After more than two years of construction, the Van Andel Institute's $178 million addition was completed last month, opening the doors for more research and coveted jobs for downtown Grand Rapids.
Situated atop Medical Mile at Michigan Street and Bostwick Avenue NE, the Institute currently employs 250. Over the next several years, employment at the VAI is expected to grow to about 800, most of them highly-paid research scientists recruited from all over the world.
There will be at least some opportunities for local talent, including college students who may apply for an intense 10-week research experience during the summer, according to VAI Vice President of Communications Joe Gavan.
Gavan expects to see "a great amount of activity" over the next 18 months. "We've already had a number of recruits come and visit Grand Rapids and we've hired several people in key positions, so the process is underway. We look for the best and brightest in the world. But the process of hiring could take several years."
The interview process is time-consuming because when a top scientist is hired, he or she may want to bring along his or her own team, Gavan says. "That means there is a great deal of relocation involved." Sometimes though, VAI will hire a principal investigator -- a lead scientist - who will build his or her team with area talent so that could translate into a few opportunities for local individuals.
According to the Institute's website, resumes are accepted only in response to job openings posted on its website. Unsolicited resumes are not accepted. This week features 11 open positions, all requiring college degrees and in most cases a doctorate in the field.
The Frederik and Lena Meijer Student Internship Program is open to undergraduate college students who are mentored by professionals in their chosen field. This year, the program expects to support 10-15 interns, depending on the needs of the scientific investigators.
The goal is to expose aspiring researchers and clinicians to advances in biomedical sciences and to help them define their career paths. Gavan says the Institute expects between 60 to 100 students to apply. Application materials must be received by Friday, Feb. 12. Further information can be found on the VAI website.
In addition to more jobs, the medical research institute's 240,000-square-foot Phase II expansion allows the Institute to triple its laboratories to more than 50. Eventually its annual budget could grow to $125 million and pump more than $300 million a year into the local economy, Institute officials say.
Sources: VAI Vice President of Communications Joe Gavan; VAI website.
Sharon Hanks is the innovation and jobs news editor at Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at [email protected].
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