Associate Staff Scientist (Intestinal Organoids)

Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center seeks an Associate Staff Scientist for the CuSTOM Accelerator to advance human organoid platforms and disease models. You will lead iPSC-derived intestinal organoid development, optimize protocols, and collaborate across disciplines to translate organoid research into regenerative medicine applications.

The role emphasizes independent research, leadership in a multidisciplinary team, and contribution to scalable organoid manufacturing and

Qualifications

• PhD in Biology, Bioengineering, Developmental Biology, Stem Cell Biology, Biomedical Engineering, or related field.
• Strong background in developmental biology, stem cell biology, tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, intestinal biology, or advanced in vitro models.
• Experience with iPSCs, organoid models, and mammalian cell culture.
• Experience with molecular, cellular, and imaging‑based characterization techniques.
• Ability to design and execute independent research projects.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, and collaborative/teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead development, optimization, and characterization of iPSC-derived intestinal organoid models for disease modeling and translational work.
• Establish protocols for stem cell differentiation, organoid culture, maturation, and functional assessment.
• Investigate intestinal development, epithelial regeneration, and tissue maturation using human stem cell‑derived systems.
• Contribute to preclinical evaluation of stem cell‑derived tissues and regenerative medicine strategies.
• Characterize organoid models using molecular, cellular, biochemical, imaging, and functional methods.
• Design, execute, analyze, and interpret experiments independently.
• Collaborate with developmental biology, bioengineering, automation, imaging, data science, surgery, and translational medicine experts.
• Develop scalable and automated organoid manufacturing and screening workflows.
• Present findings at meetings and conferences; prepare manuscripts and grant applications.
• Mentor junior scientists and laboratory personnel; build collaborations with academics, industry, and regulators.

Skills

iPSC-derived organoids

Mammalian cell culture

Molecular assays

Imaging techniques

Flow cytometry

Confocal microscopy

Data analysis

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Project management

Education

PhD in Biology or related field

Tools

Laboratory automation platforms

High-throughput screening

Organoid culture automation

Organoid and tissue engineering tools

Python/R/ MATLAB (optional)

Job description

Join CuSTOM Accelerator at Cincinnati Children'sWant to work alongside a multidisciplinary team of scientists, clinicians, surgeons, bioengineers, computational scientists, and entrepreneurs united by a common goal of accelerating discovery and translating organoid technologies from the laboratory to real-world applications?

At the CuSTOM Accelerator, we work at the intersection of academia, industry, and clinical translation to develop next-generation human organoid platforms that advance disease modeling, drug discovery, predictive toxicology, precision medicine, and regenerative therapies.

As we expand our efforts in intestinal biology, stem cell technologies, and organoid-based applications, we are seeking a highly motivated Associate Staff Scientist to play a key role in this next phase of growth.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to projects spanning the development of advanced human-relevant models of intestinal development, physiology, regeneration, and disease, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the creation of predictive platforms for therapeutic discovery and safety assessment, and the advancement of stem cell‑derived intestinal organoids for regenerative medicine applications.

We offer a highly collaborative and innovative scientific environment with extensive opportunities for professional growth, scientific leadership, publication, and translational impact. There is no better place to make a meaningful contribution to medicine, patients, and society.

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.

Desired Skills and Experience

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.

Why Join Us?

At CuSTOM Accelerator, you will work on ambitious, high-impact projects that challenge conventional approaches to disease modeling, drug development, and regenerative medicine. You will have access to state‑of‑the‑art stem cell, organoid, automation, imaging, and bioengineering technologies while collaborating with internationally recognized experts across multiple disciplines. Our team is committed to developing innovative human‑relevant technologies that improve our understanding of disease, accelerate therapeutic discovery, and ultimately improve patient outcomes. Whether your passion lies in intestinal development, stem cell biology, organoid engineering, disease modeling, epithelial regeneration, or regenerative medicine, this position offers a unique opportunity to help shape the future of intestinal research and therapy development.

Additional Information

CuSTOM: https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/research/divisions/c/CuSTOM

CuSTOM Accelerator: https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/research/divisions/c/CuSTOM/custom-accelerator

Primary Location

Primary LocationLocation SScheduleFull timeShiftDay (United States of America)DepartmentCuSTOM ProgramEmployee StatusRegularFTE1Weekly Hours40

About Us

At Cincinnati Children's, we come to work with one goal: to make children's health better. We believe in a holistic team approach, both in caring for patients and their families, and in advancing science and discovery. We strive to do better and find energy and inspiration in our shared purpose. If you want to be the best you can be, you can do it at Cincinnati Children's. Cincinnati Children's is:

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 our 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. EEO/Veteran/Disability