Van Andel Institute (VAI), a world-class biomedical research institute, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is dedicated to improving human health. We are pioneers in the fight against cancer, Parkinson's, and other diseases. We are committed to inspiring the next generation of scientists and educators.

SUMMARY

The West Michigan Neurodegenerative Diseases (MiND) Program at Van Andel Institute (VAI) is seeking to hire a full-time Research Associate to be a key part of our Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell (iPSC) & Screening Platform. This research associate will work with MiND Program Director, Dr. Erin Williams, to support the continued development of the MiND Program’s high-content imaging platform and to help establish well-defined pipelines for culturing, reprogramming, and differentiating patient-derived human iPSCs. Both platforms will enable researchers at VAI to study living human brain cells to dissect key neurodegenerative disease phenotypes and mechanisms.

For more information about the MiND Program and the neurodegeneration research currently being done at VAI, please visit https://www.vai.org/research/collaborations/west-michigan-neurodegenerative-diseases-mind-program/

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must possess a Master’s or doctoral degree in biological sciences, focusing on neuroscience, biochemistry, cell biology, and/or molecular biology, or related biomedical fields

• 2-5 years of hands-on biology-related experience at the lab bench

• Good oral and written communication skills

• Excellent organizational skills

• A hardworking individual who can work independently and in a team environment

• Experience with cell culture, specifically iPSCs, would be preferred

• Gene-editing experience using CRISPR-Cas9 technology would be desirable

• Experience working with standard molecular and cell biology techniques would be desirable

• Experience with fluorescent confocal microscopy and image analysis would be preferred

• Knowledge of molecular biology, cell biology, and/or neuroscience would be an asset

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Culturing, reprogramming, differentiating, and general maintenance of human iPSCs under sterile conditions

• Characterizing human iPSC cultures using various cellular and molecular biology techniques (biochemical analysis, molecular cloning, plasmid preparation, Western blotting, immunofluorescence, confocal microscopy, etc.)

• Train researchers on how to work with iPSCs, including training on maintenance and differentiation of human iPSCs

• Support the high-content imaging platform by designing and performing phenotypic screens, using gene-editing technology and small molecule libraries, on a variety of cell types, including iPSCs and live cells

• Use AI/machine learning-based software to characterize and quantify existing and novel disease phenotypes in iPSC-based models

• Work in close partnership with the MiND NeuroGenomes & Brain Bank initiatives to understand new genetic variants associated with neurodegenerative disease

• Upkeep of laboratory equipment (tissue culture hoods, incubators, microscopes, etc.)

• Organization and upkeep of lab databases

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates should submit a single PDF file containing the following items:

• A brief cover letter outlining your research experience and interests, and how you might contribute to the MiND iPSC & Screening Platform.

• A recent Curriculum Vitae.

• A list of 2-3 individuals and their contact details who have agreed to act as references.

Inquiries and questions can be directed to Dr. Erin Williams (MiND Program Director; erin.williams@vai.org) or Natalie Hartford (Human Resources; natalie.hartford@vai.org).

About Van Andel Institute

Established in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1996 by the Van Andel family, VAI is now home to nearly 500 scientists, educators and support staff, who work with national and international collaborators to foster discovery. The Institute’s scientists study the origins of cancer, Parkinson’s and other diseases and translate their findings into breakthrough prevention and treatment strategies. Our educators develop inquiry-based approaches for K–12 education to help students and teachers prepare the next generation of problem-solvers, while our Graduate School offers a rigorous, research-intensive Ph.D. program in molecular and cellular biology.

VAI is committed to excellence through broad participation and diverse perspectives. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences who share our passion for innovation and collaboration.

Van Andel Institute is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) Employer.

As Van Andel Institute is a drug free employer, all prospective new employees undergo a urinalysis/drug test as part of our pre-employment process. This is a 7-panel drug screen and it includes testing for Marijuana, Cocaine, Amphetamines, Opiates, PCP, Barbiturates, and Benzodiazepines.

About Grand Rapids, MI

Van Andel Institute is in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan in the center of the Medical Mile. A remarkable combination of a cosmopolitan atmosphere and small-town warmth, Grand Rapids is known for its philanthropic and sustainability-driven community. It’s fun affordable and family-friendly.

Located on the banks of the Grand River, Grand Rapids offers all the big-city excitement you'd expect from a million-resident metropolis, featuring hundreds of restaurants and nightspots, theaters, museums, sports and concerts. The safe and clean downtown is surrounded by an eclectic mix of walkable neighborhoods and natural areas. The downtown area is safe and clean with an eclectic mix of walkable neighborhoods and natural areas.