Director Cell Culture and Organoids

Director, Cell Culture and Organoids, will lead the development of NGNRI’s advanced in vitro model systems, including organoids, assembloids, and other human-relevant platforms, to support discovery, screening, and translational research.

This role will establish and scale robust, reproducible cell culture and organoid capabilities for NF1 and related neurological disorders, enabling both mechanistic studies and drug discovery. The successful candidate will also drive the integration of patient-derived models to support precision medicine approaches.

As a scientific and operational leader, they will build and manage a high-performing team, implement standardized workflows, and ensure the quality and scalability of NGNRI’s biological platforms.

This role carries a clear mandate: to deliver cutting-edge cell culture and organoid systems that power transformative discoveries and therapeutic innovation.

About the role

• Establish and lead NGNRI’s cell culture and organoid platform, including stem cell derived systems (e.g., cerebroids, assembloids) •

• Develop, optimize, and standardize protocols for differentiation, maturation, and maintenance of organoid models •

• Ensure reproducibility, scalability, and robustness of model systems for downstream applications including screening and mechanistic studies

• Design and implement quality control frameworks for cell lines, differentiation processes, and organoid characterization

• Recruit, train, and manage a high-performing team of scientists and technical staff

• Work closely with the Head of High Content Analysis, Head of FACS and Head of Genome Engineering and other platform leads to ensure seamless integration of organoid systems into screening workflows

• Collaborate with internal research teams and external guest scientists to adapt models for specific scientific questions and translational goals

• Continuously evaluate and incorporate emerging technologies and methodologies in stem cell biology and organoid systems

• Contribute to experimental design, data interpretation, and troubleshooting across programs

• Maintain meticulous records and ensure best practices in data integrity and reproducibility

• Ensure compliance with all relevant biosafety, regulatory, and ethical guidelines

About you

• High integrity and commitment to rigorous scientific standards

• Innovative, curious, and solutions-oriented

• Strong leadership and mentoring capabilities

• Collaborative mindset with ability to work across diverse teams

• Highly organized and detail-oriented

• Resilient and adaptable in a fast-paced research environment

Preferred Qualification

• Significant experience in stem cell biology, organoids, assembloids, or related model systems

• Proven track record of developing and implementing complex in vitro models

• Experience leading or mentoring research teams in academic or industry settings

• Demonstrated ability to optimize and scale biological systems for reproducibility and throughput

• Experience supporting drug discovery or screening efforts using advanced cell models is highly desirable

• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot complex biological systems

• Meticulous attention to detail and commitment to data quality and reproducibility

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and team-building skills

• Ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams

• Experience with regulatory and compliance considerations is a plus

• PhD in stem cell biology, developmental biology, neuroscience, or related discipline

What you’ll get

Our team members fuel our strategy, innovation and growth, so we ensure the health and well-being of not just you, but your family, too! We go above and beyond to give you the support you need on an individual level and offer all sorts of ways to help you live your best life. We are proud to offer eligible team members perks and health benefits that will help you have peace of mind. Simply put: We’ve got your back. Check out our full list of Benefits and Perks.

About us

The Nick Gilbert Neurofibromatosis Research Institute (NGNRI) is a nonprofit organization focused on developing treatments and cures for Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and other neurological disorders and cancers with significant unmet need. Backed by the Gilbert Family Foundation and created in partnership with Michigan State University (MSU) and Henry Ford Health (HFH), NGNRI brings together leading scientific and clinical expertise to accelerate translational discovery.

Located within a new, state-of-the-art research facility in midtown Detroit, NGNRI offers a highly collaborative environment alongside MSU and HFH. The institute is equipped with advanced platforms—including organoid and stem cell models, AI-driven analysis, FACS, and CRISPR technologies—and provides access to extensive shared core facilities.

NGNRI supports both in-house researchers and visiting scientists, creating a dynamic, mission-driven ecosystem designed to advance innovation and deliver impact in an underserved field. As part of Detroit’s rapidly growing medical research campus, NGNRI offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge science within a vibrant and expanding hub.

This job description is an outline of the primary responsibilities of this position and may be modified at the discretion of the company at any time.  Decisions related to employment are not based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, military or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.  The company provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable state and federal laws.  Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations in completing the application and/or participating in the application process should contact a member of the Human Resources team, at [email protected].