Founded in 1996, Van Andel Institute (VAI) is a world-class hub for biomedical research and science education in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Home to more than 500 scientists, educators, and staff from over 40 countries, VAI is dedicated to improving health and enhancing lives for generations to come. The Institute’s laboratories span five departments driving breakthroughs in understanding cancer, Parkinson’s disease, metabolic disorders, and more.
Alongside research, the Institute fosters education at every level. Its Graduate School trains the next generation of scientists through a rigorous, problem-based PhD program, while its K–12 initiatives equip classrooms with resources that ignite curiosity and creativity in future innovators.
Through scientific discovery, interdisciplinary collaboration, and global partnerships, VAI is advancing knowledge and shaping a healthier future.
The Opportunity
The Chief People Officer (CPO) will serve as a strategic leader and trusted advisor to the Chief Administrative and Financial Officer and executive leadership team, guiding the Institute’s human resources function in alignment with its bold mission.
This executive will be central to the advancement of VAI ONE, a culture initiative focused on scaling growth, employee engagement, collaboration, communications, and technology. The CPO will ensure that VAI continues to attract, develop, and retain the world-class talent that fuels scientific discovery and educational excellence.
Reporting to the CAFO, the CPO will lead a team of 15 across benefits, compensation, immigration, HRIS (Workday), people development, postdoctoral affairs, and talent acquisition. This leader will design forward-looking strategies that strengthen organizational culture, promote inclusion, and ensure a high-performance workplace. The role encompasses the full employee lifecycle, including talent acquisition, onboarding, professional development, succession, and retention, while also overseeing compliance, immigration programs, and workforce well-being.
The successful candidate will be a visionary and hands-on leader, adept at navigating the complexities of a mission-driven, research-intensive organization. They will bring deep expertise in leading large-scale people and culture initiatives, especially within academic medical centers, research institutes, or similarly complex organizations.
With strong communication skills, cultural fluency, and strategic acumen, the CPO will shape the Institute’s future of work, building a people-first culture that inspires staff, strengthens institutional resilience, and advances scientific innovation.
