About this role
As the Director, Screening and High Content Analysis, you will lead the development and execution of NGNRI’s high-content screening platform, driving target discovery and therapeutic development using advanced organoid and cell-based models.
This role will design and scale automated screening workflows that integrate high-content imaging, quantitative image analysis, and data science approaches, including AI-driven methods. As a scientific and technical leader, you will ensure seamless integration of screening capabilities with NGNRI’s broader research platforms and strategic priorities.
This is a key leadership position with a clear mandate: to build and manage robust, high throughput screening and analysis systems that accelerate the discovery of therapeutic targets and compounds for NF1 and related neurological disorders.
About the role
Establish and lead NGNRI’s high-content imaging and screening platform
Design and implement automated screening workflows for organoid and cell-based assays
Develop and optimize imaging assays, phenotypic readouts, and quantitative analysis pipelines
Integrate AI/ML-based approaches for image analysis and pattern recognition
Ensure scalability, robustness, and reproducibility of screening pipelines
Collaborate closely with the Head of Cell Culture and Organoids to align biological models with screening requirements
Recruit, train, and manage a multidisciplinary team (biologists, imaging scientists, data analysts)
Oversee data management, storage, and analysis pipelines, ensuring accessibility and integrity
Partner with internal and external researchers to design screening campaigns for target identification and drug discovery
Continuously evaluate emerging technologies in imaging, automation, and computational analysis
Contribute to interpretation of screening results and downstream validation strategies
Ensure compliance with relevant regulatory, data governance, and ethical standards
About you
High integrity and commitment to scientific excellence
Innovative and technology-driven mindset
Strong leadership and team development skills
Collaborative and interdisciplinary approach
Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills
Adaptable and results-driven
Preferred Qualifications
Significant experience in high-content imaging, phenotypic screening, or related
fields
Proven track record in designing and executing automated screening campaigns
Expertise in image analysis tools and platforms (e.g., CellProfiler, ImageJ, Python
based pipelines, or equivalent)
Experience with AI/ML approaches applied to biological imaging data is highly
desirable
Experience working with complex biological systems such as organoids or stem cell
derived models is a strong asset
Demonstrated leadership experience in academic, biotech, or pharmaceutical
environments
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration abilities
Experience managing large datasets and computational workflows
Familiarity with drug discovery pipelines is advantageous
PhD in bioengineering, computational biology, neuroscience, cell biology, 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 Careers@Rocket.com.