Postdoctoral Fellow - Laboratory of Dr. Qiang Zhu

Postdoctoral Fellow - Genetics, Epigenetics, Neuroimmune Interactions and Therapeutic Innovation in Neurodegenerative Diseases

A Postdoctoral Fellow research position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Qiang Zhu at Van Andel Institute (VAI). The research group combines multidisciplinary technologies to study disease mechanisms and develop innovative therapeutic approaches for dementia and motor neuron diseases.

Why join the Zhu Lab?

• Leadership level role in independent and collaborative projects such as studying disease mechanisms and developing new treatments for ALS and dementia. Strong support and assistance from lab members in the laboratory and core facilities.
• Research emphasis on cell-type specific toxicities, neuron-glia interactions, genetics and epigenetics will provide insights in identifying novel biomarkers and drug targets.
• Expand and improve skills: disease models based on genome-modified animals and human iPSCs and 3D-organoids, epigenetic modification, behavioral neuroscience and neuronal electrophysiology.
• The Zhu lab is within the Department of Neurodegenerative Science and affiliated with the Department of Epigenetics at VAI, which includes highly collaborative scientists revealing groundbreaking new insights into neurodegenerative diseases, epigenetics and structural biology.
• Work on well-funded projects and have access to excellent mentorship and support from the laboratory, departments, and VAI postdoctoral office.

Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. or equivalent degree in neuroscience, pharmacology, or molecular and cell biology with interest in neurodegenerative diseases.
• Previous research experience with microglia, neuroinflammation, epigenetics, gene therapy, CRISPR gene editing/screen, iPSCs or animal models are preferred.
• A record of peer-reviewed publications is highly desirable.

Why join the Van Andel Institute as a Postdoctoral Fellow?

Postdoctoral Fellows are full-time employees and receive a competitive annual salary beginning at $70,000 and benefits including 401 K retirement savings plans.

Strong internal grants to support the career development of postdoctoral scholars.

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
• 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.

Application Process:

If you are interested in this position, please submit the following through Workday:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter outlining your research achievements and current and future goals.
• 3 references (name, relationship, contact email and phone number)

If you have questions about the application process or working at VAI, you are welcome to email Natalie Hartford tford.