Research Technician/Senior Research Technician – Translational Cancer Immunology

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.

The Laboratory of Dr. Clifford Cho, M.D., in the VAI Department of Cell Biology, is seeking to hire a highly internally motivated and experienced full-time Research or Senior Research Technician to support the cutting-edge research efforts. The Cho Lab focuses on translational cancer immunology, exploring ways to improve cancer-fighting immunotherapies.

This role will be instrumental in setting up the laboratory as it relocates to VAI while having the opportunity to take ownership of an independent line of scientific investigation with the guidance of Dr. Cho and Senior Scientists.

Successful candidates for this position will have the following qualifications:

The ideal candidate will be scientifically driven and possess strong technical skills, attention to detail, and lab management acumen.

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or a related field
• Minimum of 1-2 years of experience, with 5+ years preferred
• Scientific experience in immunology and cancer
• Technical expertise in tissue culture, microscopy, and RNA sequencing
• Animal purchasing and care
• Purchasing and maintenance of supplies
• Laboratory and experiment protocol preparation and submission

Success Measures:

• The laboratory has equipment and protocol approvals ready for lab relocation.
• Experiments in collaboration with the VAI Core Services departments have commenced prior or upon relocation of the laboratory.

Compensation and Benefits:

All full-time employees of Van Andel Institute are eligible for benefits, effective on day one! The rate of pay will be competitive and 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!  

• An up-to-date Resume/Curriculum Vitae 
• A list of 2-3 individuals who have agreed to act as references, along with their contact details. 

Please contact Megan.Doerr@vai.org with 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 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