Van Andel Institute (VAI), a world-class biomedical research institute, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, 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.

Research Associate – Hong Li Lab

The lab of

Hong Li

,

Ph.D., within the Department of Structural Biology, is seeking to hire a full time Research Associate to join the research team. The designated position will depend on the education and experience of the candidate. Dr. Li’ research focuses on the following areas:

1. CRISPR-Cas immunity: Exploring how bacterial hosts defend against phage through the CRISPR-Cas immunity and how the defense enzymes may be repurposed for biotechnological applications.
2. Post-transcriptional modifications: Explore how cells add post-transcriptional modifications to RNA transcripts and what their functional impacts are.

In this role as a Research Associate, you will:

1. Provide exceptional scientific leadership and help drive projects forward
2. Design and execute experiments for lab projects
3. Mentor and train research trainees on experimental techniques and protocols
4. Participate in writing publications and grant applications

The ideal candidate should possess the following characteristics:

1. A self-driven and hard-working individual who has a strong curiosity about basic science and its clinical application
2. A highly organized multi-tasker who pays attention to detail and values research integrity
3. A collegial team member with the ability to interact effectively and cordially with colleagues
4. Excellent oral and written communication skills
5. Experience with manuscript writing, figure design, and grant applications
6. Experience with bacterial and eukaryotic protein expression systems
7. Experience with sample preparation for crystallization and cryoEM studies
8. Extensive experience in protein purification
9. Hands on experience or motivation to gain experience with genome editing and cell viability measurement
10. Experience with bioinformatics and working knowledge of linux/unix shell & scripting languages (e.g. Python, R) and cryoEM data processing is considered an asset

EXPECTATIONS

The following expectations should be met within the first 3 months.

1. 1-3 months – Develop a solid understanding of lab projects and background, develop familiarity with lab techniques and approaches. Learn institutional systems for daily lab operations including safety, ordering, inventories, and similar.
2. 3-6 months – Take leadership role in lab project coordination, experimental design and execution, assist with training new lab members, serve as a technical resource for other research staff.

COMPENSATION and BENEFITS

All fulltime employees of Van Andel Institute are eligible for

benefits

,

effective Day One! This is a salaried position, which will be based on your experience and skills.

HOW TO APPLY

If you possess these attributes and enjoy working with motivated and driven people, we welcome speaking with you and encourage you to apply today!

1. A cover letter describing your research interests, experience, and how you might contribute to research in the Hong Li Lab.
2. An up-to-date Curriculum Vitae.
3. Names of 2 individuals who have agreed to act as references along with their contact details.
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5. Please contact Natalie Hartford (
6. n
7. atalie.hartford@vai.org
8. ) for further information or questions, or if you have any difficulty with the application process.

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 excellence through broad participation and diverse perspectives. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences who share our passion for innovation and collaboration.

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 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, theaters, 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 safe and clean with an eclectic mix of walkable neighborhoods and natural areas.

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