Research Assistant Grade II​/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‑houseorganoid 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 ofprimary cells, stem cells, and derived cell types

Support generation, maintenance, and characterization of organoids and related 3

Dculture systems

Execute experimental protocols under supervision, including differentiation,treatment, and assay workflows

Maintain accurate and detailed laboratory records in accordance with NGNRIstandards

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) asneeded

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

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

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…