Faculty Position in Metabolism and Nutritional Programming

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.

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 Metabolism and Nutritional 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 that 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 a 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 [email protected] or Eric Miller, B.S., Director of Talent and Employee Engagement at [email protected].

Application reviews will begin in December 2024 and will continue until the position is filled.

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 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.