616.234.5000

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. As a recognized leader in cancer epigenetics and Parkinson’s disease research, VARI is pleased to support these bright early career scientists not only in the pursuit of life-changing discoveries but also in their journey to become scientific professionals.

To this end, the Institute offers several internal fellowship opportunities:

  • Postdoctoral fellowships: Rigorous fellowships under the mentorship of one or more of the Institute’s accomplished faculty. Learn more.
  • VARI fellowships: Highly competitive, enhanced fellowships at the Institute that provide additional resources, freedom and joint mentorship opportunities. Learn more. 
  • Bioinformatics fellowships: Fellowships tailored to meet the needs of Institute postdocs pursuing careers in bioinformatics. Learn more.

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 not only for the person seeking the fellowship and his or her career, but also for their family. To this end, VARI provides a comprehensive mix of research experience, postdoctoral support and opportunities, as well as a central location and competitive salary (read more about Grand Rapids here).

VARI’s commitment to providing an exemplary postdoctoral experience is reflected in it being named to The Scientist’s list of Best Places to Work for Postdocs in 2011 and to The Scientist’s Best Places to Work in Academia in 2010, 2011 and 2013. VARI also is a sustaining member of the National Postdoctoral Association, which works to improve the postdoctoral experience by supporting enhanced research training and a culture of professional growth to benefit scholarship and innovation.

Application information and postdoctoral openings

Interested in a postdoctoral fellowship at VARI? We are always accepting applications. Please contact the investigator directly for more information on opportunities to join the team. A list of VARI’s labs and investigators may be found here. Specific postdoctoral fellowship openings are available in our Careers section.

For questions about VARI’s postdoctoral program, please contact the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs by emailing Eric Miller at OPA@vai.org or by calling 616.234.5797. Please note, the Institute does not currently award external fellowships.

For more information on VARI’s postdoctoral fellowship programs, please visit the links below.

Postdoctoral Fellows        VARI Fellows       Bioinformatics Fellows

 

  • 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!

    Jennifer Lamberts, Ph.D., 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.

    Nathan Lanning, Ph.D., 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.

    Aikseng Ooi, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona