Our Research

Postdoctoral Program

Postdoctoral Fellowships

Van Andel Research Institute (VARI) provides postdoctoral training opportunities to scientists beginning their research careers. The fellowships are to help promising scientists advance their knowledge and research experience and at the same time support the research endeavors of VARI under the mentorship of a VARI Scientific Investigator. Postdoctoral fellows are appointed for a limited period of time, usually three years but no more than five years.

An integral part of postdoctoral training is the process of preparing a research proposal and writing a fellowship application. All VARI Postdoctoral Fellows are encouraged to apply for external funding as soon as it is practical and reasonable after hire. Receiving a fellowship award provides recognition for both the fellow and VARI.

Fellowship Conditions

All postdoctoral fellows must meet the following conditions:

  1. Completed a doctorate degree in a discipline pertinent to research conducted at Van Andel Research Institute.
  2. Successfully presented a recruitment seminar and provided at least three (3) letters of recommendation. (In the case of candidates located outside of North America, the requirement for a seminar may be waived.)
  3. Recommended by a VARI Scientific Investigator for an appointment.

Compensation

Salary determined based on Doctorate/MD receipt date according to a set stipend schedule, which begins at $40,000 up to a maximum of $48,000. Based on Scientific Investigator’s approval, annual stipend increases may be provided annually on or about the anniversary date of hire.

Benefits

VARI offers a comprehensive set of benefits including:

  1. The option of 2 health care plans (medical, dental and vision) at a minimal to no cost for self and family,
  2. Institute paid Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment insurance,
  3. Voluntary Term Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment insurance for self and family,
  4. Institute paid Short-term and Long-term Disability insurance,
  5. Flexible Spending Accounts for Dependent Care and Medical Expenses,
  6. Holiday Pay,
  7. PTO Days (Paid Time Off for sick and personal needs),
  8. Vacation Days,
  9. Tuition Reimbursement,
  10. Opportunity to participate in a 401(k) plan,
  11. Incentive Award of $1,000 for achieving external grant/fellowship funding,
  12. Professional Development, and
  13. Employee Assistance Services
  14. Moving Assistance

VARI contracts with a Relocation Coordinator to assist new postdoctoral fellows with relocation needs such as housing, applying for a social security card, establishing a bank account, etc.

Postdoctoral fellows are eligible for a maximum reimbursement of $2,000 for relocation expenses.

Application Process

If you would like to apply for the postdoctoral research fellowship at VARI, we invite you to review the list of Scientific Investigators and the current openings and to write to an Investigator whose work is most in line with your research interests.

Please include a letter of introduction and a copy of your CV plus the names and addresses of three references.