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POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW – PARKINSON’S DISEASE PATHOGENESIS

The Van Andel Institute has a position available for one Postdoctoral Fellow under the direction of Michael Henderson, Ph.D.

The Henderson Lab, in the Center for Neurodegenerative Science, is currently building a research team for the study of neurodegenerative diseases. The lab utilizes cell and animal models of neurodegenerative disease to explore the underlying cause of disease and develop therapeutics for treatment. As a Postdoctoral Fellow, you will lead a research project aimed at understanding how pathological α-synuclein disrupts cellular signaling in Parkinson’s disease and utilize that knowledge to develop therapeutics for Parkinson’s disease.

ROLES: A Postdoc is a leader in the laboratory. You will take a lead role on this important project, including performing experiments, analyzing data and preparing manuscripts for peer-reviewed publications. Dr. Henderson will support you in your studies and prepare you for advancement to academic, pharmaceutical or other careers.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• D. or M.D./Ph.D. in Cell Biology, Neuroscience, or a related field
• A track record of high-impact peer-reviewed publications

DESIRED SKILLS - In addition to a responsible and collaborative ethos, you should possess a strong background in:

• Sterile cell culture
• Biochemistry (protein extraction, Western blot)
• Microscopy
• Animal research
• Oral and written communication

CANDIDATES WITH THE FOLLOWING EXPERTISE WILL BE PREFERRED:

• High-throughput microscopy optimization and analysis
• Cell-based screens
• Live cell imaging
• Animal surgery

COMPENSATION:

$54,000-$60,000/year, commensurate with experience

HOW TO APPLY - If you possess these attributes, submit: a single .pdf document bearing the following components:

https://bit.ly/31n15aM

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

We are seeking to fill this position ASAP, it will remain open until filled, and we will be reviewing applications on an ongoing basis. If you have any difficulty uploading your application or any questions, please email Megan Doerr at Megan.Doerr@vai.org.

COMPANY OVERVIEW:

Van Andel Institute is a leading independent biomedical research facility 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.

VAI provides postdoctoral training opportunities to scientists beginning their research careers (https://vari.vai.org/postdoctoral/). The fellowships are to help promising scientists advance their knowledge and research experience and at the same time support the research endeavors of VAI under the mentorship of a VAI Faculty member. All VAI Postdoctoral Fellows are encouraged to apply for external funding as soon as it is practical and reasonable after hire. Receiving a fellowship award provides recognition for both the fellow and VAI!

Postdoctoral Fellows at VAI are full-time employees and receive an annual salary along with VAI benefits, including:

• Medical, dental and vision coverage
• Employer-sponsored life and AD&D insurance
• Additional voluntary life and AD&D insurance for employees and dependents
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Flexible-spending accounts for health and child/elder care
• 401 K retirement savings plans with employee/employer contributions
• Paid vacation, holidays, personal days
• Relocation Assistance

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.

ABOUT GRAND RAPIDS, MI Van Andel Institute is located 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 Places to Live."

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 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 exceptional career opportunities, green building and living, and innovative employers.

Required Skills Required Experience

• Customer Service: Handles customer questions and complaints, communicates with customers, handles service problems politely and efficiently, always available for customers, follows procedure to solve customer problems, understands company products and services, maintains pleasant and professional image.
• Initiative: Tackles problems and takes independent action, seeks out new responsibilities, acts on opportunities, generates new ideas, practices self-development.
• Communication: Communicates well both verbally and in writing, creates accurate and punctual reports, delivers presentations, shares information and ideas with others, has good listening skills.
• Teamwork: Meets all team deadlines and responsibilities, listens to others and values opinions, helps team leader to meet goals, welcomes newcomers and promotes a team atmosphere.
• Adaptability/Flexibility: Adapts to change, is open to new ideas, takes on new responsibilities, handles pressure, adjusts plans to meet changing needs.
• Computer Skills: Skilled in the use of computers, adapts to new technology, keeps abreast of changes, learns new programs quickly, uses computers to improve productivity.
• Dependability: Meets commitments, works independently, accepts accountability, handles change, sets personal standards, stays focused under pressure, meets attendance/punctuality requirements.
• Interpersonal Skills: Has good listening skills, builds strong relationships, is flexible/open-minded, negotiates effectively, solicits performance feedback and handles constructive criticism.