Laboratory Genetics and Genomics

Josh Deignan, PhD, FACMG, Program Director

Training in Laboratory Genetics and Genomics is available at UCLA under the supervision of Dr. Josh Deignan.

A clinical laboratory geneticist is an individual with a U.S. or Canadian (or equivalent) earned doctoral degree (M.D., D.O., Ph.D.) who can correctly perform and interpret molecular genetic and cytogenetic analyses relevant to the diagnosis and management of human genetic diseases, and who can act as a consultant regarding laboratory diagnosis of a broad range of genetic disorders.

These requirements imply that the individual possesses:

The ability to supervise and direct the operations of a clinical molecular genetics and/or clinical cytogenetics laboratory, including technical experience and knowledge in quality control and quality assessment procedures;
An understanding of the heterogeneity, variability, and natural history of molecular genetic and cytogenetic disorders;
A broad knowledge of basic molecular biology and genetics, the application of recombinant DNA techniques and linkage analysis to the diagnosis of genetic diseases, and the etiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and management of human genetic disorders;
A broad knowledge in human cytogenetics, including prenatal and postnatal cytogenetic diagnosis, infertility and pregnancy loss, cancer, and leukemia;
Diagnostic and interpretive skills related to a wide range of clinical molecular genetic and cytogenetic issues;
The ability to communicate laboratory results in the capacity of a consultant to medical genetics professionals and other clinicians, and directly to patients in concert with other professional staff.

The Laboratory Genetics and Genomics fellowship is intended for those who wish to direct or co-direct a Clinical Molecular Genetics and/or Clinical Cytogenetics laboratory. It is open to both M.D. and Ph.D. trainees. Instruction and experience is provided in all aspects of diagnostic laboratory genetics. While the emphasis of the program is on the diagnosis of heritable genetic disorders, trainees will be exposed to various somatic applications as well. The fellowship experience will cover a wide range of molecular genetic and cytogenetic techniques. Full and satisfactory participation in the training program will provide board-eligibility to sit for the Laboratory Genetics and Genomics specialty examination of the American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ABMGG).

Participation on a regular basis will be required in various laboratory activities, including specimen handling, work-up of cases, molecular genetic and cytogenetic procedures, results reporting, quality assurance, record keeping, budgeting, proficiency testing, laboratory inspections and accreditation, interfacing with other clinical laboratories, and communication with referring clinicians and genetic counselors.

Application

For those interested in applying, please contact the LGG Fellowship Coordinator, Andrew Aldapa at (310) 206-1770 or via email.

Applications are accepted from June 1 through July 31 of the year PRIOR to entering training. For example, applications received from June 1, 2020 through July 31, 2020 will be for a start date of July 1, 2021.

To be considered for an interview you must have a completed application on file that is composed of the items listed below:

Letters of reference from three individuals capable of assessing your potential. One of these letters must be from your current supervisor, thesis advisor, or department/division director.
Letter of Intent
Copy of your current CV
Official Academic Transcripts (undergraduate and graduate)
For foreign graduates: a Credentials Review by the American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics
Additional Information - LGG Applicant Survey

For information regarding the UCLA visa assistance program, please contact Kristine Fisher. Please also visit the UCLA Visa and Licensing Office website.

Selection of candidates for interviews will be made by a committee. Interviews will likely be scheduled during the fall with the selected candidate(s) notified by the end of the year.