About
Van Andel Institute
is seeking a motivated and curious Network Engineer to join our collaborative IT infrastructure team. This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career network professional who wants to build hands-on experience in a mission-driven research environment supporting world-class biomedical science and education.
In this role, you will help maintain and support a primarily Cisco-based network architecture that enables cutting-edge research in cancer, Parkinson's disease, epigenetics, and structural biology. Your work will directly support laboratories, high-performance computing, scientific instrumentation, and global research collaboration.
If you are someone who enjoys solving technical problems, learning from experienced engineers, and contributing to a team that values reliability and innovation, we encourage you to apply.
What You'll Do
• Monitor and maintain campus LAN/WAN, wireless, voice and data center network systems
• Support Cisco switches, routers, firewalls, voice and wireless infrastructure
• Assist with network provisioning for lab spaces, research instruments, and office environments
• Troubleshoot connectivity and performance issues affecting scientists, staff, and students
• Perform configuration updates, patching, and hardware deployments
• Document network diagrams, configurations, and standard operating procedures
• Participate in change management and incident response processes
• Collaborate closely with systems, cybersecurity, and research computing teammates
What You'll Work With
• Primarily Cisco switching, routing, voice and wireless platforms
• VLANs, TCP/IP, DHCP, DNS, and basic firewall policies
• Research lab connectivity and high-bandwidth data workflows
• Secure environments supporting sensitive research data
• A small, highly collaborative infrastructure team where everyone contributes
What We're Looking For
Required Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field (or equivalent hands-on experience)
• 0-2 years of IT or networking experience (internships and lab experience welcome)
• Foundational knowledge of networking concepts (TCP/IP, routing, switching, VLANs)
• Familiarity with Cisco networking equipment or Cisco coursework (CCNA coursework a plus)
• Strong troubleshooting mindset and willingness to learn
• Excellent communication and documentation skills
Preferred Qualifications:
• Exposure to Cisco IOS or Cisco Meraki environments
• Experience in a research, healthcare, or higher education environment
• Basic understanding of network security concepts
Compensation and Benefits:
All full-time employees of Van Andel Institute are eligible for benefits, effective Day One! VAI offers a competitive benefits package.
YOUR NEXT STEPS:
If you are a person who has demonstrated success in these areas, we would love to have a conversation with you! The first step in beginning this conversation is starting your application.
In your application, provide the following in a single combined pdf:
cover letter outlining why you are interested in this role and how this position aligns with your goals.
current resume
names and contact information of 3 professional references (we will check with you before checking references)
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.
VAI is committed to excellence through broad participation and diverse perspectives. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences who share our passion for innovation and collaboration.
Van Andel Institute is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) 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 philanthropic and sustainability-driven community. It's fun affordable and family-friendly.
Located on the banks of the Grand River, Grand Rapids offers all the big-city excitement you'd expect from a million-resident metropolis, featuring hundreds of restaurants and nightspots, theaters, museums, sports and concerts. The safe and clean downtown is surrounded by an eclectic mix of walkable neighborhoods and natural areas. The downtown area is safe and clean with an eclectic mix of walkable neighborhoods and natural areas.
Languages
- English
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