Director, Van Andel Institute Cancer Center and Chair, Department of Cell and Cancer Biology

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

Bioinformatics and Biostatistics

Optical Imaging , including confocal microscopy and spatial technologies

Cryo-EM and Cryo-PFIB

Flow Cytometry , with analytical and preparative workflows

Pathology and Biorepository

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 Medica