Laboratory Manager - Lab of Peter Laird

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 has a position available for a full-time Laboratory Manager under the direction of Peter W. Laird, Ph.D. 

The Laird Laboratory focuses on the role of epigenetics in cancer, inflammation, and aging, combining mechanistic studies in model systems, analysis of human cancer tissues, advanced technology development, and epigenomic data analysis. 

Position Summary

The Laboratory Manager serves as a key operational and scientific partner to the Principal Investigator, providing day-to-day leadership for laboratory operations while contributing directly to research programs. The successful candidate will coordinate personnel, resources, research projects, external collaborations, purchasing, equipment, and laboratory workflows while maintaining a hands-on approach to scientific problem-solving.

In this role, you would be Dr. Laird’s right-hand person in the laboratory and tasked to:

Lead and coordinate the day-to-day operational activities of the laboratory, ensuring efficient workflows, appropriate resource allocation, and a well-organized research environment.

• Participate in and facilitate laboratory research projects, including experimental planning, execution, troubleshooting, and interpretation of results.

• Initiate improvements to laboratory organization, sample tracking and storage.

• Successfully execute independent research projects and contribute to the development and optimization of laboratory methods and workflows.

• Supervise, train, mentor, and support laboratory personnel, students, and trainees while fostering a collaborative, high-performing team culture.

• Coordinate complex research initiatives involving internal departments, clinical and hospital partners, biobanks, vendors, and external collaborators.

• Coordinate and draft complex regulatory documents for research compliance.

• Manage purchasing, laboratory inventory, equipment acquisition and maintenance, vendor relationships, and other operational resources.

• Contribute to managing grants, laboratory budgets, project timelines, and funding-related requirements.

• Develop and implement standardized procedures and operational systems that improve efficiency, consistency, communication, and research quality.

• Ensure laboratory activities are conducted in accordance with institutional, regulatory, safety, and funding requirements.

You should have curiosity about science and research and be self-driven, efficient, motivated, organized, and comfortable balancing multiple priorities in a fast-paced research environment.

The position will require you to possess the following skills:  

• Strong hands-on experience in biological science research, with the ability to independently design, execute, troubleshoot, and interpret experiments.

• Experience supporting cancer, epigenetics, molecular biology, cellular biology, human tissue, or related biomedical research programs.

• Ability to learn, perform, and troubleshoot a range of laboratory techniques and adapt to new technologies and methodologies.

• Strong project and operational management skills, including the ability to coordinate complex initiatives across multiple teams and competing timelines.

• Experience supervising, training, mentoring, or coordinating laboratory personnel, students, and trainees.

• Experience with laboratory purchasing, budgeting, inventory management, equipment acquisition, and vendor coordination.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate scientific and operational information to audiences with varying technical backgrounds.

• Familiarity with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; experience with additional project management, data analysis, or laboratory information systems is desirable.

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor of Science degree in biological sciences or a related field; a Master’s degree is preferred.

• At least 5 years of biological science research experience, preferably including hands-on bench research and increasing responsibility for laboratory operations, projects, or personnel.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and priorities while maintaining attention to detail and research integrity.

• Experience working collaboratively with scientists, clinical or research partners, administrative departments, vendors, and other stakeholders.

• Proven ability to take initiative, work independently, solve complex problems, and identify opportunities for process improvement.

• Strong organizational skills and a demonstrated ability to maintain streamlined laboratory operations, including supplies, purchasing, equipment, documentation, and workflows.

• A self-driven and hard-working individual who has a strong curiosity about basic and translational science.

• A collegial team member with the ability to interact effectively and cordially with colleagues and collaborators.

Description of a Successful Candidate: 

• A “team” focused scientist who enjoys working collaboratively and contributing to shared research goals.

• An efficient manager with strong organizational skills.

• A self-motivated and driven individual who can take responsibility for the independent management of projects, laboratory operations, and people.

• A detail-oriented researcher who thinks critically to effectively design experiments, troubleshoot technical challenges, and solve complex research problems.

• A strong ability to take initiative, prioritize competing demands, and work independently.

• A collaborative, hands-on researcher who proactively shares knowledge and expertise with lab members.  

• An organized and dependable leader who builds effective relationships across scientific, clinical, administrative, and external partner groups.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills. 

Compensation and Benefits

All full-time employees of Van Andel Institute are eligible for benefits, effective Day One! The salary you can expect in this role is 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 how this position aligns with your goals, your experience, and how you might contribute to Laird Lab’s success. 

• 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 Megan Doerr at [email protected] for further information or questions, or if you have any difficulty with the application process. 

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.