Research Data Technician

Van Andel Institute; United States; On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits Day One

Drug-free workplace

Job summary

Van Andel Institute in Grand Rapids, Michigan seeks a full-time Research Data Technician (30 hours per week) for the Triche Lab. You will analyze pediatric and adult disease data, develop pipelines, and collaborate with large clinical consortia.

The role emphasizes bioinformatics, data quality metrics, and flexible responsibilities. You will contribute to ongoing projects, present progress at lab meetings, and participate in a 90-day review contingent on external funding.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in bioinformatics, computational biology, computer science or related field; Masters preferred.
• Experience in developing and optimizing data analysis pipelines for assays.
• Experience in developing and monitoring quality metrics for assays.
• A self-driven and hard-working individual with a willingness to be flexible and a detail-oriented team player.

Responsibilities

• Complete the stacking and NMF (non-negative matrix factorization) analysis for Alex’s manuscript by Sept 15, 2026.
• Complete revisions to the NMF analysis by Sept 30, 2026.
• Perform mtscATAC-seq analysis for the EWS project with weekly updates and final completion by 9/30/2026.
• Present weekly progress updates during lab meetings (5-minute updates).
• Deliver periodic, detailed project updates covering work completed, in progress, and plans for completion.

Skills

Bioinformatics

Data analysis

Quality metrics

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in bioinformatics or related field

Masters degree preferred

Tools

R

Python

SQL

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. The Triche Lab seeks to hire full-time (30 hours per week) Research Data Technician. The laboratory develops statistical, mathematical, and genomic methods to dissect pediatric and adult diseases. In addition to working with large clinical consortia and trial data (COG, TARGET and POETIC), the lab has secured industry support for novel single-cell assays to interrogate immunometabolism in pediatric and adult cancers. This position offers the opportunity to learn and develop several research skills. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in bioinformatics, computational biology, computer science or a related field; Masters degree preferred. Experience in the development and optimization of data analysis pipelines for assays, in production or research environments. Experience in the development and monitoring of quality metrics for assays, for assay development and/or production. A self-driven and hard-working individual with a willingness to be flexible in the work that is assigned. A highly organized multi-tasker who pays attention to detail and values research integrity. A collegial team member with the ability to interact effectively and cordially with colleagues and collaborators.

Key Milestones & Performance Expectations

• Complete the stacking and NMF (non-negative matrix factorization) analysis for Alex’s manuscript by September 15, 2026.
• Complete revisions to the NMF analysis by September 30, 2026.
• Perform mtscATAC-seq analysis for the EWS (Ewing sarcoma) project, with weekly status updates and project completion by 9/30/2026.
• Present weekly progress updates during lab meeting (5-minute updates).
• Deliver periodic, detailed project updates covering work completed, work in progress, and a plan for completion at lab meeting, as assigned.
• Support other lab projects with bioinformatic analysis, as requested by the lab.

90-Day Review & Continued Employment

This position includes a 90-day initial review period. At the end of this period, the lab will evaluate the technician’s progress against the milestones and performance expectations outlined above. Continued employment in this position, both at the conclusion of the 90-day review period and thereafter, is contingent upon the lab’s successful acquisition of external funding to support this role.

Compensation and Benefits

All full-time employees of Van Andel Institute are eligible for benefits, effective Day One! The pay you can expect in this role is based on your experience and skills.

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.

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.

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].

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.

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.