Research Assistant Grade II​/III

Research Assistant (RA Grade I–III)

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.

• 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

• 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

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

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:
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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…