Program Manager, Scientific and Research Training

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.

VAI is seeking a Program Manager, Scientific & Research Training to lead the design and delivery of professional development programs that strengthen our research community and advance scientific excellence.

About the role

As Program Manager , you will be a member of the Human Resources People Development Team . You will design, build and manage a portfolio of programs that support scientific skill development, career progression and research excellence. You will partner closely with faculty, research leaders and internal teams to identify needs, create scalable solutions and ensure alignment with VAI's mission and priorities.

What you'll do

• Be a member of the Human Resource People Development Team, directly supporting the team's mission to empower people to build careers that change lives
• Support People Development's vision to make VAI a recognized destination to build a thriving career - where people are inspired to learn, collaborate meaningfully and develop careers that advance human health and education
• Lead the design, implementation and continuous improvement of researcher-focused training programs
• Manage end-to-end program execution, including planning, delivery and evaluation
• Develop workshops, cohorts and training series aligned with research priorities
• Partner with faculty, research leadership and internal stakeholders to identify training needs and deliver impactful solutions
• Collaborate across the People Development and broader HR team to integrate programming and maximize impact
• Support grant-funded research training initiatives and manage program components
• Track program effectiveness and use data to inform improvements
• Coordinate logistics, communications and resources to ensure high-quality delivery

This job might be right for you if:

• You are motivated and driven. You take ownership of your projects. You like learning new things and advancing your skill set.
• You love taking on challenges and collaborating with others to manage a project or find the best solution to a problem.
• You enjoy collaborating and working as a team. You are passionate about building relationships and working with others to accomplish your goals.
• You enjoy working with people from different countries and backgrounds.
• You are an outstanding communicator. You enjoy succinctly, accurately and compellingly communicating in both written and oral form for a variety of purposes (e.g., delivering a workshop, writing a policy, persuading others).
• You are an excellent, flexible project manager who can prioritize, delegate, manage and plan multiple projects simultaneously. You have strong organizational skills.

To join our team, you need:

• Ph.D. in a biomedical science field
• At least three years of experience designing and implementing programs in academic or research environments
• Excellent communication skills
• High level of organization, integrity and attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability to:
  • Manage projects and multiple initiatives
  • Build relationships
  • Collaborative across teams and disciplines
  • Solve problems creatively
  • Translate needs into actionable programs

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.

Your Next Steps!

If you have demonstrated success in these areas, we would love to have a conversation with you! The first step in beginning this conversation is starting your online application.

Please submit the following as a single PDF document via the online application:

• CV/Resume
• Cover Letter outlining why you are interested in this role and how this position aligns with your goals
• 3 References (names, how you know them, email and phone number) - Please note: we will not reach out to your references without informing you first

The position will be posted until filled.

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.