IT Solutions Partner for Research

Van Andel Institute (VAI) is seeking a collaborative and strategically minded IT Solutions Partner for Research to serve as a key bridge between our scientific community and Information Technology. This role plays an essential part in advancing discovery by aligning research needs with innovative, user-centered technology solutions.

If you are passionate about scientific research and enjoy translating complex workflows into optimized system solutions, this is a unique opportunity to directly support groundbreaking biomedical research.

About the Role

The IT Solutions Partner for Research partners closely with scientists, faculty, research administrators, and IT teams to design, configure, and optimize applications that power research and education at VAI.

This role ensures systems meet user needs, improve scientific workflows, and integrate seamlessly across platforms. You will help shape technology roadmaps, translate research processes into functional system solutions, and guide application improvements that advance institutional excellence.

This is not a traditional IT support role; it is a strategic partnership position embedded within the research environment.

What You’ll Do

• Build strong, trusted relationships with research leaders and staff to understand priorities, challenges, and opportunities.

• Translate research workflows and operational needs into clear functional and technical specifications.

• Partner with IT leadership to align research initiatives with institutional technology strategy.

• Identify and prioritize system enhancements, automation opportunities, and process improvements.

• Support business case development and project justification for new initiatives.

• Collaborate with technical teams to ensure successful project implementation and value realization.

• Evaluate and improve research applications to enhance efficiency and data integrity.

• Provide guidance and training to end users on system capabilities and best practices.

• Document application configurations, workflows, and process decisions.

• Stay informed on emerging trends in research informatics and recommend innovative improvements.

You will promote a culture of collaboration between research and IT, ensuring technology meaningfully supports scientific discovery.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree and minimum five years of experience in scientific research, or equivalent research-related experience.

• Background in laboratory science, research operations, or bioinformatics preferred.

• Strong understanding of scientific research processes and the ability to engage effectively with researchers and faculty.

• Experience in process analysis, workflow automation, and application design.

• Ability to translate complex research and operational needs into practical system solutions.

• Comfortable facilitating meetings and working across scientific and technical domains.

• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and stakeholder management skills.

• Strategic mindset with the ability to manage multiple initiatives in a dynamic environment.

Why Join Van Andel Institute?

At VAI, you will:

• Work alongside world-class scientists and educators.

• Directly support biomedical research that improves human health.

• Contribute to a collaborative, mission-driven culture.

• Play a visible and impactful role in institutional innovation.

This is an opportunity to leverage both your scientific insight and technological expertise to advance discovery and learning at a nationally recognized research institute.

If you are motivated by the intersection of science, systems, and strategy, we invite you to apply.