Job Description

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.

The Van Andel Institute (VAI) is seeking to hire a full-time Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician to ensure the Institute can continue to provide excellent animal support for our research studies involving mice and rats. In this role, you will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of cagewash equipment, general cleaning duties, and animal care and husbandry necessary to maintain the continuous operation of our Vivarium and assist in the conduction of animal experiments in support of Institute research. Training and support are provided in this role to help achieve professional certifications in animal care.

The primary duties you would be tasked with include:

• Operation and maintenance of cagewash equipment

• Cagewash and general cleaning duties

• Provide basic care and daily husbandry for large groups of laboratory animals, including mice and rats.

• Conduct breeding, care, and treatment or testing of laboratory animals.

• Perform, observe, and record physical signs of animals’ health, record test data and maintain a proper living environment for test animals.

You may enjoy our team culture if you have:

• a strong commitment to building and maintaining a positive work environment.

• attention to small and large details.

• initiative to ask questions and seek to learn and understand new information and skills.

• the ability to work as a largely independent part of a team.

Requirements:

• High School Diploma or GED with Bachelor in the Life Sciences field preferred

• American Association for Laboratory Animal Science “AALAS” and/or American Laboratory Animal Technician “ALAT” certification at one of the three levels. *If not certified the Institute will support you in becoming certified at the 1st level within 2 years of employment.

• Ability to lift, push, pull, stand, and manipulate caging and equipment weighing 10 pounds for 1/3 to 2/3 of the day and up to 100 pounds for less than 1/3 of the day.

• Previous animal experience is strongly preferred.

Compensation/Benefits/Schedule:

• This is a full-time on-site Monday – Friday position, with occasional weekends.

• You will have the option to choose your set start time between 6:00am and 8:00am.

• $21 per hour

• Eligibility starting day one for VAI’s generous benefits package

• Relocation assistance is available according to Institute policies.

Your next steps

This is just a quick preview of the role. If you are a person who has demonstrated success and interest in these areas, we would love to have a conversation with you! We encourage you to Apply Today!

To apply please submit your online application with a single combined pdf document including

• Resume/CV

• Names and contact information for 3 professional references

This position will be open until filled and will be reviewing applications on an ongoing basis.

About Van Andel Institute

Established in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1996 by the Van Andel family, VAI is now home to nearly 500 scientists, educators and support staff, who work with national and international collaborators to foster discovery. The Institute’s scientists study the origins of cancer, Parkinson’s and other diseases and translate their findings into breakthrough prevention and treatment strategies. Our educators develop inquiry-based approaches for K–12 education to help students and teachers prepare the next generation of problem-solvers, while our Graduate School offers a rigorous, research-intensive Ph.D. program in molecular and cellular biology.

VAI is committed to excellence through broad participation and diverse perspectives. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences who share our passion for innovation and collaboration.

Van Andel Institute is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) 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.

About Grand Rapids, MI

Van Andel Institute is in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan in the center of the Medical Mile A remarkable combination of a cosmopolitan atmosphere and small-town warmth, Grand Rapids is known for its philanthropic and sustainability-driven community. It’s fun affordable and family-friendly.

Located on the banks of the Grand River, Grand Rapids offers all the big-city excitement you'd 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 walkable neighborhoods and natural areas. The downtown area is safe and clean with an eclectic mix of walkable neighborhoods and natural areas.