Associate Staff Scientist (Intestinal Organoids)

CO00 Children's Hospital Medical Center; United States; On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

CO00 Children's Hospital Medical Center is seeking a qualified candidate to lead the development of induced pluripotent stem cell-derived organoid models for various applications including therapeutic discovery and regenerative medicine. The ideal candidate will hold a PhD in a relevant field and possess a strong background in developmental biology and stem cell biology.

This role offers an opportunity to work in a dynamic environment alongside a multidisciplinary team of experts. Responsibilities include developing protocols, interpreting experimental studies, and mentoring junior scientists.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field is essential.
• Extensive experience with mammalian cell culture techniques required.
• Strong analytical skills necessary for independent project execution.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of stem cell-derived organoid models.
• Investigate intestinal development mechanisms.
• Present findings at scientific conferences.

Skills

Developmental biology

Stem cell biology

Mammalian cell culture

Molecular characterization techniques

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

PhD in Biology, Bioengineering, or related field

Tools

Flow cytometry

Confocal microscopy

qPCR

Transcriptomics

Job description

Overview

Join CuSTOM Accelerator at Cincinnati Children’s. Work alongside a multidisciplinary team of scientists, clinicians, surgeons, bioengineers, computational scientists, and entrepreneurs to accelerate discovery and translate organoid technologies from the laboratory to real-world applications. At CuSTOM Accelerator, we develop next‑generation human organoid platforms that advance disease modeling, drug discovery, predictive toxicology, precision medicine, and regenerative therapies.

What You Will Do

• Lead the development, optimization, and characterization of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived intestinal organoid models for disease modeling, therapeutic discovery, regenerative medicine, and translational applications.
• Establish and implement novel protocols for stem cell differentiation, organoid culture, maturation, and functional assessment.
• Investigate mechanisms of intestinal development, epithelial regeneration, and tissue maturation using human stem cell–derived organoid systems.
• Contribute to the development and preclinical evaluation of stem cell–derived intestinal tissues and regenerative medicine strategies aimed at restoring intestinal function.
• Characterize organoid models using molecular, cellular, biochemical, imaging, and functional approaches.
• Design, execute, analyze, and interpret experimental studies independently.
• Collaborate closely with experts in developmental biology, bioengineering, automation, imaging, data science, surgery, and translational medicine to advance organoid platforms and workflows.
• Contribute to the development of scalable and automated organoid manufacturing and screening technologies.
• Present scientific findings at laboratory meetings, seminars, and national or international conferences.
• Prepare manuscripts, abstracts, technical reports, grant applications, and other scientific communications.
• Mentor and supervise junior scientists, trainees, and laboratory personnel.
• Build strong collaborative relationships with academic, clinical, industry, and regulatory partners.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Biology, Bioengineering, Developmental Biology, Stem Cell Biology, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong background in developmental biology, stem cell biology, tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, intestinal biology, or advanced in‑vitro model systems.
• Experience with human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), adult stem cells, intestinal biology, developmental biology, or organoid model systems.
• Extensive experience with mammalian cell culture techniques and downstream molecular and cellular assays.
• Hands‑on experience in molecular, cellular, and imaging‑based characterization techniques, including flow cytometry, immunostaining, histology, confocal microscopy, high‑content imaging, qPCR, transcriptomics, and single‑cell analysis.
• Experience designing and executing independent research projects.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a collaborative and multidisciplinary team environment.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast‑paced research environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing intestinal organoids, gastrointestinal model systems, or other stem cell–derived models of gastrointestinal development and disease.
• Experience with laboratory automation platforms, liquid handling systems, robotic workflows, or high‑throughput screening technologies.
• Experience with microphysiological systems, organ‑on‑chip technologies, or other advanced human‑relevant model systems.
• Programming or computational experience (Python, R, MATLAB, C++, LabVIEW, or similar) is advantageous.
• Interest in translational research, drug discovery, predictive toxicology, regenerative medicine, or cell therapy development.
• Experience working with multidisciplinary teams and external collaborators.

Location

CuSTOM: https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/research/divisions/c/CuSTOM
CuSTOM Accelerator: https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/research/divisions/c/CuSTOM/custom-accelerator
Primary Location: Cincinnati, OH
Schedule: Full time, Shift: Day (United States of America)

Why Join Us

Work on ambitious, high‑impact projects that challenge conventional approaches to disease modeling, drug development, and regenerative medicine. Access state‑of‑the‑art stem cell, organoid, automation, imaging, and bioengineering technologies while collaborating with internationally recognized experts across multiple disciplines.

About Cincinnati Children’s

We come to work with one goal: to make children’s health better. Our team approach combines patient care with cutting‑edge science to advance discovery and translation.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Cincinnati Children’s is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an environment of dignity and respect for all employees, patients, and families. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, genetic information, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.