What are the responsibilities and job description for the Postdoctoral Fellow - Walton Laboratory position at Van Andel Institute?
Van Andel Institute (VAI), a world-class biomedical research institute, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is dedicated to improving human health. We are pioneers in the fight against cancer, Parkinson's, and other diseases. We are committed to inspiring the next generation of scientists and educators.
The Walton Laboratory at Van Andel Institute (VAI) is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow to join our team. We investigate fundamental mechanisms of cytoskeletal regulation using advanced structural approaches, including cryo-EM and cryo-ET. A key component of this research involves native isolation of massive protein complexes from mammalian tissue to both construct atomic models and perform biochemical assays. The successful applicant will lead independent and collaborative projects aimed at understanding the role of microtubules and microtubule-bound proteins in health and disease. Applicants with previous experience in cryo-EM, or strong biochemists eager to pursue structural biology, are especially encouraged to apply.
Responsibilities
- Design and execute experiments to purify and characterize protein complexes
- Prepare and screen grids to optimize sample conditions
- Collect and analyze cryo-EM and cryo-ET data
- Build detailed structural models of cytoskeletal assemblies
- Communicate findings through publications and presentations
- Collaborate within the lab and with external partners to advance project goals
- Study and apply relevant background literature
Qualifications
Why choose the Walton Laboratory?
As a young laboratory, your success is my success. I am deeply committed to providing personalized mentorship to support your growth and accelerate your research. By joining my team, you'll be part of our groundbreaking work to discover how cytoskeletal components interact to form 3D networks through the development of novel biochemical and structural approaches. In addition, the Department of Structural Biology at VAI offers a vibrant research community with direct access to state-of-the-art cryo-EM microscopes (and exciting upgrades scheduled for next year).
Why join Van Andel Institute as a Postdoctoral Fellow?
Postdoctoral Fellows are full-time employees and receive a competitive annual salary beginning at $71,000. Postdoctoral fellows are a crucial part of Van Andel Institute's efforts to improve the health and enhance the lives of current and future generations.
Along with the competitive salary, our Postdoctoral Fellows are eligible for VAI benefits, including :
VAI recognizes that selecting where to complete a postdoctoral fellowship is a significant decision for postdoctoral fellows. VAI has a dedicated Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, which provides a comprehensive professional development program.
How to Apply
Please submit your online application together with a single combined PDF including the following :
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.
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 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.
About Grand Rapids, MI
Van Andel Institute is in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan in the center of the Medical Mile. A remarkable combination of a cosmopolitan atmosphere and small-town warmth, Grand Rapids is known for its philanthropic and sustainability-driven community. It's fun affordable and family-friendly.
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 walkable neighborhoods and natural areas. The downtown area is safe and clean with an eclectic mix of walkable neighborhoods and natural areas.
Salary : $71,000
