Director, Van Andel Institute Cancer Center

and Chair, Department of Cell and Cancer Biology

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 ).

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 ), 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 6 programs; high school graduate training; undergraduate research fellowships; an accredited, highly competitive ; 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 (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

• Direct experience with NCI Cancer Center designation and P30 grants

• Track record of building institutional partnerships and collaborative networks

Institutional Commitment and Resources

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 , including:

  • , including multiple next generation sequencing platforms (e.g., short-read and long-read single-cell)

  • , including LC/MS and GC/MS methods

  • , including confocal microscopy and spatial technologies

  • and Cryo-PFIB

  • , with analytical and preparative workflows

  • , with extensive gene editing experience

  • An accredited

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

Application Process

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

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 .

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