Cryo-Em Core Scientist

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.

Van Andel Institute is seeking a highly motivated Cryo-EM Core Scientist to help expand and advance our in situ structural biology capabilities. This role offers the opportunity to drive innovation in cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET), and cryo-focused ion beam (cryo-FIB) technologies within a state-of-the-art facility equipped with a Titan Krios and Arctis cryo-PFIB system.

The successful candidate will play a central role in developing next-generation structural cell biology workflows and partnering closely with faculty on high-impact research projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead operation and optimization of the Thermo Fisher Arctis cryo-PFIB system and associated cryo-EM instrumentation.
• Develop and implement advanced cryo-FIB milling workflows for diverse biological samples.
• Integrate FIB-SEM workflows with light microscopy and cryo-ET pipelines.
• Collaborate closely with faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and students on in situ cryo-ET studies.
• Contribute intellectually to grant proposals and peer-reviewed publications.
• Provide scientific consultation and training to internal and external users.
• Coordinate service, maintenance, and instrumentation upgrades with vendor engineers.
• Maintain rigorous experimental and operational documentation.
• Mentor trainees and support the educational mission of the Institute.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. (or equivalent) in Structural Biology, Biochemistry, Cell & Molecular Biology, or a related field.
• 2+ years of hands-on experience in cryo-FIB, single particle cryo-EM and/or cryo-ET.
• Experience with modern electron microscopes, direct electron detectors, and cryo-ET data collection.
• Familiarity with cryo-EM and cryo-ET image processing pipelines.
• Strong critical thinking and troubleshooting skills.

Desired Attributes

• A strong drive to advance structural biology technologies.
• Scientific curiosity and initiative in method development.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• A collaborative mindset and commitment to partnership-driven research.
• Ability to work independently and within a multidisciplinary team.

What This Role Offers

• Leadership in advancing in situ structural cell biology.
• Access to state-of-the-art cryo-EM and cryo-FIB instrumentation.
• Close collaboration with faculty investigating cancer and neurodegenerative disease.
• Opportunities for co-authorship and grant participation.
• A full-time, permanent position supported by institutional funding, providing long-term stability and professional growth.

Compensation and Benefits

All full-time employees of Van Andel Institute are eligible for benefits, effective Day One! This is a salaried position targeting $80,000 - $100,000 commensurate with experience, skills and qualifications.

How to apply:

If you possess these attributes and the desire to help us provide best-in-class service to our researchers, we would welcome speaking with you and strongly encourage you to apply today.

In your application, provide us the following in a single combined PDF:

• cover letter highlighting key qualifications
• current curriculum vitae with complete bibliography
• names and contact information of 3 references

This position will be open until filled and will be reviewing applications on an ongoing basis. If you have any difficulty uploading your application or any questions, please email Natalie Hartford at Natalie.Hartford@vai.org.

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.