Neurodegenerative Disease Faculty Joint Appointments: Van Andel Institute, University of Michigan Medical School, and University of Michigan Health West

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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. Neurodegenerative Disease Joint Appointments: Van Andel Institute, University of Michigan Medical School, and University of Michigan Health West Van Andel Institute (VAI) , the University of Michigan Medical School (UM) , and University of Michigan Health West (UMHW) invite applications for two physician-scientist faculty positions focused on movement disorders, including Parkinson's disease and related disorders. This recruitment represents a strategic, long-term partnership among three organizations with complementary strengths and a shared commitment to advancing translational research and patient-centered clinical care in movement disorders. Together, VAI, UM, and UMHW have intentionally designed these positions to integrate discovery science, academic neurology, and high-quality clinical care within a collaborative, translational framework. Appointments will be at the Associate or Full Professor level, with consideration given to exceptional Assistant Professor candidates whose experience, trajectory, and vision align with the goals of this partnership. The Partnership Vision This collaboration brings together: Van Andel Institute , an independent nonprofit biomedical research institute internationally recognized for excellence in discovery science and sustained investigator support; The University of Michigan Medical School , a leading academic medical center with deep expertise in neurology, neuroscience, and interdisciplinary research; and University of Michigan Health West , a growing regional health system in Grand Rapids offering high-volume subspecialty clinical care and an expanding infrastructure for clinical research. The shared goal of this partnership is to strengthen the translation of scientific discovery into clinical insight and impact for patients with movement disorders, while fostering durable, bidirectional collaboration between laboratory investigators and clinicians. Position A: Research-Intensive Physician-Scientist (Movement Disorders) This position is intended for a physician-scientist whose primary focus is laboratory-based, translational research in movement disorders, supported by a focused clinical neurology practice. The successful candidate will: Lead an independent, extramurally funded research program focused on movement disorders and related neurodegenerative conditions Conduct translationally relevant research that bridges fundamental discovery and clinical application Maintain a focused clinical practice in neurology that informs and strengthens their research Collaborate actively with clinicians and investigators across VAI, UM, and UMHW Contribute to mentoring, scientific leadership, and collaborative research initiatives within the partnership This role is well-suited for candidates with established or emerging national leadership in movement disorders research and a strong commitment to translational science. Position B: Clinically Intensive Physician-Scientist (Movement Disorders) This position is intended for a physician-scientist whose primary focus is patient-centered clinical care in movement disorders, integrated with meaningful participation in collaborative, translational research. The successful candidate will: Provide expert clinical care to patients with movement disorders Contribute to translational research through clinical insight, patient cohorts, clinical data, biospecimen collection, and leadership in clinical trials and observational studies Work closely with laboratory-based investigators to ensure clinical relevance and impact of ongoing research efforts Serve as a key clinical partner within the broader movement disorders research ecosystem An independent laboratory program and federal research funding are not required for this role. Candidates with an interest in developing a larger research presence over time will be supported, and the balance of clinical and research activities may be tailored based on individual strengths and interests. Intentional Collaboration While these positions are recruited independently and evaluated on their own merits, they are intentionally designed to complement one another. Together, the roles strengthen the partnership's ability to advance team-based translational research, ensuring that clinical insight informs discovery science and that laboratory findings are rapidly translated to patient care. Research Focus Areas Research interests may include, but are not limited to: Neuroinflammation and glial cell biology Autophagy, lysosomal pathways and vesicular sorting pathways Protein pathologies and strains Synaptic and mitochondrial dysfunction Biomarker and therapeutic development

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