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.

Van Andel Institute’s Hong Li’s Laboratory, led by Hong Li, Ph.D. is seeking to hire a full-time Postdoctoral Fellow.

The Li Lab focuses on the structural mechanisms at atomic levels of RNA-associated processes and biotechnology, including CRISPR immunity and ribosome biogenesis. As a Postdoctoral Fellow you can expect to focus on structural and biochemical characterizations of these systems.  

Necessary Qualifications:

• Recent Ph.D. with publication(s) in the fields of biochemistry, biophysics, structural biology, or other related fields.

• Must be able to exhibit exceptional research productivity and take responsibility for independent management of the project.

• Must be detail-oriented researcher who thinks critically to design experiments and solve complex research problems.

• Have excellent written and oral communication skills.

• Have a strong ability to take initiative and work independently.

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:

• 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

• Relocation Assistance

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:

If you possess these attributes and enjoy working with motivated and committed people, we would welcome speaking with you and encourage you to apply today.

We ask you to submit your online application with a single combined PDF including the following:

• A cover letter describing your research interests, experience, and how you might contribute to Li Lab.

• An up-to-date Curriculum Vitae.

• A list of 2-3 individuals who have agreed to act as professional references along with their contact details.

Please contact Natalie Hartford ([email protected]) for further information or questions, or if you have any difficulty with the application process.

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 excellence through broad participation and diverse perspectives. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences who share our passion for innovation and collaboration.

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.