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Postdoctoral Fellow 

Cancer Epigenetics

The Van Andel Research Institute has a position available for one Postdoctoral Fellow under the direction of Hui Shen. Ph.D.

THE Shen Laboratory FOCUSES ON THE ROLE OF EPIGENETICS IN CANCER,  WITH A SPECIAL FOCUS ON OVARIAN CANCER AND OTHER GYNECOLOGICAL CANCERS THROUGH ANALYSIS OF HUMAN CANCER TISSUES, WITH BOTH EXPERIMENT-BASED AND COMPUTATIONAL APPROACHES.

A major focus of this position will be to investigate the role epigenetics play in the development and evolution of ovarian cancer with advanced genome-scale technologies.

This postdoctoral position is available immediately for a motivated PhD graduate who meets the qualifications and description outlined below.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A Ph.D. graduate with experience and publications in the fields of molecular biology, cancer genomics, and/or cell biology, motivated to pursue studies for molecular mechanisms underlying ovarian cancer.
• An ideal candidate will have experience with or is motivated to learn various molecular biology techniques (i.e. next generation sequencing library preparation, PCR, qPCR, etc.), cell culture and/or histological techniques.
• Must provide the names of three individuals who can provide recommendations and present a scientific seminar describing his or her previous research.

DESCRIPTION OF A SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE:

• A “team” focused scientist
• A self-motivated and driven individual who is able to exhibit exceptional research productivity and take responsibility for independent management of the project
• A detail-oriented researcher who thinks critically to effectively design experiments and solve complex research problems
• A strong ability to take initiative and work independently
• A collaborative, hands-on researcher who proactively shares knowledge and expertise with lab members and has an interest in helping junior lab members
• Excellent written and oral communication skills

JOB FUNCTIONS: Van Andel Research Institute (VARI) provides postdoctoral training opportunities to scientists beginning their research careers. The fellowships are to help promising scientists advance their knowledge and research experience and at the same time support the research endeavors of VARI under the mentorship of a VARI Faculty member.

While this project is currently funded, an integral part of postdoctoral training is the process of preparing a research proposal and writing a fellowship application. All VARI 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 VARI!

Postdoctoral Fellows AT VARI ARE FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES AND RECEIVE AN ANNUAL SALARY. Salary determined based on Doctorate/MD receipt date according to a set stipend schedule. Applicants with exceptional qualifications may be considered for other salary scales.

Benefits include:

• 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

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Qualified applicants should provide a cover letter outlining research experience and interests, a curriculum vitae, and the names and address of three references.

If you possess these attributes and desire to help us drive science from the bench to the clinic; while benefiting from a highly generous compensation package; we would welcome speaking with you and encourage you to apply today by visiting

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 Research 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 100 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 endless career opportunities.

Required Skills Required Experience

The Residential Services Worker will provide direct program support to residents and work collaboratively with Case Managers to help ensure successful completion of Individual Housing Plans.  REQUIREMENTS: Successful candidates must possess a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services related field or High School Diploma and at least two years experience in community based social services or other related experience with homeless households. Language abilities in Spanish, Farsi, Amharic and Korean is also a plus.   Requirements including the ability to interact and communicate effectively with others, both orally and in writing.  The Residential Services Worker must be able to prepare written reports; monitor and direct program activities; and ensure the safety and security of program operations.  The successful candidate must have effective oral and written communication skills, be able to develop effective working relationships with other staff, community partners, and individuals served at the program.  Strong organization skills, problem-solving skills and judgment are desired.   OTHER:  This position requires driving the company vehicle (up to 15 passengers) and personal vehicle for company business including transporting clients/residents.  Must be privileged to drive according to the criteria set forth by Agency MVR guidelines.  Valid driver’s license in jurisdiction of residence  Vehicle liability coverage if driving personal vehicle (on occasion, may be required to transport clients in personal vehicle)  May be required to drive a van  Acceptable EBI background, FBI Fingerprint, Child Protective Services, OIG Exclusion check   Negative Drug/TB Screening   CPR/First Aid Certification must be acquired and maintained once employed