Weekend Research Assistant Jobs in Rochester, MI

As the Research Assistant (RA Grade I-III), you will play a key role in supporting advanced cellculture and organoid-based research within NGNRI's Cell Culture and Organoid Facility.This position is open to candidates at varying experience levels, with responsibilities tailoredaccordingly.The successful candidate will begin with hands-on training in a Henry Ford Healthlaboratory, gaining experience in stem cell culture, organoid systems, and experimentalworkflows. 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 deliveryof robust, reproducible experimental systems that drive discovery and therapeuticdevelopment.

About therole

• 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 3Dculture 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 andscalability

• Prepare reagents, media, and materials required for experiments

• Perform basic quality control procedures (e.g., cell viability, contaminationmonitoring, morphological assessment)

• Support implementation of laboratory organization, inventory management, andequipment 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, anddocumentation

• Work closely with HFH scientists and staff to gain proficiency in relevant technologies

• Demonstrate progressive independence and technical competency over the trainingperiod

Aboutyou

• 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 experimentalprocedures 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

Whatyou'llget

Our team members fuel our strategy,innovationand growth, so we ensure the health and well-being of not just you, but your family, too! We goabove and beyondto 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 membersperksand health benefits that will help you have peace of mind. Simply put:We'vegot your back. Check out our full list ofBenefits and Perks.

Aboutus

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 clinicalexpertiseto accelerate translational discovery.
Located within a new,state-of-the-artresearch 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 tocutting-edgescience within a vibrant and expanding hub.

This job description is an outline of the primary responsibilities of this position and may bemodifiedat the discretion of thecompany 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. Thecompany provides reasonableaccommodationstoqualified individuals with disabilitiesin accordance withapplicable state and federal laws. Applicantsrequiringreasonable accommodations in completing the application and/orparticipatingin the application process should contact a member of the Human Resources team, atCareers@Rocket.com.