Laboratory Genetics and Genomics (LGG) Fellowship
The University of Chicago offers a 24-month, ACGME-accredited Laboratory Genetics and Genomics (LGG) Fellowship designed to prepare trainees for careers as clinical laboratory geneticists and laboratory directors.
The program provides comprehensive, hands-on training in molecular genetics, cytogenetics, and genomic medicine, with additional exposure to molecular genetic pathology, biochemical genetics, and clinical genetics. Fellows gain experience in clinical diagnostic testing, interpretation and reporting of complex genetic findings, assay development and validation, and laboratory management.
Training takes place in a collaborative academic medical center with access to advanced genomic technologies, diverse clinical diagnostic services, and research opportunities. Graduates are prepared to pursue certification in Laboratory Genetics and Genomics through the American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ABMGG). For additional information about certification requirements, visit the ABMGG website.
Program Overview
Duration: 24 months
Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)
Specialty: Laboratory Genetics and Genomics (LGG)
Training institutions: University of Chicago and affiliated clinical training sites
Program Director: Daniela del Gaudio, PhD, FACMG
The fellowship provides comprehensive training across molecular genetics and cytogenetics, including constitutional and acquired genetic disorders.
Training encompasses:
- Clinical molecular genetics and genomic diagnostics
- Constitutional and cancer cytogenetics
- Next-generation sequencing, including exome sequencing
- Copy number and structural variant analysis
- Interpretation and classification of genomic variants
- Genotype–phenotype correlations and clinical reporting
- Laboratory quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and management
- Clinical assay development, validation, and implementation
- Interdisciplinary collaboration and clinical consultation
The program also offers opportunities to participate in translational research and the development of new diagnostic approaches.
Clinical Training and Rotations
Fellows receive structured training in the Molecular Genetics and Cytogenetics Laboratories at the University of Chicago, with additional experiences in molecular pathology, biochemical genetics, and clinical genetics.
The curriculum includes approximately eight months of molecular genetics and eight months of cytogenetics training, complemented by specialized rotations and a period of advanced concentration.
Molecular Genetics and Genomics
Fellows gain extensive experience in clinical molecular diagnostics, working with a broad range of technologies and applications, including next-generation sequencing, exome sequencing, copy number analysis, and other molecular testing approaches.
Training emphasizes hands-on involvement in clinical case interpretation, variant classification, genotype–phenotype correlation, report preparation, and laboratory sign-out. Fellows also have opportunities to participate in the development, validation, and implementation of new diagnostic assays.
Cytogenetics and Cytogenomics
Fellows receive comprehensive training in constitutional and cancer cytogenetics, including conventional chromosome analysis, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and chromosomal microarray analysis.
Through direct participation in clinical case review and laboratory sign-out, fellows develop expertise in identifying and interpreting chromosomal abnormalities and understanding their clinical significance.
Molecular Genetic Pathology
A dedicated rotation in molecular genetic pathology provides exposure to somatic genomic testing, with an emphasis on molecular diagnostics in oncology. Fellows gain insight into the interpretation of acquired genetic alterations and their role in cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment decisions.
Biochemical Genetics
A focused rotation in biochemical genetics at an affiliated institution introduces fellows to diagnostic approaches for inherited metabolic disorders, including biochemical testing strategies, interpretation of laboratory findings, and integration with molecular genetic results.
Clinical Genetics
Clinical experiences allow fellows to connect laboratory findings with patient care. Through interactions with clinical geneticists and genetic counselors, fellows gain a broader understanding of patient evaluation, diagnostic decision-making, genetic counseling, and the clinical impact of genetic testing.
Advanced Concentration
During the latter portion of the fellowship, trainees have an opportunity to pursue a focused area of interest, further develop their clinical expertise, and participate in scholarly or laboratory development projects.
Educational and Scholarly Activities
The fellowship combines hands-on laboratory training with a comprehensive educational curriculum. Fellows participate in regular conferences, case discussions, journal clubs, and interdisciplinary educational activities.
Core Genetics Didactics
A structured lecture series covers fundamental and advanced topics in clinical genetics and genomics, including molecular genetics, cytogenetics, cancer genetics, genomic technologies, variant interpretation, laboratory management, and regulatory requirements.
Clinical Case Conferences
Interdisciplinary conferences provide opportunities to review challenging diagnostic cases, correlate laboratory findings with clinical presentations, and discuss testing strategies and interpretation.
Exome and Genomic Case Review
Fellows participate in clinical exome and genomic case review meetings, gaining practical experience in variant prioritization, interpretation, classification, and clinical reporting.
Fellow Conferences and Board Preparation
Fellow-led discussions, case presentations, and focused educational sessions reinforce clinical knowledge and support preparation for the ABMGG certification examination.
Additional Educational Opportunities
Depending on their training activities and interests, fellows may participate in clinical pathology conferences, hematopathology case reviews, hereditary cancer conferences, departmental seminars, and graduate-level human genetics courses.
Laboratory Management and Professional Development
An important goal of the fellowship is to prepare trainees for the responsibilities of directing a clinical genetics laboratory.
Throughout the program, fellows gain practical experience in:
- Laboratory operations and workflow management
- Quality assurance and quality improvement
- Proficiency testing and assay performance monitoring
- CAP and CLIA regulatory requirements
- Clinical test development and validation
- Troubleshooting and implementation of new technologies
- Clinical reporting and communication with healthcare providers
- Laboratory leadership and interdisciplinary collaboration
Fellows participate in quality assurance activities and laboratory management discussions and gain exposure to the processes involved in maintaining high-quality clinical diagnostic services.
Research and Scholarship Opportunities
The University of Chicago provides a rich academic environment with opportunities for collaboration across the Departments of Human Genetics, Pathology, Medicine, and other clinical and research programs.
Areas of interest include rare and inherited diseases, neurodevelopmental disorders, cancer genetics, genomic variation, and the development of innovative diagnostic technologies.
Fellows are encouraged to participate in clinical or translational research, assay development, and quality improvement projects. Opportunities are available to present scholarly work at regional and national scientific meetings, including those organized by the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG), and Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP).
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must hold an MD, PhD, or equivalent doctoral degree and meet the eligibility requirements established by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and the American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ABMGG) for Laboratory Genetics and Genomics training.
Applicants should have a strong background in genetics, human genetics, molecular biology, cytogenetics, chromosome analysis, genomics, or a related discipline. Previous experience working in a clinical diagnostic laboratory, particularly in molecular genetics, cytogenetics, or genomic testing, is strongly preferred. Prior postdoctoral research or clinical laboratory experience is also desirable. Candidates with experience in both molecular genetics and cytogenetics are especially encouraged to apply.
International Applicants
Applicants with doctoral degrees obtained outside the United States, Canada, or Puerto Rico must undergo an ABMGG credentials review, when required, to establish degree equivalency before beginning fellowship training. Additional requirements, including documentation of English-language proficiency, may apply.
Please note that visa sponsorship may not be available for all applicants or recruitment cycles. International candidates who require visa sponsorship are strongly encouraged to contact the program before applying to confirm whether sponsorship can be accommodated for the anticipated training period. Admission to the fellowship is contingent upon meeting all applicable eligibility and employment authorization requirements.
All applicants are encouraged to review the current ABMGG eligibility and certification requirements before submitting their application.
For questions regarding eligibility or visa sponsorship, please contact LGGfellowship@uchicago.edu.
Application Process
The Laboratory Genetics and Genomics Fellowship is a competitive training program with a limited number of positions available each year.
Anticipated Recruitment Timeline
Application period: May 1 – July 31
Interviews: September – November
Fellowship start date: July 1
Required Application Materials
Applicants must submit the following materials:
- Current curriculum vitae (CV)
- Personal statement (maximum one page) describing their interest in Laboratory Genetics and Genomics, relevant experience, and career goals
- Three letters of recommendation
All application materials must be submitted together as one complete application package by email to:
Please note that incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Letters of recommendation submitted separately from the application package will not be accepted or considered. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that all required materials are included in their submission by the application deadline.
Applications must be complete by the announced deadline to receive full consideration.
Stipend and Benefits
Fellows receive a stipend and benefits in accordance with the policies applicable to clinical fellows at the University of Chicago.
Program Contact
Adeyinka Ogunbekun, C-TAGME
Adeyinka.Ogunbekun@bsd.uchicago.edu