The Van Andel Research Institute (VARI) is an independent and world-class biomedical research institute dedicated to determining the fundamental molecular origins of disease and translating those findings into effective therapies. VARI is home to more than 300 scientists and staff that work in on-site laboratories and collaborative partnerships that span the globe. VARI’s research pillars are built upon epigenetics, cancer and neuro-degeneration research, and in late 2018 a brand new inter-disciplinary program focusing on nutrition and metabolism was created.

The Pospisilik lab, a founding member of this new initiative and Center Lead for the Institute’s Center of Epigenetics, aims to understand the epigenetic basis of complex disease with a focus on inflammation, cancer, diabetes and obesity, and to leverage their findings to push forward novel therapeutic and preventative medicines.

To ensure an efficient and dynamic pace to the core science, the establishment and the expansion of the new metabolism initiative, the Pospisilik Lab is actively seeking a talented Scientific Grant Writer to support Dr. Pospisilik in preparing grant applications for extramural funding opportunities.

In particular, you will:

• • Search for and identify potential funding sources to support the lab’s research.
  • Writing/editing high quality grant proposals for submission to a variety of funding institutions.
  • Contribute to the scientific knowledge and analytical skills in the preparation of grant proposals, manuscripts, and protocols.
  • Provide full life cycle editing and writing support for grant submissions, including managing timelines and project milestones, collecting figures, illustrations, and information from various sources, editing documents and coordinating with multiple stakeholders involved in the submission.
  • Steer research projects and acquisition of preliminary data for individual and group efforts.
  • Work closely with the Sponsored Research Office to compile and submit grant applications in a timely manner.

What traits and characteristics are expected of you?

• • Highly motivated, ambitious, possesses strong planning and organizational skills, and brings innovation/creative thinking about science.
  • A strong commitment to building and maintaining a positive work environment.
  • Strong skills and enjoyment in scientific writing.

QUALIFICATIONS

Realistically you would possess a Ph.D., have expertise in Molecular Epigenetics and/or Metabolism, have completed postdoctoral training experience, and possesses a strong record of successful grant writing proposals. We will consider a Master’s degree with broad and in depth experience in technical writing. Regardless of your education, you must be a leader, and above all, a team player.

In addition you should also possess:

• • Ideally 3 -5 years of experience in grant writing proposals and peer reviewed publications. This includes strong writing, editing, and preparing of high quality written scientific documents.
  • Experience in submitting grant proposals to National Institutes of Health, Department of Defense, and other federal, non-profit, and/or private funding agencies and organizations.

HOW TO APPLY

If you possess these attributes and enjoy working with motivated and driven people, we would welcome speaking with you and encourage you to apply today by submitting a cover letter describing your research interests, experience, and how you might contribute to Pospisilik Lab Research.

• An up-to-date Curriculum Vitae.

• • A list of 2-3 references along with their contact details.

Please contact Eric Miller (eric.miller@vai.org) for further information or questions, or if you have any difficulty with the application process.