Cancer Center Director Recruitment

Van Andel Institute, a basic research organization and world leader in cancer epigenetics, seeks a visionary leader to serve as director of our Cancer Center and chair of our Department of Cell and Cancer Biology.

Seeking a globally recognized scientific leader with the vision, expertise and proven track record of building collaborative programs relevant to developing a high-impact Cancer Center.

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.

About the Van Andel Institute Cancer Center

The Van Andel Institute Cancer Center fuels breakthroughs by bringing together exceptional scientists, advanced technologies and a shared commitment to solving cancer’s toughest challenges.

The center is currently organized around two interdisciplinary programs — the Cancer Epigenetics Program and the Signaling and Metabolism Program — that leverage the Institute’s deep expertise and robust research infrastructure to accelerate discovery in high-impact areas of cancer research. These collaborative programs bring together scientists across the Institute’s research departments to address major questions in cancer research.

Explore the VAI Cancer Center

This dual-role position combines departmental leadership with institute-wide program development.

As director of the Cancer Center, you will:

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)

As chair of the Department of Cell and Cancer Biology, you will:

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

The ideal candidate is a globally recognized scientific leader with the vision, credibility and collaborative track record to develop and lead a high-impact cancer center. Prior experience as a program leader or associate director of a basic, clinical or comprehensive cancer center is 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 National Institutes of Health and National Cancer Institute NCI funding (e.g., R01, P01, U01)
Success leading collaborative fundamental/translational research initiatives, centers or programs
Proven ability to recruit, mentor and develop high-performing faculty
Ability to communicate and engage with communities of supporters and donors

Highly Desirable Qualifications

Direct experience with NCI Cancer Center designation and P30 grants
Track record of building institutional partnerships and collaborative networks

VAI is making a substantial, long-term investment in cancer research and provides an exceptional platform for success.

Faculty benefit from:

Internal salary and benefits support
Robust start-up and recruitment packages
Dedicated administrative and operational support
Access to world-class Core Technologies and Services, including:
- Genomics, including multiple next generation sequencing platforms (e.g., short-read and long-read single-cell)
- Mass Spectrometry, including LC/MS and GC/MS methods
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics
- Optical Imaging, including confocal microscopy and spatial technologies
- Cryo-EM and Cryo-PFIB
- Flow Cytometry, with analytical and preparative workflows
- Pathology and Biorepository
- Transgenic services, with extensive gene editing experience
- An accredited Vivarium

The Institute’s structure enables leaders to focus on science, strategy and growth, rather than administrative burden.

For the full position description, please visit the posting on our Careers page ➔

Applicants should provide:

Curriculum vitae
Statement of scientific vision for a basic science cancer center
Leadership statement outlining experience in building programs and teams
Summary of current and future personal research interests

Please submit this package to:

Jonathan Licht, M.D.
President and Chief Scientific Officer
Van Andel Institute
[email protected]

All inquiries and nominations will be handled with strict confidentiality.

For any additional questions, please contact Eric Miller, Director of Talent and Employee Engagement, at [email protected].

Review of applications will begin Sept. 1, 2026, and continue until the position is filled.

About Van Andel Institute and Medical Mile

Founded by the Van Andel family in 1996, VAI is now home to more than 650 scientists, educators and staff — each one of us deeply connected to the work we do and driven by an urgent desire to improve health and enhance lives. In 2026, the Nature Index Research Leaders list ranked VAI no. 3 among North American nonprofit/nongovernmental organizations in biological sciences.

VAI was the catalyst for Grand Rapids’ Medical Mile, a vibrant corridor of nationally recognized universities, medical organizations and companies. To date, Medical Mile has drawn more than $2 billion in investment, with the life sciences sector in West Michigan supporting more than 59,000 jobs. VAI collaborates with many of its neighbors on Medical Mile and throughout Michigan, including Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, University of Michigan Health–West, Grand Valley State University, Corewell Health, and The Cancer and Hematology Centers.

Research Departments

Through rigorous science and extensive collaboration, our scientists investigate the mechanisms that give rise to disease with the goal of informing life-changing treatment strategies. VAI’s labs are organized into five departments that serve as hubs for discovery and collaboration, each with their own expertise that drives innovation.

Postdoctoral Fellows

VAI is reimagining the postdoc experience by proving fellows with an exceptional environment and dedicated support. The Institute offers one of the highest starting postdoc salaries in the U.S. and recently was recognized by the National Postdoctoral Association for exemplary policies that enhance the postdoctoral experience.

Van Andel Institute Graduate School

VAI Graduate School develops scientists to be tomorrow’s biomedical research leaders through an intense, problem-focused Ph.D. in molecular and cellular biology.

Accolades

Our reputation for impactful science, inspired education and catalytic collaboration is reflected in a growing number of awards and accolades from a host of well-known, respected organizations.

Living in Grand Rapids

Are you looking for a place with the benefits of a big city but without all the hassles? Grand Rapids, Michigan, is the spot for you! The Institute is located in downtown Grand Rapids, a rapidly growing city that is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and visit in the U.S.

Learn More

Van Andel Institute is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) Employer. We are committed to cultivating a workplace in which different perspectives and experiences are welcomed and respected. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, disability (physical or mental), marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, political ideology, or membership in any other legally protected class. We are an Equal Opportunity 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.