Director, Cancer Center and Chair, Department of Cell and Cancer Biology

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.

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…