JScreen’s PEACH BRCA Internship

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March 14, 2019
JScreen
News & Updates

JScreen is looking for paid student interns for the Summer and Fall 2019 semesters to help promote participation in the PEACH BRCA Study, a genetic testing initiative in the metro-Atlanta area.

JScreen is:

A national, public health program based out of Emory University dedicated to providing Jewish genetic disease screening. Until now, JScreen’s focus has been on reproductive carrier screening for diseases like Tay-Sachs and cystic fibrosis that may impact a couple’s future children. We are launching a separate pilot program to offer free BRCA testing to eligible Ashkenazi Jews in the Atlanta area through a study, with hopes of expanding the BRCA program nationally.

Mutations in the BRCA genes predispose carriers to certain cancers, including breast, ovarian, pancreatic, and prostate. Ashkenazi (Eastern European) Jews face a 1 in 40 risk of carrying a mutation in a BRCA gene, even if they have no history of cancer on their families; this number is more than ten times the risk in the general population. BRCA carriers who know they have a mutation before they develop cancer can take advantage of available options for medical management and cancer risk reduction.

JScreen’s mission is to help prevent devastating diseases by making genetic testing accessible to the Jewish community. Through the PEACH BRCA study, we have the opportunity to prevent cancer and save lives. 

Internship Description:

The expectation for this paid internship is to create awareness and to encourage participation in JScreen’s PEACH BRCA study through online and on-the-ground efforts in the metro-Atlanta area. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Speaking and tabling at community events
  • Engaging with local Jewish organizations
  • Creating marketing content
  • Actively promoting on social media and other creative online outlets, i.e., YouTube video, blog posts

Ideal Candidate:

Someone who is involved and well-connected in Jewish life in the metro-Atlanta area; is social media savvy; has event planning experience; has strong critical thinking skills; is highly creative; is passionate about helping the Jewish community; has 10-15 hours per week available to devote to the project; has strong writing and public speaking skills.

To apply, email resume and cover letter to [email protected]

About JScreen

Headquartered in Atlanta at Emory University’s Department of Human Genetics, JScreen is a national non-profit offering at-home comprehensive and affordable genetic testing and counseling.

ReproGEN – determines risk for having a child with a genetic disease

CancerGEN – tests for genetic changes that increase risk for many types of cancer

If a person or couples’ risk is elevated, genetic counselors will privately address the results, options and resources to help plan for a healthy future.

JScreen believes that a combination of education, access to state-of-the-art testing technology, and personalized support by qualified medical professionals are key to preventing devastating genetic diseases.