Assistant Professor Jobs at Wayne State University with Visa Sponsorship
Assistant Professor jobs at Wayne State University span research-intensive and teaching-focused appointments across a broad range of disciplines. Wayne State has a consistent track record of sponsoring international faculty, supporting H-1B visa petitions and OPT extensions for candidates moving through the academic hiring pipeline.
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Get Access To All JobsTenure-Track Assistant Professor, Child and Family Development
Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Tenure-Track Assistant Professor, Child and Family Development at its Detroit campus location.
Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.
Position Purpose:
The Merrill Palmer Skillman Institute (MPSI) for Child and Family Development at Wayne State University (WSU) is excited to welcome a new colleague to our collaborative and interdisciplinary research community. We invite applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position beginning August 2027. The successful candidate will hold a joint appointment between MPSI and an academic department aligned with the candidate’s disciplinary background.
We welcome applications from scientists whose work addresses the development, health, and well-being of infants, children, adolescents, or families. Applicants’ research programs should align with the urban mission and values of WSU and MPSI and contribute to research, training, and community engagement that advance knowledge and solutions benefiting children, families, and communities.
Areas of particular interest include research on the processes and contexts that shape the development and health of children and families from infancy through young adulthood; risk, resilience, prevention, and intervention; and translational research that can drive innovations that promote health and well-being, including emerging technologies and new models of healthcare. We are also interested in work that examines influences across multiple levels of context, from individuals and families to communities and populations; however, we are open to work that addresses other important questions in developmental science and family health.
Essential Functions:
Successful candidates will have a strong, independent program of research, evidence of or clear potential for external funding, and demonstrated quantitative expertise in developmental research methods. Responsibilities at MPSI include research, professional service, training and mentorship, and community engagement, along with teaching responsibilities in the academic department in which the candidate holds a joint appointment.
About Wayne State:
Wayne State University is a premier, public, urban research university located in Detroit, Michigan with a bold Strategic Plan. The 200-acre traditional and high-tech campus is in the heart of Midtown, offering unparalleled access to cultural experiences, community involvement, and corporate career opportunities. Wayne State University is the third largest institution of higher learning in Michigan and the most diverse campus in the state with over 24,000 students from every U.S. state and nearly 80 countries. Wayne State is home to 13 colleges offering 375 degree programs, as well as seven interdisciplinary research centers and institutes.
About Merrill Palmer Skillman Institute for Child and Family Development:
The Merrill Palmer Skillman Institute (MPSI) is a vibrant interdisciplinary research institute within Wayne State University’s Division of Research and Innovation. With support from research cores and facilities across campus, current research at MPSI examines how developmental processes, during gestation through young adulthood, shape trajectories of mental and physical health, learning, and well-being within individuals, families, communities, and society. Through community-engaged work, we strive to translate developmental science into innovative programs, policy advancements that prioritize children and families, and workforce training models that help children, families, and communities thrive. Along with other research institutes and centers within DORI, we address pressing societal issues through innovation and research excellence.
The Merrill Palmer Skillman Institute (MPSI), founded in 1920, has been at the forefront of developmental science that translates research excellence into practice and policies that strengthen child and family well-being. With a distinguished history of impactful scholarship and practice in child and family development, including opening one of the nation’s first laboratory nursery schools and pioneering early studies on nutrition and high-quality education models, MPSI has worked to advance the development, health, and well-being of infants, children, adolescents, young adults, and their families. Today, the Institute brings together 11 core and 12 affiliate faculty, 16 predoctoral trainees, external funding from federal, state, and philanthropic sources, and programs that reach thousands of professionals and community members each year. Building on more than a decade of significant growth and accomplishment, MPSI is seeking its next faculty member to contribute to the Institute’s continued research excellence and community impact.
Minimum Qualifications:
Ph.D. or equivalent in a field related to child and family development before the start date.
Strong record of research productivity and high potential for significant external funding.
Strong evidence of a novel research agenda and demonstrated potential for excellence in research, community engagement, service, and teaching.
Demonstrated commitment to effective mentoring, teaching, research practices, and community engagement across varied populations, communities, and contexts, along with a strong record of collegiality and collaborative work.
Demonstrated commitment to interdisciplinary research and team science.
Application Procedure:
Review of applications will begin December 1, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. To apply go to the Wayne Talent career site and search for posting “Req # 3693.”
Applications should submit the following directly to the online system:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Key reprints/preprints
- Statement of research interests
- Statement of teaching interest and evidence of teaching effectiveness, if available
- Statement that addresses how your research fits with the missions of MPSI, DORI, and WSU
- List of at least three references who could be contacted
Inquiries can be directed to Dr. Julie Wargo Aikins, Chair of the Search Committee, at julie.wargo.aikins@wayne.edu
School/College/Division:
The Division of Research & Innovation
Primary Department:
H0910 - Merrill Palmer Institute
Employment Type:
- Regular Employee
- Job type: Full Time
- Job category: Academic/Faculty
Funding/Salary Information:
- Compensation type: Annual Salary
- Annual Salary: To be determined
Working Conditions:
Normal Faculty Environment
Job Openings:
- Number of openings: 1
- Reposted position: No
Background check requirements:
University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.
Tenure-Track Assistant Professor, Child and Family Development
Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Tenure-Track Assistant Professor, Child and Family Development at its Detroit campus location.
Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.
Position Purpose:
The Merrill Palmer Skillman Institute (MPSI) for Child and Family Development at Wayne State University (WSU) is excited to welcome a new colleague to our collaborative and interdisciplinary research community. We invite applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position beginning August 2027. The successful candidate will hold a joint appointment between MPSI and an academic department aligned with the candidate’s disciplinary background.
We welcome applications from scientists whose work addresses the development, health, and well-being of infants, children, adolescents, or families. Applicants’ research programs should align with the urban mission and values of WSU and MPSI and contribute to research, training, and community engagement that advance knowledge and solutions benefiting children, families, and communities.
Areas of particular interest include research on the processes and contexts that shape the development and health of children and families from infancy through young adulthood; risk, resilience, prevention, and intervention; and translational research that can drive innovations that promote health and well-being, including emerging technologies and new models of healthcare. We are also interested in work that examines influences across multiple levels of context, from individuals and families to communities and populations; however, we are open to work that addresses other important questions in developmental science and family health.
Essential Functions:
Successful candidates will have a strong, independent program of research, evidence of or clear potential for external funding, and demonstrated quantitative expertise in developmental research methods. Responsibilities at MPSI include research, professional service, training and mentorship, and community engagement, along with teaching responsibilities in the academic department in which the candidate holds a joint appointment.
About Wayne State:
Wayne State University is a premier, public, urban research university located in Detroit, Michigan with a bold Strategic Plan. The 200-acre traditional and high-tech campus is in the heart of Midtown, offering unparalleled access to cultural experiences, community involvement, and corporate career opportunities. Wayne State University is the third largest institution of higher learning in Michigan and the most diverse campus in the state with over 24,000 students from every U.S. state and nearly 80 countries. Wayne State is home to 13 colleges offering 375 degree programs, as well as seven interdisciplinary research centers and institutes.
About Merrill Palmer Skillman Institute for Child and Family Development:
The Merrill Palmer Skillman Institute (MPSI) is a vibrant interdisciplinary research institute within Wayne State University’s Division of Research and Innovation. With support from research cores and facilities across campus, current research at MPSI examines how developmental processes, during gestation through young adulthood, shape trajectories of mental and physical health, learning, and well-being within individuals, families, communities, and society. Through community-engaged work, we strive to translate developmental science into innovative programs, policy advancements that prioritize children and families, and workforce training models that help children, families, and communities thrive. Along with other research institutes and centers within DORI, we address pressing societal issues through innovation and research excellence.
The Merrill Palmer Skillman Institute (MPSI), founded in 1920, has been at the forefront of developmental science that translates research excellence into practice and policies that strengthen child and family well-being. With a distinguished history of impactful scholarship and practice in child and family development, including opening one of the nation’s first laboratory nursery schools and pioneering early studies on nutrition and high-quality education models, MPSI has worked to advance the development, health, and well-being of infants, children, adolescents, young adults, and their families. Today, the Institute brings together 11 core and 12 affiliate faculty, 16 predoctoral trainees, external funding from federal, state, and philanthropic sources, and programs that reach thousands of professionals and community members each year. Building on more than a decade of significant growth and accomplishment, MPSI is seeking its next faculty member to contribute to the Institute’s continued research excellence and community impact.
Minimum Qualifications:
Ph.D. or equivalent in a field related to child and family development before the start date.
Strong record of research productivity and high potential for significant external funding.
Strong evidence of a novel research agenda and demonstrated potential for excellence in research, community engagement, service, and teaching.
Demonstrated commitment to effective mentoring, teaching, research practices, and community engagement across varied populations, communities, and contexts, along with a strong record of collegiality and collaborative work.
Demonstrated commitment to interdisciplinary research and team science.
Application Procedure:
Review of applications will begin December 1, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. To apply go to the Wayne Talent career site and search for posting “Req # 3693.”
Applications should submit the following directly to the online system:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Key reprints/preprints
- Statement of research interests
- Statement of teaching interest and evidence of teaching effectiveness, if available
- Statement that addresses how your research fits with the missions of MPSI, DORI, and WSU
- List of at least three references who could be contacted
Inquiries can be directed to Dr. Julie Wargo Aikins, Chair of the Search Committee, at julie.wargo.aikins@wayne.edu
School/College/Division:
The Division of Research & Innovation
Primary Department:
H0910 - Merrill Palmer Institute
Employment Type:
- Regular Employee
- Job type: Full Time
- Job category: Academic/Faculty
Funding/Salary Information:
- Compensation type: Annual Salary
- Annual Salary: To be determined
Working Conditions:
Normal Faculty Environment
Job Openings:
- Number of openings: 1
- Reposted position: No
Background check requirements:
University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.
Tips for Finding Assistant Professor Jobs at Wayne State University
Align your credentials to U.S. academic standards
Wayne State evaluates candidates on research output, teaching experience, and degree equivalency. If your doctorate is from a non-U.S. institution, get a credential evaluation from a NACES-approved service before applying so hiring committees can assess your qualifications without ambiguity.
Target departments with active research funding
Departments running externally funded research programs are more likely to hire international faculty quickly and support visa sponsorship. Review Wayne State faculty pages to identify labs and departments actively publishing and securing grants in your field.
Confirm sponsorship willingness during the offer stage
Not every department handles visa costs the same way. Ask during offer negotiations whether the department or the university's central HR office covers H-1B filing fees, and get written confirmation before accepting.
Understand how OPT timing intersects with academic hiring cycles
Academic hiring at Wayne State typically concludes in spring for fall start dates. If your F-1 OPT expires before a fall start, you'll need to time your USCIS H-1B filing carefully. A cap-exempt university H-1B can be filed anytime, so a June or July filing is realistic for an August appointment.
Use Migrate Mate to find open Assistant Professor positions
Wayne State posts openings across multiple departments throughout the year. Search Migrate Mate to filter Assistant Professor roles at Wayne State by visa sponsorship type, so you're only reviewing positions where international candidates are explicitly supported.
Prepare your LCA documentation before the offer deadline
Wayne State's HR team must file a Labor Condition Application with the DOL before submitting your H-1B petition to USCIS. Ask HR for their standard processing timeline so you can factor that window into your start date negotiations and avoid a gap in work authorization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Wayne State University sponsor H-1B visas for Assistant Professors?
Yes. Wayne State University is a cap-exempt employer as a nonprofit research university, which means H-1B petitions for Assistant Professors can be filed at any point in the year without entering the annual lottery. The university's HR office coordinates filings, and international faculty across a range of disciplines have successfully obtained H-1B status through this pathway.
How do I apply for Assistant Professor jobs at Wayne State University?
Open positions are posted on Wayne State's official careers portal, and you can also browse visa-sponsoring openings through Migrate Mate. Applications typically require a cover letter, curriculum vitae, research and teaching statements, and three to five letters of recommendation. Shortlisted candidates proceed to phone or campus interviews before an offer is extended.
Which visa types are commonly used for Assistant Professor roles at Wayne State University?
H-1B is the primary long-term work visa for international Assistant Professors. F-1 OPT and CPT are used by doctoral candidates completing degrees before a full faculty appointment begins. TN visa status is available for Canadian and Mexican nationals in qualifying academic roles. Wayne State has experience handling all of these pathways through its international faculty hiring process.
What qualifications are expected for Assistant Professor positions at Wayne State University?
A terminal degree, typically a Ph.D. or equivalent, is required for most Assistant Professor appointments. Strong research publication records, evidence of external funding potential, and teaching experience are weighted heavily. Some professional disciplines accept a combination of advanced degrees and significant industry or clinical experience in place of a traditional academic research profile.
How do I manage the visa timeline after accepting an Assistant Professor offer at Wayne State?
Once you have a signed offer, Wayne State's HR team will initiate the H-1B petition process, starting with a Labor Condition Application filed with the DOL. Because Wayne State is cap-exempt, there is no lottery wait. Build in at least two to three months between your offer acceptance and intended start date to allow for LCA certification and USCIS adjudication, longer if you request premium processing through your department.