Director, Screening and High Content Analysis

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 r ole

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 y ou

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 y ou’ll g et

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 lev el 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 u s

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 c ompany at any time. Decisi ons relate d to employmen t are not based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, physical or mental disability, s exual orient ation, gender identity or expression, age, military or veteran status or any oth er char acteristic protected by state or federal law. The c ompany 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 .