Director, Cell Culture and Organoids

Nick Gilbert Neurofibromatosis Research Institute; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

The Nick Gilbert Neurofibromatosis Research Institute (NGNRI) seeks a Director of Cell Culture and Organoids to lead and scale advanced in vitro models, including organoids and assembloids, for discovery and translational research.

','[This role will establish and expand robust culture capabilities for NF1 and related disorders, recruit and mentor staff, and ensure reproducibility and regulatory compliance while collaborating with across-platform leads to integrate organoid systems into

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• 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 with platform leads to integrate organoid systems into screening workflows.
• Collaborate with internal and external scientists to adapt models for translational goals.
• Continuously evaluate emerging technologies in stem cell biology and organoid systems.
• Contribute to experimental design, data interpretation, and troubleshooting across programs.
• Maintain meticulous records and ensure data integrity and reproducibility.
• Ensure compliance with biosafety, regulatory, and ethical guidelines.

Skills

Stem cell biology

Organoids

Assembloids

In vitro models

Drug discovery

Leadership

Team management

Education

PhD in stem cell biology

Developmental biology

Neuroscience

Tools

CRISPR

FACS

AI-driven analysis

Job description

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 Qualifications

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

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.

NGNRI is in an early stage of development and relies on support from its founding organization, the Rocket Family of Companies, for some of its infrastructure, including talent acquisition. Like the institute itself, salary ranges and benefits are still under construction—they will be highly competitive, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

This job description is an outline of the primary responsibilities of this position and may be modified at the discretion of NGNRI 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. NGNRI 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 [e-mail].