Cryo-EM Core Scientist

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 is hiring a cryo-EM Core Scientist  to assist in the daily operations of our state-of-the-art cryo-EM facility, which includes the latest Titan Krios microscope and Arctis cryo-PFIB. The cryo-EM Core provides both transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and cryo-EM sample preparation and data collection services to researchers.

As our cryo-EM Core Scientist, you will work with the cryo-EM Core Director and will be responsible for the following Key Areas:

• Operate and maintain the Thermo Fisher Arctis cryo-PFIB system and related cryo-EM instrumentation.
• Develop, optimize, and document cryo-FIB milling workflows for a variety of biological samples.
• Lead method development to integrate FIB-SEM workflows with light microscopy and tomography pipelines.
• Collaborate with faculty, postdocs, and students on sample preparation and data acquisition for in situ cryo-ET studies.
• Participate in grant and manuscript writing with VAI faculty
• Provide training and technical support to internal and external users.
• Coordinate service, maintenance, and upgrades with Thermo Fisher engineers.
• Maintain detailed experimental and maintenance records to ensure optimal system performance and data integrity.
• May serve as a co-mentor to interns and VAIGS graduate students
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What skills and qualifications should you possess?

• We would expect you to possess a Ph.D. Degree (or equivalent) in Biochemistry, Structural Biology, Cell and Molecular Biology, or related field.
• 2 – 5 years of hands-on experience in single particle cryo-EM and cryo-ET is required and you should be familiar with modern electron microscopes, electron detectors, and cryo-ET data collection procedures and single particle and cryo-ET image processing pipeline.

Most importantly, you should be a person with the following traits and characteristics:

• A good communicator who is flexible and has a customer service-oriented personality. We expect you to have a strong commitment to building and maintaining a positive work environment. 
• A motivated and hardworking individual who has excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Demonstrate excellent organizational and multitasking skills and athe bility to meet deadlines.
• A strong desire and capability to learn new technologies.
• The ability to work alone or as a team member.
• Strong critical thinking and troubleshooting skills.

Compensation and Benefits

All full-time employees of Van Andel Institute are eligible for benefits, effective Day One! This is a salaried position targeting $80,000 - $90,000 commensurate with experience, skills and qualifications.

How to apply:

If you possess these attributes and the desire to help us provide best-in-class service to our researchers, we would welcome speaking with you and strongly encourage you to apply today.  

In your application, provide us the following in a single combined PDF:

• cover letter highlighting key qualifications
• current curriculum vitae with complete bibliography
• names and contact information of 3 references

This position will be open until filled. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. If you have any difficulty uploading your application or any questions, please email Megan Doerr at Megan.Doerr@vai.org.

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.