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Form of workVan Andel Institute (VAI), a world-class biomedical research institute, located in Grand Rapids, MI, 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.
A Research Scientist position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Stephanie Grainger at Van Andel Institute (VAI). The ideal candidate will be involved in exciting and highly integrated multi-disciplinary research projects alongside Nugget, the Lab Mascot who favors Wnt3a!
The Grainger Lab (www.graingerlab.vai.org) is interested in understanding how different Wnts choose their Frizzled (Fzd) receptors, and how those signals work to make Hematopoietic Stem Cells function. We focus on zebrafish and cell culture as model systems, including induced pluripotent Stem Cells, and how to push these toward a hematopoietic fate. We employ a range of molecular, cell and developmental biology techniques routinely in the lab including molecular cloning, western blotting, confocal imaging, flow cytometry, protein purification etc. We like to go where the science takes us, so this often means developing and implementing new techniques in the lab as well. We are looking for someone who loves being at the bench, exploring the mysteries of Wnt and Stem Cell biology. We would like a collaborator who initiates and completes projects, and who contributes to the ongoing work in the lab. This person would be poised to assist with writing grants and papers.
Why work at VAI in the Grainger Lab?
- Chance to work in a collaborative and productive environment. Opportunities for mentoring graduate students and interns.
- A thriving, hard-working and fun workplace.
- Rigorous experimental approaches and application of new techniques.
- NIH R35 grant funding on top of strong base funding from VAI.
- Opportunity to work with motivated Postdoctoral Fellows who are part of the T32 Cancer Epigenetics Training program at VAI.
- Grainger is within the Department of Cell Biology, which includes a group of highly collaborative scientists with combined expertise in different cell types and communication mechanisms.
Qualifications
- PhD degree in developmental biology, cell biology, molecular biology, or other related field.
- Postdoctoral research experience with a proven track record (publications) in molecular biology techniques.
- Experience with mentoring junior scientists. Proven leadership skills.
- Proven experience with confocal microscopy, zebrafish husbandry and manipulation, molecular cloning, pluripotent Stem Cell culture and/or molecular biology.
- A strong theoretical background in molecular biology and cell biology. Theoretical knowledge of developmental biology and/or hematopoetic Stem Cells would be an asset.
How to Apply:
submit the following
- CV
- Cover Letter describing why you are interested in the lab, and how you envision yourself fitting in to our scientific vision.
- Names and contact information for 3 professional references
Compensation and Benefits
All full time employees of Van Andel Institute are eligible for our comprehensive and competitive benefits, effective Day One! This is a salaried position, which will be based on your experience and skills.
If you have questions about the application process or working at VAI you are welcome to email Megan Doerr, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist, at Megan.Doerr@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 achieving excellence through increasing diversity. We actively encourage applications from women, persons of color, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups.
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 and alcohol-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, theatres, 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 often referred to as safe and clean with an eclectic mix of walkable neighborhoods and natural areas.
