Faculty Position in Metabolic and Nutritional Programming at Van Andel Institute

VAI Faculty Position in Metabolic and Nutritional Programming

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. Established by Jay and Betty Van Andel in 1996 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, VAI has grown into a premier research and educational institution that supports the work of more than 400 scientists, educators, and staff. We are an agile institute known for breaking down barriers that hold innovation captive.

In 2018, VAI launched a new research program in Metabolic and Nutritional Programming (MNP). This initiative bridges multiple fields including metabolism, epigenetics, immunology, and nutrition, with the goal of advancing fundamental scientific understanding of how metabolism impacts human health and disease. MNP faculty are experts in a variety of fields including cancer metabolism, immunometabolism, and epigenetic and intergenerational control of metabolic state. MNP scientists collaborate extensively with colleagues both locally and across the globe. MNP research at VAI is supported through cutting-edge platforms in mass-spectrometry-based metabolomics and bioinformatics.

To continue building critical mass in metabolism research and creating gravitational pull to West Michigan within VAI’s key scientific focus areas, we are seeking to hire an exceptional scientist to join the MNP faculty at the rank of Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor.

We welcome applications from scientists with a strong background in cellular metabolism, metabolic physiology, and/or metabolomics with innovative interfaces between metabolism and cancer biology, immunology, epigenetics, neurodegeneration, skeletal diseases, or structural biology and imaging. Scientists whose work interfaces with novel technologies are encouraged to apply.

Research areas of particular interest include:

• Immunometabolism
• Computational approaches to studying metabolic networks
• Mitochondrial biology
• Cancer metabolism
• the interface of epigenetics and metabolism
• the interface of obesity, the microbiome, and metabolic state
• nutrition related to human health and disease

We are seeking exceptional scientists with a collaborative spirit who would flourish in and enrich VAI’s research environment. As an Assistant Professor, you will be expected to develop a state-of-the-art, innovative, independently-funded, and internationally recognized research program. As an Associate or Full Professor you will be an internationally recognized leader in your area of focus, have active extramural funding, and will further develop your distinguished research program at VAI.

Qualifications

Individuals will be evaluated upon the following criteria:

• A relevant Ph.D. and/or M.D. degree
• Postdoctoral training
• Peer-reviewed publication record
• A strong record of research accomplishments
• Strong record of collaboration

All faculty at VAI receive a very competitive research support package including:

• Start-up funding
• 100% internal support for faculty member salary and benefits
• Generous supplemental laboratory funding
• Dedicated administrative support
• Support from dedicated Core Technologies and Services. Our core services include: Metabolomics and Bioenergetics • Bioinformatics and Biostatistics • Optical Imaging • Cryo-EM • Flow Cytometry • Genomics • Pathology and Biorepository • Vivarium and Transgenics

Van Andel Institute Graduate School (VAIGS), housed within VAI, develops biomedical research leaders through a Ph.D. program which prepares students for doctoral research in molecular and cellular biology.

To apply for a faculty opening please submit the following:

• cover letter highlighting key qualifications and fit within the Institute
• current curriculum vitae with complete bibliography
• names and contact information of three references
• a one- or two-page research statement and a list of three publications that best epitomize your expertise and scientific goals

How to Apply

Please direct questions about these Faculty open positions to Russell Jones, Ph.D., Program Lead, Metabolic and Nutritional Programming at Russell.Jones@vai.org or Eric Miller, B.S., Director of Talent and Employee Engagement at eric.miller@vai.org.

Application reviews will begin in August 2020 and will continue until the position is filled.

VAI is actively striving to diversify its workforce and strongly encourages qualified individuals from underrepresented groups to apply.

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, theaters, 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.