Job description

Research Technician – Lien Laboratory
Van Andel Institute (VAI), a leading independent biomedical research facility, is dedicated to determining the epigenetic, genetic, molecular and cellular origins of cancer, Parkinson’s and other diseases, and translating those findings into effective therapies. The Institute is home to more than 400 scientists and support staff that work in on-site laboratories and in collaborative partnerships that span the globe.
The laboratory of Dr. Evan Lien (Lienlab.vai.org) in the Department of Metabolism and Nutritional Programming at the Van Andel Institute (VAI) is seeking to hire a full-time Research Technician. By using cancer models together with mass spectrometry, molecular biology, and genetic approaches, the Lien Lab assesses how diet-mediated changes to nutrient availability in the tumor microenvironment affect tumor metabolism, progression and responses to therapy. These efforts aim to uncover how variations in a person’s diet may influence tumor growth and metabolism with the goal of translating these findings into actionable strategies for improving cancer treatment and response.
In this role, you will be provided training to prepare for the following responsibilities:

• Maintaining and handling mammalian cell lines
• Molecular and cell biology (i.e. plasmid cloning, Western blots, qRT-PCR)
• Assisting with animal work (i.e. tissue collection, cohort maintenance)
• Assisting with general laboratory tasks
• Detailed record keeping and adherence to protocols

Successful candidates for this position will have the following qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science in Cell/Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related biomedical fields
• At least one (1) year of wet lab bench experience is preferred, but not required
• A strong work ethic, attention to detail, and organization skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Demonstrable written and oral communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as an active member of an integrated team

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

• 1-3 months – Develop a solid understanding of lab operations and projects, develop familiarity with lab techniques and approaches. Learn institutional systems for daily lab operations including safety, ordering, inventories, and similar.
• 3-6 months – Demonstrate competency to independently conduct laboratory experiments with supervision by the principal investigator and senior lab members.

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

• A cover letter describing your research experience, interests, and how you might contribute to Lien Lab research
• An up-to-date Curriculum Vitae.
• A list of 2-3 individuals who have agreed to act as references along with their contact details.

Please contact Natalie Hartford (Natalie.Hartford@vai.org) for further information or questions, or if you have any difficulty with the application process.

VAI is actively striving to diversify its workforce and strongly encourages qualified individuals from underrepresented groups to apply.

Van Andel Institute is an EEO and Affirmative Action Employer

As Van Andel Institute is a drug and alcohol-free employer, all prospective new employees undergo a urinalysis/drug test as part of our pre-employment process. Prospective employees will also undergo a background check (criminal history and misconduct, employment, and degree verification).

At Van Andel Institute, the health and safety of our people is our number one priority. As a condition of employment at Van Andel Institute, all employees are required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. “Full vaccination” is defined as two weeks after both doses of a two-dose vaccine or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine has been administered.

About Grand Rapids, MI
Van Andel Research Institute is in downtown Grand Rapids, MI which is the second largest city in Michigan and the largest city in West Michigan. Grand Rapids offers a remarkable combination of cosmopolitan atmosphere and small-town warmth, known for its philanthropic and sustainability-driven community, and is ranked one of "America's Top 100 Places to Live."

Located on the banks of the Grand River, Grand Rapids offers all the big-city excitement you would 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 walk-able neighborhoods.

With a medical and life sciences industry boom, strong entrepreneurial activity, dedication to green building and living, and innovative employers, Grand Rapids' diverse economy continues to grow, offering endless career opportunities.

Required Skills

Required Experience

Job Type: Full-time

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