POSITION SUMMARY Provide methodological support for ACMG’s evidence-based guidelines program. Conduct systematic reviews based upon IOM (National Academies) standards and develop clinical practice guidelines using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. This includes, but is not limited to, development of clinical questions, development and completion of literature searches, data extraction, assessment of study quality, meta-analyses, completion of evidence profiles and “evidence to decision” tables, and development of final guideline recommendation statements. Coordinate guideline development, dissemination, and implementation efforts with the volunteer Topic Selection Committee and topic specific workgroups. Coordinate and manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously including writing reports, managing guideline development efforts, assisting in the development of expert panel reports, maintaining literature databases and EndNote libraries.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
40%Topic Research Evaluation
Work with ACMG staff, medical director, or Board liaison to lead the topic selection committee to identify and prioritize topics for systematic evidence review and ACMG clinical guideline development.
Consult with the ACMG working group members, across multiple committees and projects, to formulate key clinical questions for evidence-based evaluation, including identifying medical conditions, populations, health interventions for comparative analysis, and health outcomes.
Search electronic databases and internet resources—Develop an efficient and effective search strategy using the PICOTS framework, conduct a comprehensive search of all appropriate databases (e.g., PubMed, EMBASE), including gray literature; document the search strategy with special emphasis on keywords, and selection criteria.
Support the ACMG volunteer work group members to determine the appropriate study selection criteria for inclusion in reports; select studies with the strongest study design, such as well-controlled studies with clinically meaningful endpoints published in the peer-reviewed medical literature for analysis.
40% Evidence Review
Conduct evidence summaries, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and other analyses to answer high-impact clinical questions; critically evaluates the research methods and statistical findings of studies retrieved from the medical literature; and uses established frameworks and tools to evaluate, grade and summarize the quality of the evidence.
Abstract data into evidence tables, evaluate the quality of individual studies and the strength of the evidence, synthesize the evidence in a comprehensive report; manage deadlines for reports; interact with committee and working group members and production support in the ACMG office.
Disseminate the findings of evidence reviews through written reports appropriate for publication in Genetics in Medicine, and verbal presentations of the evidence to ACMG leadership and other clinical and operational stakeholders.
20% Policy Development and Analysis Support
Support multiple ACMG working groups as they develop evidence based ACMG clinical guidelines and policies related to the use of new and existing medical technologies (e.g., procedures, equipment, devices, diagnostics and selected pharmacologic agents), as well as clinical interventions for genetic disorders.
Initiate and facilitate review and consensus on clinical recommendations and practice policies with key stakeholder groups when published evidence is insufficient to address key questions (e.g., survey development).
Support ACMG departments, grants (e.g., ClinGen, NBSTRN, NCC), and internal projects with statistical analysis, survey development, and a keen understanding of ACMG priorities and initiatives.
Collaborate with ACMG Policy and Advocacy department for dissemination and implementation strategies for ACMG evidence-based guidelines
QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE SKILL REQUIRED
Master's (minimal) or PhD degree (desired) in public health, clinical epidemiology, health services research, biostatistics, health technology assessment, health economics, or related quantitative biomedical field. Genetics expertise required.
Training and experience in applied quantitative and qualitative research methods, analysis and biostatistics. Rare disease and/or genomic medicine experience highly desired.
At least 5 years of experience conducting systematic reviews of the medical literature, searching for scientific literature on the internet, critically evaluating the research methods and statistical findings of published studies, interpreting and applying clinical biostatistics.
At least 3 years developing evidence-based clinical recommendations using GRADE methodology and policies based on scientific evidence, facilitating consensus, and presenting and disseminating results in multiple formats.
Analytical, consulting, and project management experience, including demonstrated ability to determine the key business issues and develop appropriate action plans from multidisciplinary perspectives. Expertise in “test evaluation” (analytic validity, clinical validity, clinical utility) required.
Experience managing multiple teams (10 or more) of up to 20 individuals simultaneously to conduct systematic evidence reviews and guideline development.
Outstanding organizational, prioritization, and time management skills to manage projects; works within budgets and schedules with flexibility and creatively mitigate risks
Exceptional proficiency with basic computer applications (specifically Microsoft Office 2010 or above—Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and EndNote); ability to manage files and work within a digital environment comfortably; experience with references management software is strongly desired.
About American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics
Founded in 1991, the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) is a prominent authority in the field of medical genetics and genomics and the only nationally recognized medical professional organization solely dedicated to improving health through the practice of medical genetics and genomics. As the only medical specialty society in the US that represents the full spectrum of medical genetics disciplines in a single organization, the ACMG provides education, resources, and a voice for more than 2,500 clinical and laboratory geneticists, genetic counselors, and other healthcare professionals. ACMG’s mission is to improve health through the clinical and laboratory practice of medical genetics as well as through advocacy, education, and clinical research and to guide the safe and effective integration of genetics and genomics into all of medicine and healthcare, resulting in improved personal and public health. The ACMG Foundation for Genetic and Genomic Medicine (ACMGF) supports ACMG’s mission through charitable gifts from corporations, foundations, and individuals.
