About this role
As the Research Assistant (RA Grade I–III), you will play a key role in supporting advanced cell culture and organoid-based research within NGNRI’s Cell Culture and Organoid Facility. This position is open to candidates at varying experience levels, with responsibilities tailored accordingly. The successful candidate will begin with hands-on training in a Henry Ford Health laboratory, gaining experience in stem cell culture, organoid systems, and experimental workflows. You will then transition to NGNRI to help establish and operate its in-house organoid platform. This is an opportunity to contribute directly to high-impact research, supporting the delivery of robust, reproducible experimental systems that drive discovery and therapeutic development.
About the role
Perform routine and advanced mammalian cell culture, including maintenance of primary cells, stem cells, and derived cell types
Support generation, maintenance, and characterization of organoids and related 3D culture systems
Execute experimental protocols under supervision, including differentiation, treatment, and assay workflows
Maintain accurate and detailed laboratory records in accordance with NGNRI standards
Assist in optimization and standardization of protocols to improve reproducibility and scalability
Prepare reagents, media, and materials required for experiments
Perform basic quality control procedures (e.g., cell viability, contamination monitoring, morphological assessment)
Support implementation of laboratory organization, inventory management, and equipment maintenance
Collaborate with other platform teams (e.g., screening, genome engineering) as needed
Adhere to all biosafety, regulatory, and ethical guidelines
During initial assignment at Henry Ford Health:
Participate in structured, hands-on training in organoid and stem cell methodologies
Learn and apply best practices in experimental design, execution, and documentation
Work closely with HFH scientists and staff to gain proficiency in relevant technologies
Demonstrate progressive independence and technical competency over the training period
About you
High integrity and commitment to rigorous scientific standards
Eager to learn and develop new technical skills
Reliable, organized, and detail-oriented
Collaborative and team-oriented mindset
Adaptable and responsive to feedback
Motivated by contributing to meaningful biomedical research
Preferred Qualifications
RA Grade II (Intermediate):
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree with 1–3+ years of relevant laboratory experience
Minimum of 2 years hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture
Familiarity with sterile technique and basic cell-based assays
Ability to execute experiments with moderate independence
RA Grade III (Advanced):
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree with 3–5+ years of relevant experience
Proven experience with stem cell culture, organoids, or complex in vitro systems
Ability to troubleshoot experiments and optimize protocols
Demonstrated capability to work independently and support junior staff
All Levels:
Strong attention to detail and commitment to reproducibility
Maintain excellent organization and meticulous documentation of experimental procedures and results
Proficiency in both spoken and written English communication
Effective communication and teamwork abilities
Willingness to work in a dynamic, fast-paced research environment
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.