Van Andel Institute (VAI) is an independent nonprofit biomedical research and science education organization committed to improving the health and enhancing the lives of current and future generations. We are an agile institute known for breaking down barriers to innovative research. VAI is home to 34 labs researching neurodegeneration, epigenetics, cell biology, structural biology, and metabolism.

To continue building our critical mass in neurodegenerative disease research, we are currently inviting applications for faculty positions at the level of Assistant Professor within our Department of Neurodegenerative Science to focus on Parkinson’s disease, related movement disorders, motor neuron disease, or dementias. Applications may also be considered from highly accomplished scientists at the level of Associate or Full Professor with a specific focus on Parkinson’s disease.

The Department of Neurodegenerative Science has a primary focus on the etiological mechanisms and treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. The Department is composed of 7 Principal Investigators, with expertise spanning functional genomics, biomarkers, cell biology, neuropathology, neurocircuitry, iPSCs, animal models and therapeutic development.

The successful applicant is expected to complement the strengths and expertise of existing faculty. Research areas of particular interest include, but are not limited to, the role of: neuroinflammation and the immune system, glial cell biology, autophagy/lysosomal biology, vesicular sorting pathways, protein pathologies, and synaptic function. Applicants employing novel technologies and/or disease models are especially encouraged.       

Qualifications

As an Assistant Professor, you must be an exceptional, early career-scientist who would flourish in and enrich VAI’s research environment. You will also be expected to develop an ambitious, innovative, extramurally funded and independent research program. Applicants for Associate or Full Professor are expected to be recognized leaders of international standing in the Parkinson’s field, with mature research programs, and possess active NIH grant funding.

Individuals will be evaluated upon the following criteria:

• A relevant Ph.D. and/or M.D. degree.
• Postdoctoral training.
• Exceptional publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
• A strong record of research accomplishments.
• A well-developed research plan.
• A commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. 

Faculty Support

Faculty support at VAI is outstanding. Thanks largely to the generous endowment bestowed by the Van Andel Family, you will benefit from a highly competitive research support package, which include:

• Robust start-up packages.
• Substantial annual budget, in perpetuity.
• 100% internal support for faculty members’ salary and benefits.
• Dedicated administrative support.
• Stipend support for one graduate student and half of the stipend for a second graduate student.
• Supplemental salary support for postdoctoral fellows.
• Exceptional research and operations services.
• Support from dedicated Core Technologies and Services. Our core services include: • Cryo-EM • Metabolomics and Bioenergetics • Bioinformatics and Biostatistics • Optical Imaging • Flow Cytometry • Genomics • Pathology and Biorepository • Vivarium and Transgenics

VAI is also home to the West Michigan Neurodegenerative Diseases (MiND) Program, which provides investigators with access to:

• Human postmortem brain tissue from the VAI Brain Bank.
• Patient biofluid samples.
• State-of-the-art iPSC Neurodegeneration Platform and high-throughput imaging resource.
• Internal pilot funding.

How to Apply

Apply Here.

• A cover letter highlighting key qualifications.
• A current curriculum vitae.
• Names and contact information of three references.
• A 2–3-page Research Statement and a list of three publications that best epitomize your relevant skills related to this opening.

Please direct questions about these Faculty open positions to Eric Miller, B.S., Director of Talent & Employee Engagement at Eric.Miller@VAI.org or Darren Moore, Department Chair and Professor, and chair of the search committee (Darren.Moore@vai.org).

Application reviews will begin immediately and will continue until the positions are filled.

About Grand Rapids, MI

Van Andel Institute is located in downtown Grand Rapids, MI, which is the second-largest city in Michigan and the largest city in West Michigan. Grand Rapids offers a remarkable combination of cosmopolitan atmosphere and small-town warmth, known for its philanthropic and sustainability-driven community, and is ranked one of "America's Top 100 Places to Live."

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, theatres, museums, sports and concerts. The safe and clean downtown is surrounded by an eclectic mix of walkable neighborhoods. 

With a medical and life sciences industry boom, strong entrepreneurial activity, dedication to green building and living, and innovative employers, Grand Rapids' diverse economy continues to grow, offering endless career opportunities.