Postdoctoral Fellow in Epigenetics/RNA Biology

Van Andel Institute’s (VAI) Professor Yvonne Fondufe-Mittendorf, Ph.D. is hiring a Postdoctoral Fellow to join the lab and carry out an independent project on how chromatin structure regulates epigenetic and epitranscriptomics machinery in response to normal growth and environmental cues.

Why choose the Fondufe-Mittendorf Laboratory? The lab investigates the mechanisms by which chromatin and the epigenome are modulated during normal growth and in response to environmental cues. She and her groundbreaking research have been highlighted by American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, PLoS One Everyone, Onclive and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences’ Environmental Factor. She has earned multiple awards for her research and mentorship, including the National Institute of Health’s IDeA Thomas Maciag Award, University of Kentucky Research Professorship and recognition from University of Kentucky’s Chellgreen Center. Dr. Fondufe-Mittendorf is a great mentor. She has a strong track record in preparing trainees for a successful career in both academia and industry. Examples include assisting graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in prestigious fellowship/grant awards and preparing postdoctoral fellows for faculty roles at R1 universities. The Fondufe-Mittendorf Lab is within the Department of Epigenetics, which includes a group of highly collaborative scientists seeking to understand how epigenetic changes may either protect or predispose individuals to complex diseases. VAI Cancer Epigenetics Training (CET) Program – T32 Dr. Fondufe-Mittendorf is a member of the CET Program at VAI. The CET is supported by National Cancer Institute T32 training grant no. T32CA251066. Applicants are encouraged to review the CET webpage to determine if they are eligible and interested in the CET program. The CET program requires a separate VAI T32 application but this can be completed at a later date. Why join Van Andel Institute as a Postdoctoral Fellow? Postdoctoral Fellows are full-time employees and receive a competitive annual salary beginning at $70,000. Postdoctoral fellows are a crucial part of Van Andel Institute’s efforts to improve the health and enhance the lives of current and future generations. Along with the competitive salary, our Postdoctoral Fellows are eligible for VAI benefits, including: Medical, dental and vision coverage Employer-sponsored life and AD&D insurance Additional voluntary life and AD&D insurance for employees and dependents Short-term and long-term disability insurance Flexible-spending accounts for health and child/elder care 401 K retirement savings plans with employee/employer contributions Paid vacation, holidays, personal days Relocation Assistance VAI recognizes that selecting where to complete a postdoctoral fellowship is a significant decision for postdoctoral fellows. VAI has a dedicated Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, which provides a comprehensive professional development program.

Necessary Qualifications A Ph.D. graduate with a strong background in cell biology, biochemistry or a related field in the basic sciences Applicants should have a strong background in biochemistry, RNA/chromatin biology and bioinformatics and a background in epigenomics is preferred. Experience with next-generation sequencing techniques are a strong plus. A “team” focused scientist A self-motivated and driven individual who possesses a strong interest in biochemistry/toxicology/epigenomics/RNA biology, with a proven publication record. Must be able to exhibit exceptional research productivity and take responsibility for independent management of the project A detail-oriented researcher who thinks critically to effectively design experiments and solve complex research problems A strong ability to take initiative and work independently A collaborative, hands-on researcher who proactively shares knowledge and expertise with lab members and has an interest in helping junior lab members Excellent written and oral communication skills Applicants who are eligible for the VAI T32 program will be prioritized.

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 achieving excellence through increasing diversity. We actively encourage applications from women, persons of color, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. 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 and alcohol-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, theatres, 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 often referred to as safe and clean with an eclectic mix of walkable neighborhoods and natural areas.