Genetic Counsellor

Union: Non-Union
Number of vacancies: 1
New or Replacement Position: New 
Site: Krembil Discovery Tower Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute Toronto Western Hospital
Department: Ophthalmology
Reports to: Director - Clinical Research Unit Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute
Salary Range: $84767 - $105968 per annum 
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Shifts: Monday - Friday
Status: Permanent Full-time
Closing Date: May 30 2026

Position Summary
The Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute is home to the largest and most comprehensive Ophthalmology Care Centre and Vision Research Institute in Canada. Our established team of basic and clinical investigators with research interests in areas such as molecular mechanisms of eye development and disease photoreceptor transplantation eye movement retinal imaging and vision rehabilitation are tirelessly conducting cutting-edge research and developing new treatments for blindness and vision loss. The new Clinical Research Unit at the Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute is home to various clinical trials and studies in retina cornea glaucoma and vision rehabilitation.

University Health Network (UHN) is looking for an experienced professional to fill the key role of Genetic Counsellor Inherited Retinal Diseases (IRDs) at Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute University Health Network.

Duties 
Working under the direction of the Clinical Research Unit Director the Genetic Counsellor will play a key role in assisting with the operations of our Inherited Retinal Disease clinics. Main clinical responsibilities will include:

• Gathering family pedigrees and medical/genetic histories
• Gathering and summarizing health records
• Providing patient health information to other professional staff
• Contacting families for further information consenting patients/families to genetic testing as part of clinical care and/or IRD research 
• Provide comprehensive genetic information regarding the diagnosis etiology recurrence risk and available testing options for a variety of disorders
• Assessing psychosocial issues and structuring counselling session(s) accordingly
• Organization of IRD & ocular genetic testing patient referrals
• Tracking genetic test results and Ministry of Health applications for services providing cascade testing for family members at risk
• Contributing to the interpretation of genetic and genomic test results
• Educate other health care professionals on interpretation of genome-based results both at UHN other institutions
• Liaising with external stakeholders and members of the extended clinical care team
• Clinical study coordination
• Participating in other activities related to IRD research including maintaining ongoing REB approval team meetings etc.
• Implementing and coordinating all aspects of data collection
• Source documentation as per policy and guidelines
• Implementing and coordinating all aspects of data collection and source documentation

Qualifications :

• Minimum Masters of Science in Genetic Counselling or equivalent combination of education and/or experience required
• Minimum two (2) years post graduate experience required. 
• One (1) year appropriate clinical and/or professional experience preferably with experience pertaining to the genetics of inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) and in research; an asset 
• Knowledge of genetics principles and theory
• Commitment to the provision of evidence-based family-centered care
• Experience using statistical analysis and data management software applications required
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment as well as independently
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Demonstrated knowledge of research regulations and guidelines such as ICH/GCP Tri-Council Policy FDA CFR and Health Canada TPD
• Demonstrated attention to detail
• Ability to work well independently as well as part of a team; self-motivated
• Critical thinking organizational time management decision-making teaching and continuous learning skills
• Proficiency with MS Office software (Outlook Word Excel PowerPoint)

Additional Information :

Why join UHN
In addition to working alongside some of the most talented and inspiring healthcare professionals in the world UHN offers a wide range of benefits programs and perks. It is the comprehensiveness of these offerings that makes it a differentiating factor allowing you to find value where it matters most to you now and throughout your career at UHN.

• Competitive offer packages
• Government organization and a member of the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP access to Transit and UHN shuttle service
• A flexible work environment
• Opportunities for development and promotions within a large organization
• Additional perks (multiple corporate discounts including: travel restaurants parking phone plans auto insurance discounts on-site gyms etc.)

Current UHN employees must have successfully completed their probationary period have a good employee record along with satisfactory attendance in accordance with UHNs attendance management program to be eligible for consideration.

All applications must be submitted before the posting close date.

UHN uses email to communicate with selected candidates.  Please ensure you check your email regularly.

Please be advised that a Criminal Record Check may be required of the successful candidate. Should it be determined that any information provided by a candidate be misleading inaccurate or incorrect UHN reserves the right to discontinue with the consideration of their application.

UHN is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive recruitment process and workplace. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process. Applicants need to make their requirements known.

We thank all applicants for their interest however only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time