Job Description

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 Metabolism to bridge multiple fields including metabolic physiology, epigenetics, immunology, and nutrition, with the goal of advancing fundamental scientific understanding of how metabolism impacts human health and disease. Faculty in the Department of Metabolism and Nutritional Programming (MNP) are experts in a variety of fields including cancer metabolism, immunometabolism, and epigenetic and intergenerational control of metabolic state. In 2021, VAI established the Me tabolism and Nu tritional Programming in Disease (MeNu) Program, an endowment-supported flagship research initiative with goals of “moving the needle” in metabolism research to improve human health. Metabolism research at VAI is supported through cutting-edge platforms in metabolomics, bioenergetics, and bioinformatics, which enables collaboration of MNP faculty with scientists both locally and across the globe.

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, or nutrition. Scientists whose work interfaces with novel technologies are encouraged to apply.

Research areas of particular interest include:

• the interface of nutrition and cellular metabolism
• Immunometabolism
• Cancer metabolism
• Mitochondrial biology
• interplay between epigenetics and metabolism
• the interface of obesity, the microbiome, and metabolic state
• Computational approaches to study metabolic networks

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:

• Generous start-up funding
• 100% internal support for faculty member salary and benefits
• Supplemental laboratory funding, including support from the MeNu Program
• Dedicated administrative support
• Support from dedicated Core Technologies and Services. Our core services include: Mass Spectrometry (metabolomics, proteomics, and lipidomics) • 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

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 December 2023 and will continue until the position is filled.