Institute in Claremont, CA, is dedicated to the education of innovative genetic counselors who will serve the needs of individual patients, the healthcare system, and the bioscience industry. Our program emphasizes interprofessional collaboration, systematic problem solving, the safe, efficient and ethical use of technology and biotechnology, and personalized patient care.

The MSGC program will prepare graduates who are leaders among healthcare professionals dedicated to the delivery of advanced personally-optimized patient care and the translation of applied and clinical science breakthroughs to enhance the quality of life. We will advance genetic counseling for the benefit of society through the development of innovative, collaborative, culturally-engaged, articulate, and caring genetic counselors.

About The Community

About the Claremont, CA Community:
Located approximately 30 miles east of Los Angeles, Claremont is a prestigious community consisting of 35,000 residents and 140 acres of developed parks and tree-lined streets. The City’s development has always been closely associated with the academically acclaimed Claremont colleges: a consortium of five undergraduate and two graduate higher education institutions. The community takes pride in its rich cultural, educational and architectural heritage, as well as its small-town atmosphere.  Known throughout the region for its stately and beautiful single-family homes (many of historical significance), Claremont also offers condominiums, townhouses, and apartment living to meet varied needs and lifestyles.

In balance with residential development, there are thriving commercial and major industrial centers in Claremont as well as the historical downtown "Village."  The City has a well-educated, professional, and skilled labor force; quality and diversified residential areas; and excellent educational and recreational facilities. These attributes—along with progressive, well-managed City government and intense interest in community and cultural activities—make Claremont an ideal place to live and to conduct business.

Application Process

All correspondence relating to the position of Assistant Professor and Associate Program Director, Human Genetics and Genetic Counseling Program at Keck Graduate Institute should be directed in confidence to the Institute’s executive search consultant:

Cathryn Healy, Assistant Vice President
Scott Healy & Associates
caty@scotthealy.com

A complete application should include the following:

1. Cover Letter outlining your interest and qualifications for the position;
2. Updated CV;
3. Three (3) professional references with contact information, title, institutional affiliation, email address and direct phone numbers. (No references will be contacted without written permission from the candidate.)

Applications received by November 28, 2022 will receive priority consideration. The search will remain open until the position is filled.

Keck Graduate Institute is an equal opportunity employer. It does not discriminate against qualified employees or applicants based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, marital status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable state or federal law. Equal employment opportunity will be extended to all persons in all terms and conditions of employment. KGI strongly encourages candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.