Clinical Genomics Variant Scientist

Description

The Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory is seeking an experienced Variant Scientist to join our clinical team. In this critical role, you will curate and interpret germline and somatic variants and prepare high-quality clinical reports derived from exome and targeted cancer sequencing assays. You will contribute to variant classification, test development efforts, and clinical research projects that advance precision medicine for patients across UCLA Health and beyond.

Primary duties include:

• Review and assess patient clinical notes and sequencing data from high-complexity molecular assays, including Clinical Exome Sequencing, Solid Tumor Sequencing Panels, and Hematologic Malignancy Sequencing Panels.
• Perform variant curation and interpretation using established guidelines and evidence-based resources.
• Draft and refine clinical reports, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and clinical relevance.
• Develop and update SOPs for variant curation, interpretation, and reclassification workflows.
• Participate in submitting curated variants to public databases (e.g. Clin Var) and contribute to quality improvement and test development initiatives.
• Collaborate with clinicians, genetic counselors, and laboratory staff to support accurate and timely reporting.
• Contribute to clinical research projects and assist in implementing new molecular diagnostic assays.

Salary Range: $ - $/year

Qualifications

• At least two years’ experience in germline variant curation is required. Somatic variant curation experience is a plus.
• Strong working knowledge of laboratory genetics and genomics, including target capture, amplification, and massively parallel sequencing.
• Familiarity with widely used genomic tools such as IGV and UCSC/COSMIC genome browsers.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with clinicians, genetic counselors, and other team members.
• Programming or bioinformatics experience (e.g. R, SAS, Perl, Python, regex, database design) - preferred.
• PhD in human genetics, molecular genetics, cancer biology, or a related discipline - preferred. Master’s degree in molecular biology, genetics, or a closely related field may be considered with relevant experience.