What are the responsibilities and job description for the Postdoctoral Fellow Cancer Epigenetics Training Program (T32) position at Office of Intramural Training & Education?
Looking for world-class postdoctoral training in cancer epigenetics? You’ve come to the right place. Van Andel Institute (www.vai.org) 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.
About the position
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.
About Van Andel Institute Established in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1996 by the Van Andel family, VAI is now home to nearly 500 scientists, educators and support staff, who work with national and international collaborators to foster discovery. The Institute’s scientists study the origins of cancer, Parkinson’s and other diseases and translate their findings into breakthrough prevention and treatment strategies. Our educators develop inquiry-based approaches for K–12 education to help students and teachers prepare the next generation of problem-solvers, while our Graduate School offers a rigorous, research-intensive Ph.D. program in molecular and cellular biology.
Apply for this vacancy
What you'll need 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.
Contact name
Dr. Erica Gobrogge
Contact email
opa@vai.org
Qualifications
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.
Disclaimer/Fine Print
VAI is committed to achieving excellence through increasing diversity. We actively encourage applications from women, persons of color, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. Van Andel Institute is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) Employer. As Van Andel Institute is a drug and alcohol-free employer, all prospective new employees undergo a urinalysis/drug test as part of our pre-employment process. This is a 7-panel drug screen and it includes testing for Marijuana, Cocaine, Amphetamines, Opiates, PCP, Barbiturates, and Benzodiazepines.