VAI Faculty Position in Metabolism and Nutritional Programming

The Van Andel Institute (VAI) is seeking to hire a

Full time VAI Faculty Position in Metabolism and Nutritional Programming.

So many of us have had personal experience with the devastation diseases such as cancer and Parkinson’s bring to individuals, to families and to hope itself. Van Andel Institute is a nonprofit biomedical research and science education institute with a mission to find what causes disease and to translate those discoveries into therapeutic solutions that conquer illness and enhance lives.

Through cutting-edge biomedical research, inspired scientific education and relentless commitment, VAI is unleashing innovations that will improve health and enhance lives for generations to come.

With employees from nearly 30 countries, there are plenty of opportunities to meet people from various cultural, educational and employment backgrounds. VAI fosters a diverse and collaborative environment. Ample natural light and open spaces foster dialogue and innovation.

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 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 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 . 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

, 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 or Eric Miller, B.S., Director of Talent and Employee Engagement at .

Application reviews will begin in December 2021 and will continue until the position is filled.

About Grand Rapids, MI

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

Located on the banks of the Grand River, 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.