Audio Visual Student Internship

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.

VAI currently has an opening for an Audio Visual Student Intern to join our Information Technology Department for a semester-long internship opportunity in 2026, with the possibility of extension into the summer for the right candidate.  As part of the IT Department, the AV team provides creative production solutions along with audiovisual support for meetings, symposiums, live events, video conferences, and digital signage.

Services include HD video production, video transcoding and archiving, digital photography, photo archive administration on VAI's digital asset manager (DAM) cloud service, and administration of the digital signage network.

In supporting this department, the person in this role will perform a variety of tasks that are related to audiovisual activities, while also helping with special projects, assignments, and assisting the internal staff.

What you will be doing on a regular basis:

Provide operational support to the AV Support Team by:

• Provide audiovisual support by setting up/troubleshooting meetings with AV systems.
• Provide audiovisual support for live events in the auditorium and throughout VAI.
• Set up and operate video production equipment for various internal projects.
• Setup and operate photography equipment for various photo sessions.
• Learn and support the digital signage network.
• Learn and support the Digital Asset Management system for photo archiving.
• Job shadowing.
• Fulfilling other tasks assigned by supervisor.

What will qualify you for this role?

• Must have completed your TDMP senior sequence prior to beginning your internship.
• Preference will be given to students interested in live event and AV support, along with video production and digital media responsibilities.
• Must be able to work independently with minimal or no direct supervision.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 (Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, SharePoint, Teams, OneDrive) and Adobe Creative Cloud preferred.

You should also be a person with the following traits and characteristics:

• Strong written communication skills.
• Strong verbal communication skills.
• Highly organized and team-oriented.
• High level of professionalism and interpersonal skills.
• Willing to be trained and to learn new skills.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
• Proficient in using a variety of video, photo, and live event equipment

What we offer:

VAI defines a Student Intern as a student employee continuing their undergraduate or graduate studies while gaining experience at VAI. To qualify as an intern, you must be enrolled in your program on a full-time basis. This is a paid internship and student interns can earn academic credit for their internship experience.

• Undergraduate Students are paid at a rate of $15 per hour.
• Graduate Students are paid at a rate of $16 per hour.

In addition, the Audio Visual Student Intern will be offered one parking permit for the Michigan Street Development parking structure, contingent upon availability.

The start date of the internship is flexible, but targeting January 2026.  

Does this sound like you? Let’s begin the conversation!

Qualified candidates should submit the following in a single combined PDF document:

• resume,
• Cover Letter outlining your experience or education to date, your future goals, and how these factors fit within the position description.
• at least two references (name and email)

Candidates selected for interviews will be asked to provide official university transcripts and two letters of recommendation from university professors.

Interested students must submit a complete application online to be considered. Emailed applications will not be considered.

If you have any difficulty uploading your application or any questions, please email Megan.Doerr@vai.org  

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.