Director, Van Andel Institute Cancer Center and Chair, Department of Cell and Cancer Biology

Van Andel Institute

9d•Onsite

About The Position

Van Andel Institute (VAI) is making a significant investment to establish a world-class basic science Cancer Center, aligning with NCI's Cancer Center Program goals. This role seeks a scientific leader to develop and implement a strategic plan for this vision, offering a unique opportunity to build and expand a Cancer Center with outstanding faculty, shared resources, and an educational program. The position also includes serving as the chair of VAI’s Department of Cell and Cancer Biology. The director will report to the Chief Scientific Officer, serve on strategic leadership committees, and be responsible for shaping and executing Cancer Center strategy, faculty recruitment, resource allocation, and program structure. Additionally, the director will build the necessary infrastructure and partnerships to enhance VAI's prominence in cancer research. VAI is committed to interdisciplinary cancer research for NCI designation, focusing on recruiting high-impact investigators, developing aligned research programs, expanding extramural funding, building external partnerships for translational research, enhancing cancer research education, and establishing VAI as a nationally recognized hub for innovative cancer research.

Requirements

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.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience as a program leader or associate director of a basic, clinical or comprehensive cancer center.
Direct experience with NCI Cancer Center designation and P30 grants.
Track record of building institutional partnerships and collaborative networks.

Responsibilities

Develop and align scientific programs, shared resources and governance structures for the Cancer Center.
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).
Lead the evolution and expansion of an existing cell biology-focused department 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 within the department.
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.