2022 Annual Report

How VAI supports early-career scientists
The life-changing discoveries of tomorrow will be made by the scientific trainees of
today. At Van Andel Institute, we are committed to supporting our outstanding roster
of postdoctoral fellows as they pursue biomedical science breakthroughs and prepare
for the next stages of their professional careers.
Postdoctoral fellowships are a key part of an early-career scientist’s journey.
Much like medical residencies, the postdoctoral period is a time for junior
scientists who have just earned their Ph.D. to gain additional experience
at the lab bench, further build their grant-writing and manuscript
preparation skills and develop new perspectives on the business of
scientific research and leadership.
However, postdocs also face unique challenges, many of which have
been exacerbated in recent years. These obstacles — which include
relatively low pay, loss of stable work, lack of institutional support,
among other factors — can stand in the way of promising young scientists
and their careers.
We believe we have a responsibility to address these barriers and empower the
bright young scientists who will make breakthrough discoveries now and in the
future. That’s why VAI offers a host of training opportunities bolstered by pay and
benefits that have long been among the best in the U.S. for postdocs — a fact that
augments our exceptional science to attract the best of the best to our labs.
Around
the
Institute
We have always believed that postdoctoral training should be a
rewarding experience — both scientifically and professionally. Our
generous donor community plays an important role in fostering an
excellent research environment, a factor that makes the Institute
a destination for early-career scientists. Together, we can
ensure that the brilliant trainees of today become the scientific
leaders of tomorrow.
Learn more about how you can support VAI’s Postdoctoral Program by
reaching out to Kate Frillmann at kate.frillmann@vai.org.
RESEARCH
In December 2022, VAI increased postdoctoral salaries, placing us among the
best-paying research organizations for postdocs in the U.S.
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