Research Data Technician

vai; United States; On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Van Andel Institute seeks a full-time Research Data Technician for the Triche Lab in Grand Rapids, MI. The role emphasizes developing data analysis pipelines, monitoring quality metrics, and performing cutting-edge genomic analyses on pediatric and adult cancer datasets.

Ideal candidates hold a bioinformatics/computational biology background, with experience in NMF and mtscATAC-seq workflows, and a collaborative, detail-oriented mindset to deliver milestones on time.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in bioinformatics, computational biology, computer science or related field (Masters preferred).
• Experience developing and optimizing data analysis pipelines for assays in production or research.
• Experience developing and monitoring quality metrics for assays in assay development 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.

Responsibilities

• Complete the stacking and NMF 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 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.

Education

Bachelor's degree in bioinformatics, computational biology, computer science or related field

Masters degree preferred

Tools

NMF analysis

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.

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 phila