Genetic Counseling Professor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of genomic medicine, the role of genetic counseling professors is becoming increasingly significant.

As we continue to unravel the mysteries of human genes, the demand for skilled educators who can guide, develop, and safeguard the future of genetic counseling intensifies.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a genetic counseling professor?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply intrigued by the intricacies of genetic counseling education,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable genetic counseling professor job description template, crafted for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive into it.

Genetic Counseling Professor Duties and Responsibilities

Genetic Counseling Professors serve as educators and mentors to students preparing for careers in genetic counseling.

They provide instructional and administrative support in higher education environments and conduct research in the field of genetic counseling.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Developing and teaching courses on genetic counseling, including principles of genetic counseling, medical genetics, and genetic testing
• Supervising students’ clinical experiences and ensuring they meet the educational objectives of the genetic counseling program
• Creating a curriculum that adheres to the standards of accreditation bodies and reflects the latest advancements in the field
• Conducting and publishing research on various topics in the field of genetic counseling
• Advising students on career paths in genetic counseling and assisting with job placement
• Serving on university committees and participating in professional organizations related to genetic counseling
• Evaluating and grading students’ class work, assignments, and papers
• Maintaining student attendance records, grades, and other required records
• Keeping abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences

 

Genetic Counseling Professor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a knowledgeable and dedicated Genetic Counseling Professor to join our faculty.

This position involves teaching courses on genetic counseling, contributing to the development of our curriculum, and conducting research in the field of genetics.

The candidate will be expected to guide students in the latest methods and theories of genetic counseling, and promote a comprehensive understanding of the subject.

 

Responsibilities

• Teaching courses in genetic counseling and related topics
• Developing and updating course curriculum
• Advising and mentoring students
• Conducting research and publishing findings in peer-reviewed journals
• Participating in departmental and faculty meetings
• Attending academic conferences
• Assisting in the development of clinical training programs

 

Qualifications

• A PhD in Genetics, Genetic Counseling, or a related field
• Previous teaching experience at the college or university level
• Board certification in Genetic Counseling
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Research experience in genetics or a related field
• A strong publication record
• Experience in curriculum development

 

Benefits

• 401(k) retirement plan
• Health, vision, and dental insurance
• Tuition assistance
• Professional development opportunities
• Generous vacation and sick leave policies

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Genetic Counseling Professor
• Work Environment: University setting. May require some weekends or evenings for events, conferences, or lectures.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Department Chair.
• Salary: Salary is commensurate with experience, qualifications, and university guidelines.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our university. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your curriculum vitae, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and teaching philosophy, and the contact information for three professional references to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Genetic Counseling Professor Do?

A Genetic Counseling Professor is an educator who specializes in teaching courses in genetic counseling and related topics to undergraduate and graduate students.

They are often employed by universities or medical schools.

These professors design curriculum, prepare lectures, and create educational materials that help students understand the human genome, genetic diseases, and counseling techniques.

They may also conduct practical sessions where students can gain hands-on experience in genetic counseling.

In addition to teaching, Genetic Counseling Professors often engage in research.

They may study new methods for genetic analysis or investigate how genetic counseling can be effectively integrated into healthcare practices.

They are also likely to serve on academic committees, contribute to departmental initiatives, and mentor students, providing guidance on research projects or career paths in genetic counseling.

Many Genetic Counseling Professors are licensed genetic counselors who bring their real-world experience into the classroom, helping students understand the practical applications of their studies.

They play a crucial role in shaping the future professionals of genetic counseling.

 

Genetic Counseling Professor Qualifications and Skills

A Genetic Counseling Professor should have the skills and qualifications that coincide with the requirements of this unique academic and medical profession, such as:

• Deep understanding of genetics, genomics, and the principles of heredity to teach, guide, and mentor students in these complex fields.
• Excellent communication skills to clearly explain difficult concepts, discuss sensitive topics related to genetic conditions, and provide clear instructions for coursework and research.
• Empathetic interpersonal skills to interact with students and colleagues, considering the sensitive nature of genetic counseling and its impact on individuals and families.
• Research skills to continuously stay updated on the latest advances in the field of genetics, participate in scholarly activities, and guide student research.
• Professional counseling skills to effectively train future genetic counselors, including the ability to navigate ethical dilemmas, support decision-making processes, and provide psychosocial support.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills to analyze complex genetic data, answer student queries, and contribute to the advancement of the field.
• Previous experience in genetic counseling or a related field to bring practical insights into the classroom, enhancing the learning experience of students.
• Excellent organizational skills to manage course planning, student advising, and participation in departmental and university committees.

 

Genetic Counseling Professor Experience Requirements

To become a Genetic Counseling Professor, candidates generally need to have a substantial level of education and experience in the field of genetic counseling.

Firstly, candidates should possess a Master’s degree in Genetic Counseling from an accredited institution.

This educational experience often involves a considerable amount of supervised clinical practice, where students gain hands-on experience in the field.

Upon graduation, many genetic counselors start their careers in clinics or hospitals, assisting patients and their families in understanding genetic disorders and the risks involved.

This practical experience is crucial, as it provides the foundation for their teaching career.

A Doctorate degree, preferably in Genetics or a related field, is typically required for a Professor role.

This gives the candidate an advanced understanding of the subject, which they can impart to their students.

In addition to educational and clinical experience, aspiring Genetic Counseling Professors should ideally have several years of experience in academic or research positions.

This experience hones their skills in writing research papers, applying for grants, and leading research projects, which are essential skills for a professor.

Moreover, those with more than 5 years of experience in teaching, research, or clinical practice often have the necessary credentials to assume the role of a Genetic Counseling Professor.

In some cases, Genetic Counseling Professors may also be required to have professional certification, such as certification from the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC).

This confirms their competence in the field and assures the institution of their ability to deliver quality education.

Lastly, a Genetic Counseling Professor should also have demonstrated experience in leadership roles, as they will be guiding students and may be required to supervise departmental activities and programs.

 

Genetic Counseling Professor Education and Training Requirements

To become a Genetic Counseling Professor, individuals typically need a master’s or doctoral degree in genetic counseling, genetics, biology, or a related field.

A strong background in genetics, statistics, biology, psychology, and biochemistry is crucial to understand and teach the complex interactions between genes and diseases.

In addition to academic qualifications, clinical experience as a genetic counselor is often required.

This gives the potential professor a practical understanding of genetic counseling, including ethical issues, psychosocial counseling, and genetic testing.

The American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) provides certification for genetic counselors, which most universities require for teaching roles.

To obtain this certification, individuals must graduate from an ABGC-accredited genetic counseling program and pass the certification examination.

A Genetic Counseling Professor should also have a solid research background.

Many universities require professors to conduct research in their field, so experience with research design, data analysis, and scholarly writing is highly beneficial.

Furthermore, teaching experience or demonstrated ability in teaching is often required for professor roles.

This could be gained through teaching assistant roles during graduate studies, or through delivering presentations at conferences or seminars.

Continuing education is also important in this role due to the rapidly evolving nature of genetics and genomics.

Professors are expected to stay updated with the latest research and advancements in the field.

Finally, soft skills such as communication, empathy, and critical thinking are essential for a successful career in genetic counseling education.

These skills allow professors to effectively convey complex genetic concepts to students and support them in their learning journey.

 

Genetic Counseling Professor Salary Expectations

A Genetic Counseling Professor earns an average salary of $100,980 (USD) per year.

The actual income can fluctuate based on experience, area of specialization, location, and the institution of employment.

 

Genetic Counseling Professor Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Genetic Counseling Professor need?

A Genetic Counseling Professor needs to have a deep knowledge of genetics, medical genetics, and counseling.

They need to have excellent communication skills to explain complex genetic concepts to students in a simple and understandable manner.

They also need to possess good interpersonal skills, as they will need to interact with students, colleagues, and other professionals in the field.

They should also have good research skills and the ability to stay updated with the latest advances in genetics.

 

What qualifications does a Genetic Counseling Professor need?

A Genetic Counseling Professor typically needs to have a doctoral degree in genetics or a related field.

They also need to be certified by the American Board of Genetic Counseling or a similar body.

Experience in teaching and/or practicing genetic counseling is usually required.

Some positions may also require the professor to have published research in the field of genetics.

 

What should you look for in a Genetic Counseling Professor’s resume?

Look for a doctoral degree in genetics or a related field and certification in genetic counseling.

In addition, check for teaching experience, which is crucial for this role.

Any research experience or publications can be a plus, as this shows the candidate’s contribution to the field.

You should also look for any additional skills that the candidate might have, such as counseling or communication skills.

 

What are the responsibilities of a Genetic Counseling Professor?

A Genetic Counseling Professor is responsible for teaching courses in genetics and genetic counseling.

They prepare and deliver lectures, create and grade assignments, and evaluate student performance.

They may also conduct research in the field of genetics and publish their findings in scholarly journals.

Other responsibilities may include mentoring students, serving on academic committees, and contributing to the development of the curriculum.

 

What qualities make a good Genetic Counseling Professor?

A good Genetic Counseling Professor is passionate about the field of genetics and is able to inspire this passion in their students.

They have excellent communication skills, allowing them to explain complex concepts clearly.

They are patient and approachable, making it easy for students to ask questions and seek help.

They also need to be good listeners, as they often provide guidance and mentorship to students.

They should be committed to ongoing learning and research in their field, to keep their knowledge up-to-date and relevant.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve shed some light on what it truly means to be a Genetic Counseling Professor.

Surprised?

It’s not just about teaching genetics.

It’s about molding the future of healthcare, one lesson at a time.

With our comprehensive genetic counseling professor job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why stop there?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your ideal tool for crafting precise job listings or honing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every lesson taught is a stride towards a better future.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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