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Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States
Onsite
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.
Director, Van Andel Institute Cancer Center
and Chair, Department of Cell and Cancer Biology
Van Andel Institute is making a major, multi-year investment to establish a world-class basic science Cancer Center that aligns with the goals of NCI’s Cancer Center Program. We seek a scientific leader to spearhead this vision and develop and execute a strategic plan to make it a reality. This role is a rare opportunity to build and expand a Cancer Center through a platform of outstanding faculty, shared resources and a vibrant educational program.
In addition to being director of the Cancer Center, this person also will serve as chair of VAI’s Department of Cell and Cancer Biology (currently the Department of Cell Biology).
Reporting to the Chief Scientific Officer and serving on key strategic leadership committees, the director will shape and execute Cancer Center strategy, faculty recruitment, resource allocation and program structure. The director also will assemble the infrastructure and partnerships to enhance the Institute’s prominence in cancer research.
What makes this opportunity different:
Strong internal faculty support to bolster peer-reviewed research and flexibility to build quickly with dedicated funding for faculty recruitment and program development
Established strengths in cancer epigenetics (including the Van Andel Institute–Stand Up To Cancer® Epigenetics Dream Team), metabolism, cell biology and structural biology, with research strongly grounded in peer-reviewed funding
A suite of nine highly developed Core Technologies and Services with leading-edge equipment and expert staff
A nimble institute with mission-aligned administrative and operations teams, which enable scientists to focus on discovery
Institute-wide support for training the next generation of scientists, including K–12 programs; high school graduate training; undergraduate research fellowships; an accredited, highly competitive Graduate School; and robust support for postdoctoral fellows
THE ROLE
This dual-role position combines departmental leadership with institute-wide program development.
Cancer Center Director
Develop and align scientific programs, shared resources and governance structures
Position VAI competitively among leading basic cancer research institutions
Build partnerships with clinical, academic and industry collaborators
Lead planning and execution toward NCI Cancer Center designation (P30)
Department Chair
Lead the evolution and expansion of an existing cell biology-focused department (currently four faculty) into a growing Department of Cell and Cancer Biology
Drive strategic faculty recruitment to build a world-class, interdisciplinary team
Enhance a culture of scientific excellence, collaboration and innovation
Vision and Key Priorities
VAI is making a strategic investment to build an interdisciplinary cancer research program that will serve as the foundation for NCI designation. The director will:
Recruit a critical mass of high-impact investigators in cancer biology, including cancer immunology
Develop interdisciplinary research programs aligned with NCI expectations
Expand extramural funding and programmatic collaborative basic cancer research
Build external partnerships to support translational research
Enhance cancer research education and training
Establish VAI as a nationally recognized hub for innovative cancer research
CANDIDATE PROFILE
The ideal candidate will be a globally recognized scientific leader with the vision, credibility and collaborative track record to build and lead a high-impact cancer center. Prior experience as a program leader or associate director of a basic, clinical or comprehensive cancer center would be an asset.
Required Qualifications
Ph.D., M.D., or M.D./Ph.D.
International reputation for scientific excellence in fundamental cancer research
Sustained record of significant NIH/NCI funding (e.g., R01, P01, U01)
Success leading collaborative fundamental/translational research initiatives, centers or programs
Proven ability to recruit, mentor and develop high-performing faculty
Ability to communicate and engage with communities of supporters and donors
Highly Desirable
Direct experience with NCI Cancer Center designation and P30 grants
Track record of building institutional partnerships and collaborative networks
Institutional Commitment and Resources
VAI is making a substantial, long-term investment in cancer research and provides an exceptional platform for success.
Faculty benefit from:
Internal salary and benefits support
Robust start-up and recruitment packages
Dedicated administrative and operational support
Access to world-class Core Technologies and Services, including:
Genomics, including multiple next generation sequencing platforms (e.g., short-read and long-read single-cell)
Mass Spectrometry, including LC/MS and GC/MS methods
Optical Imaging, including confocal microscopy and spatial technologies
Cryo-EM and Cryo-PFIB
Flow Cytometry, with analytical and preparative workflows
Transgenic services, with extensive gene editing experience
An accredited Vivarium
The Institute’s structure enables leaders to focus on science, strategy and growth, rather than administrative burden.
About Van Andel Institute and Grand Rapids
Van Andel Institute is committed to improving the health and enhancing the lives of current and future generations through cutting-edge biomedical research and innovative educational offerings.
Established in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1996 by the Van Andel family, VAI is now home to more than 650 scientists, educators and support staff, who work with a growing number of 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 has established itself as an innovative, agile organization that fosters collaboration across disciplines and drives scientific progress. With strengths spanning cancer, epigenetics, neurodegenerative diseases, metabolism, cell biology and structural biology, the Institute combines significant internal investment, advanced technological platforms and a culture of collaboration to enable high-impact discovery. Over the past decade, VAI’s extramural funding has tripled.
In 2026, the Nature Index Research Leaders list ranked VAI no. 3 among North American nonprofit/nongovernmental organizations in biological sciences. Other accolades include recognition from the National Postdoctoral Association for exemplary postdoctoral policies and the election of our investigators as members of prestigious societies including the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Medicine, the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the American Association for Cancer Research Academy.
VAI was the catalyst for Grand Rapids’ Medical Mile, a vibrant corridor of nationally recognized universities, medical organizations and companies. To date, Medical Mile has drawn more than $2 billion in investment, with the life sciences sector in West Michigan supporting more than 59,000 jobs. VAI collaborates with many of its neighbors on Medical Mile and throughout Michigan, including Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, University of Michigan Health–West, Grand Valley State University, Corewell Health, and The Cancer and Hematology Centers.
The Institute anchors Grand Rapids’ growing life-sciences corridor in West Michigan, a region that pairs a comparatively low cost of living with a high quality of life. Faculty and their families enjoy a vibrant, walkable downtown, a nationally recognized food and craft beverage scene, strong schools and ready access to Lake Michigan’s beaches and the surrounding outdoors, all without the congestion and expense of coastal research hubs.
Application Process
Applicants should provide:
Curriculum vitae
Statement of scientific vision for a basic science cancer center
Leadership statement outlining experience in building programs and teams
Summary of current and future personal research interests
Please submit this package to:
Jonathan Licht, M.D.
President and Chief Scientific Officer
Van Andel Institute
All inquiries and nominations will be handled with strict confidentiality.
For any additional questions, please contact Eric Miller, Director of Talent and Employee Engagement, at eric.miller@vai.org.
Review of applications will begin Sept. 1, 2026, and continue until the position is filled.
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.
Van Andel Institute is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) Employer. We are committed to cultivating a workplace in which different perspectives and experiences are welcomed and respected. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, disability (physical or mental), marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, political ideology, or membership in any other legally protected class. We are an Equal Opportunity 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.
