Research Technician - Licht Lab - Epigenetic Regulators as Drivers of Cancer

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 Laboratory of Jonathan D. Licht, M.D., in the VAI Department of Epigenetics, is seeking to hire a highly motivated and experienced full-time Research Technician to support the cutting-edge research efforts. The Licht Lab focuses on epigenetic regulators as drivers of cancer. Experimental duties will include, but not be limited to, using molecular biology techniques such as cell culture of mouse and human cell lines, measurement of cell proliferation, flow cytometry, imaging technologies, western blotting, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, DNA and RNA preparation, PCR and next generation sequencing (RNA-seq, ChIP-seq) to test how structural and functional mutations in proteins that regulate epigenetic mechanisms may alter gene expression and promote the tumor phenotype.

JOB FUNCTIONS

• Participate in planning and perform experiments under the supervision of PI and senior laboratory personnel daily.
• Participate in weekly laboratory meetings to present data and plan future experiments.
• Maintain a detailed lab notebook describing their research activity, protocols, and data records.
• Serve as a resource to teach techniques and data analysis to trainees. 
• Engage in a variety of ad hoc and routine trainings on an annual basis to ensure the safe and proper functioning of the laboratory.  

QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate will be scientifically driven and possess strong technical skills and attention to detail, in addition to:

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or a related field
• Minimum of 1-2 years of experience, with 5+ years preferred
• Competent in multi-tasking and able to work independently
• Demonstrated ability to understand and perform established experimental procedures. 
• Prior experience with mammalian cell culture, mouse models, flow cytometry, western blotting and PCR is preferred but not required.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

All full-time employees of Van Andel Institute are eligible for benefits, effective Day One! This is an hourly position. Pay will be commensurate with experience, skills and qualifications.

HOW TO APPLY 

If you possess these attributes and enjoy working with motivated and driven people, we welcome speaking with you and encourage you to apply online today!  

• An up-to-date Resume/Curriculum Vitae 
• A list of 2-3 individuals who have agreed to act as references, along with their contact details. 

Please contact Megan.Doerr@vai.org with 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.