Core Technician - Mass Spectrometry Core

Van Andel Institute; United States; On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Van Andel Institute is hiring a full-time Core Technician to join the Mass Spectrometry Core in Grand Rapids, MI for a one-year funded position. The role focuses on preparing samples, supporting metabolomics, lipidomics, and proteomics workflows, and maintaining rigorous data and instrument quality.

Training is provided and the position offers opportunities to grow technical skills. You will operate in a collaborative lab environment, adhere to SOPs, and contribute to method development and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant science discipline.
• Strong attention to detail and documentation skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Prepare samples and label tissues accurately.
• Assist metabolomics, lipidomics, and proteomics workflows.
• Maintain and culture cells.
• Follow SOPs and QA protocols.
• Basic LC/MS mobile phase prep and GCMS maintenance.
• General core facility tasks and meticulous record-keeping.
• Learn data analysis software used by the core.

Skills

Attention to detail

Technical documentation

Collaborative work

Education

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, or related discipline

Tools

LC/MS

GC/MS

Mass Spec Instrumentation

Job description

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 to hire a full-time Core Technician to join the Mass Spectrometry Core for a one-year funded position. The VAI Mass Spectrometry Core supports biomedical discovery by delivering rigorous, timely services in metabolomics and proteomics using state‑of‑the‑art LC/MS and GC/MS platforms. We’re seeking a highly organized, detail-oriented Core Technician who will thrive in a collaborative, fast-moving team. If you love clean notebooks, crisp SOPs, and beautifully behaving instruments, this is for you. This is an exciting opportunity to work with experienced scientists in a supportive, collaborative environment and to develop your career as a skilled and specialized research technician. Training will be provided. The possibility of extending this position past one-year is dependent of performance and availability of funding.

In this role, you will:

• Prepare samples for various experiments; tissue handling, pipetting and sample labeling.
• Work closely with lab staff to assist in all phases of metabolomics, lipidomics, and proteomics experiments.
• Facilitate and maintain cell cultures
• Follow established protocols and procedures, including quality control and quality assurance protocols.
• Gain exposure to some LC/MS/MS mobile phase preparation and GCMS maintenance.
• Assist with general core facility tasks.
• Detailed record-keeping and adherence to protocols.
• Learn data analysis software & protocols used by the core

Growth opportunities in this one-year, limited-term role include:

• Assisting in development of novel LC/MS methodology
• Contributing to publishable research projects related to metabolomics and proteomics sample processing & analyses
• Hands‑on experience with a variety of laboratory techniques to strengthen qualifications for future academic and career opportunities

What makes you a great fit:

• Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, or related discipline.
• A strong work ethic, attention to detail, and note-taking skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Demonstrable written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as an active member of an integrated team.
• Integrity & accountability

Expectations

• 1 month: Solid understanding of sample workflows, analytical platforms, and basic data checks.
• 3 months: Independently intake collaborator samples and carry them through processing, data acquisition, QC review, and analysis with minimal oversight.

How We Work

We value stewardship, teamwork, urgency, and attention to detail. You’ll help maintain a clean, safe, well‑organized lab; share responsibilities equitably; and communicate proactively about schedules, workloads, and instrument status. Adhering to SOPs and documenting changes is essential for rigor and reproducibility.

Compensation and Benefits

This position is benefits eligible. A benefits overview is available on our careers page. The rate of pay you can expect in this role is based on your experience and skills.

ABOUT VAN ANDEL INSTITUTE

Van Andel Institute (VAI) is committed to improving the health and enhancing the lives of current and future generations through cutting‑edge biomedical research and innovative educational offerings. Established in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1996 by the Van Andel family, VAI is now home to more than 650 scientists, educators and support staff, who work with a growing number of 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. Learn more at vai.org.

Van Andel Institute is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) Employer. We are committed to cultivating a workplace in which different perspectives and experiences are welcomed and respected. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, disability (physical or mental), marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, political ideology, or membership in any other legally protected class. We are an Equal Opportunity 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. Your Life’s Work. Here. Now.

Van Andel Institute is home to hundreds of dedicated scientists, educators and support staff who are focused on one, unifying mission: to improve the health and enhance the lives of current and future generations. With employees from nearly 30 countries, there are plenty of opportunities to meet people from various cultural, educational and employment backgrounds. VAI fosters a diverse and collaborative environment. Ample natural light and open spaces foster dialogue and innovation. We have you Covered. At Van Andel Institute, our employees are most valuable when not worrying about health and financial support throughout all facets of their life. Because of that, benefits are an important part of everyone’s well‑being, as well as supporting diverse and changing lives outside of work.

Accessibility and Reasonable Accommodations Van Andel Institute is committed to making our website's content accessible and user friendly to everyone. If you are interested in applying for employment with Van Andel Institute and need special assistance or an accommodation to complete our application process, are having difficulty viewing or navigating the content on this website, or notice any content, feature, or functionality that you believe is not fully accessible to people with disabilities, please call the Human Resources Department at 616-234-5100 or email at [e-mail].

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Van Andel Institute is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) Employer. We are committed to cultivating a workplace in which different perspectives and experiences are welcomed and respected. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, disability (physical or mental), marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, political ideology, or membership in any other legally protected class. We are an Equal Opportunity employer.