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Postdoctoral Programs
Postdoctoral fellows are a crucial part of Van Andel Research Institute’s efforts to improve the health and enhance the lives of current and future generations. To this end, the Institute offers several internal fellowship opportunities:
Postdoctoral Fellows VARI Fellows Bioinformatics Fellows
All fellows conduct their work in the Institute’s state-of-the-art research space and have access to an extensive suite of Core Technologies and Services as well as a dedicated team of operations and sponsored research professionals. They also have the opportunity to network with colleagues from around the world, who come to VARI as part of the many invited lectures, scientific symposia and other events held throughout the year.
The Institute recognizes that selecting where to complete a postdoctoral fellowship is a significant decision for postdoctoral fellows and their families. VARI has a dedicated Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, which provides a comprehensive professional development program. The Institute also provides a competitive employee benefits package for all postdoctoral fellows, regardless of external funding. The Institute is located in fun, affordable and family friendly Grand Rapids (read more about Grand Rapids here).
Questions? Email OPA@vai.org. Please note, the Institute does not currently award external fellowships.
My postdoctoral fellowship was mentored by Dr. Nick Duesbery, back in 2000-2001; these first years of the Institute were bathed in an incomparable atmosphere of creativity and productivity. Interacting with researchers from different fields opened my mind. This fellowship enabled me to grow up in autonomy; while I learnt new technical skills, I was allowed to acquire and discern the abilities and values associated with being at the helm of a scientific team.
, Vice-Dean for International Relations, Professor, Faculty of Sciences and Technologies, University of Lille
When I think about my experiences as a VARI postdoc, I am most grateful for the support and flexibility that allowed me to explore and gain experience as an educator in higher education. Without this opportunity, I would not have considered a career in medical education. The opportunity to teach and conduct research while a postdoc helped me feel supported beyond the laboratory, and has led to a rewarding career as an educator.
, Associate Dean of Integrated Learning, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Associate Professor of Pharmacology, Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences
I acquired so many important skills during my time as a VARI postdoc. In addition to developing additional research and technical skills in the lab, I was provided training in grant writing, lab management and communication, among others. All of these now help me immensely in my current role. I would have been walking into this position blindly if it weren’t for the excellent training and programming provided by the VARI OPA!
, Assistant Professor, College of Pharmacy, Ferris State University
As a VARI postdoctoral fellow in Dr. Jeff MacKeigan’s Laboratory of Systems Biology, I was able to acquire and hone critical skills in advanced techniques, project development, grant writing and laboratory management. VARI’s postdoctoral program fostered an environment of productive creativity and, together with VARI’s facilities, resources and support, this made my time there thoroughly enjoyable and successful.
, Assistant Professor, Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Los Angeles
I would describe my time as a postdoc at VARI as very exciting and full of opportunities. There was support and funding in place for postdocs to invite speakers, organize events and gain teaching experience, which are essential for career development.
, Assistant Professor, College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona