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CANCER EPIGENETICS TRAINING (CET) PROGRAM 

LOOKING FOR WORLD-CLASS POSTDOCTORAL TRAINING IN CANCER EPIGENETICS? YOU’VE COME TO THE RIGHT PLACE.

Van Andel Institute is an internationally recognized center of excellence for basic and translational epigenetics research. The Institute’s Cancer Epigenetics Training (CET) program prepares postdoctoral fellows to become independent research leaders in the field of cancer epigenetics. The program offers cutting-edge, INTERDISCIPLINARY research training in structural and functional aspects of epigenetics, complemented by state-of-the-art Core Technologies and Services, unique professional development activities, and integration with established translational research programs and partnerships led by VAI investigators. Fellows will emerge from the program with comprehensive training in cancer epigenetics and a professional foundation from which to launch their independent biomedical research careers. You can learn more about the program here.

The Cancer Epigenetics Training program is supported by a National Cancer Institute T32 training grant (no. T32CA251066). The content is solely the responsibility of VAI and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR THE CANCER EPIGENETICS TRAINING PROGRAM?

Applicants must be near completion of a Ph.D., M.D. or other appropriate terminal degree in a scientific discipline that provides broad training in molecular biology, genetics, and/or biochemistry. Applicants must be U.S citizens or permanent residents. Individuals who identify as underrepresented minorities are strongly encouraged to apply.

WHAT APPLICATION MATERIALS SHOULD I PREPARE?

Prior to starting the application, please review the list of Cancer Epigenetics Training Program faculty members (found on the “Faculty” tab here) to determine whose research interests you and prepare the following required materials:

• NIH-style biosketch: If you have experienced any challenges in your educational or career path, please use the personal statement section to share this with the selection committee.)
• Research statement: The statement should comprise a high-level description of your proposed research project, the significance of the problem and its potential impact on the field. It should follow the format of an NIH-style specific aims page (you can find guidance here).
• Three reference letters (one should be from your thesis advisor or a thesis committee member)

If you have already spoken with a VAI faculty member about joining their lab or applied for one of our open postdoc positions, there will be space to indicate this on the application. This is encouraged but not required to apply to the Cancer Epigenetics Training Program.

HOW WILL APPLICATIONS BE EVALUATED?

The selection committee will be composed of Drs. Scott Rothbart (chair), Peter Jones, Erica Gobrogge, and at least two other CET faculty members. Applications will be reviewed and selected through a blinded, competitive process as follows:

• Program staff will remove applicants’ names and demographic information from the applications.
• Three members of the selection committee will read each application and score it using the NIH nine-point scoring scale. Reviewer scores will consider the scientific record of the applicant, research alignment, research plan, training potential, and reference letters. Reviewers will also consider the applicant’s personal statement and challenges that each candidate may have has faced in their educational and career path.
• At least twice per year, the committee will meet to review applications and assign final scores.
• The committee will identify two alternates for each slot in case an applicant does not accept the invitation to join the program. All applicants will be notified of the committee’s decisions within six months of their application submission.

QUESTIONS ARE WELCOME! PLEASE CONTACT DR. ERICA GOBROGGE, A MEMBER OF THE CANCER EPIGENETICS TRAINING PROGRAM LEADERSHIP TEAM AND PROGRAM DIRECTOR OF VAI’S OFFICE OF POSTDOCTORAL AFFAIRS, AT OPA@VAI.ORG.

Required Skills Required Experience

QUALIFICATIONS

• Proven experience in behavioral health as a corporate trainer or similar role.
• Good understanding of various teaching methodologies and tools.
• Experience with e-learning software is an asset.
• Good time-management skills.
• Ability to multi-task.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Critical-thinker and problem-solver.
• Certification in CPI, CPR, Motivational Interviewing is a plus.
• BILINGUAL/BICULTURAL ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.