Posted 10/04/2021

APPLY

Research Scientist – Nick Burton Lab

Bacterial Genetics

How do environmental microbes impact health, physiology, and epigenetics? This is one of the questions that Nick Burton, Ph.D. is looking to solve in his newly formed lab at Van Andel Institute (VAI).  

To assist with the launch of his lab and drive his research projects forward now and in the future, he is seeking to hire a Research Scientist. In this role, you will have the opportunity to:

• Serve as the main point of contact for the management of the lab.
• Assist in setting up the Burton Lab and establishing basic lab protocols, managing the basic functions of the lab and establishing a system for organizing C. elegans and bacterial isolates in freezer stocks.
• Leading a substantial new project using C. elegans to study how bacteria affect animal physiology
• Creating a transposon insertion library in a new isolate of Pseudomonas and finish a screen for Pseudomonas mutants that fail to elicit a new effect on C. elegans biology.
• Setting up and operating a newly purchased Hudson robotic colony picker.
• Potentially co-write on the grant proposal for the host-microbe interactions project.

This position is one of the most critical roles in the Burton Lab and will be essential for the startup of the lab, the new host-microbe project, and for long term success of the lab.

Success will be measured the first year based on the following:

• How well the lab functions are managed with minimal input needed from Dr. Burton
• Successful completion of the transposon insertion screen and, if you are high performing, you will have sequenced the resulting mutant bacteria and identify new bacterial genes that modify host physiology and metabolism.

To be considered for this role, you will ideally possess a Ph.D. in genetics, microbiology, or a related field and experience in or working on a topic related to bacterial genetics and/or transposon insertion screening. However, the one of the primary criteria for success in research is motivation and excitement for research. Therefore all interested and motivated candidates are encouraged to apply. The ideal candidate will also possess:

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage projects and tasks independently.
• A good team player and able to work well with others as you serve as the main point of contact for the lab management, will be managing the basic flow of the lab and will be interacting with all team members.

COMPENSATION and BENEFITS

All fulltime employees of Van Andel Institute are eligible for benefits, effective Day One! This is a salaried position, which will be based on your experience and skills.

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! 

• A cover letter describing your research interests, experience, and how you might contribute to Burton Lab Research.
• An up-to-date Curriculum Vitae.
• A list of 2-3 individuals who have agreed to act as references along with their contact details.

Please contact Natalie Rinaldi (natalie.rinaldi@vai.org) for further information or questions, or if you have any difficulty with the application process.

VAI is actively striving to diversify its workforce and strongly encourages qualified individuals from underrepresented groups to apply. Van Andel Institute is an EEO and Affirmative Action Employer

About Grand Rapids, MI

Van Andel Research Institute is in downtown Grand Rapids, MI which is the second largest city in Michigan and the largest city in West Michigan. Grand Rapids offers a remarkable combination of cosmopolitan atmosphere and small-town warmth, known for its philanthropic and sustainability-driven community, and is ranked one of "America's Top 100 Places to Live."

Located on the banks of the Grand River, Grand Rapids offers all the big-city excitement you would 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 walk-able neighborhoods. 
With a medical and life sciences industry boom, strong entrepreneurial activity, dedication to green building and living, and innovative employers, Grand Rapids' diverse economy continues to grow, offering endless career opportunities.