Professor Jobs at Wayne State University with Visa Sponsorship
Professor jobs at Wayne State University span a wide range of disciplines, from engineering and medicine to the humanities, and the institution has a track record of sponsoring international faculty through the full visa process. If you're targeting an academic career in Detroit, Wayne State is an employer worth pursuing seriously.
Find Professor Jobs at Wayne State UniversityOverview
Showing 5 of 14+ Professor Jobs at Wayne State University
See all Professor Jobs at Wayne State University
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Professor Jobs at Wayne State University.
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 Professor Jobs at Wayne State University
Tailor Your CV to Academic Hiring Norms
Wayne State evaluates Professors on research output, teaching experience, and grant history. Format your CV to lead with peer-reviewed publications and funded projects, not a resume-style skills summary. Academic hiring committees expect discipline-specific conventions.
Identify Which Departments Hire Internationally
Wayne State's STEM, medical, and engineering departments have the deepest history of sponsoring international faculty. Search DOL's OFLC disclosure data by employer name to see which academic units have filed Labor Condition Applications for Professor-level roles.
Request H-1B Sponsorship Before Accepting an Offer
Raise visa sponsorship during the offer negotiation stage, before signing. Wayne State's international faculty office handles H-1B filings, but departmental budgets often cover fees. Confirm whether the department or central HR absorbs USCIS filing costs.
Understand TN Status Limitations for Tenure-Track Roles
If you're Canadian or Mexican, TN status is faster to obtain than H-1B, but it's intent-dependent. A tenure-track appointment signals long-term U.S. employment, which can complicate TN renewals. Discuss this tradeoff with Wayne State's international services office early.
Use Migrate Mate to Track Open Professor Roles
Wayne State posts Professor openings across multiple job boards and its own HR portal, making it easy to miss active listings. Use Migrate Mate to filter for Professor positions at Wayne State that include verified visa sponsorship, so you're only applying where sponsorship is confirmed.
Align Your Start Date with USCIS H-1B Processing Windows
Cap-subject H-1B petitions have an October 1 start date, but Wayne State can file up to six months in advance. If you're transitioning from OPT, confirm your OPT expiration date allows enough time to bridge through an H-1B filing without a gap in work authorization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Wayne State University sponsor H-1B visas for Professors?
Yes, Wayne State University sponsors H-1B visas for Professor roles. As a large public research university, Wayne State qualifies as a cap-exempt H-1B employer, meaning it can file H-1B petitions year-round without waiting for the annual lottery. This is a significant advantage for international faculty candidates, since it removes the lottery uncertainty that affects most private-sector employers.
How do I apply for Professor jobs at Wayne State University?
Applications for Professor roles at Wayne State are submitted through the university's official HR portal at wayne.edu/jobs, where academic positions are listed by department. Most listings require a cover letter, full academic CV, teaching statement, and research statement. Shortlisted candidates typically go through a multi-stage interview process that includes a job talk. You can also find visa-sponsoring Professor openings at Wayne State through Migrate Mate.
Which visa types does Wayne State University use for Professor roles?
Wayne State sponsors H-1B visas most commonly for permanent or long-term Professor hires. For recent graduates still on F-1 status, OPT and CPT can bridge the gap during postdoctoral or visiting faculty appointments. Canadian and Mexican nationals may enter on TN visa status for Professor roles, though tenure-track positions can complicate TN renewals due to the visa's nonimmigrant intent requirement.
What qualifications does Wayne State University expect for Professor positions?
Tenure-track Professor roles at Wayne State almost universally require a terminal degree, typically a Ph.D. or equivalent, in the relevant discipline. Research universities like Wayne State weight peer-reviewed publications, grant funding history, and demonstrated teaching experience heavily. Clinical or professional faculty tracks in fields like law or medicine may accept a J.D. or M.D. in place of a doctorate, depending on departmental standards.
How long does the H-1B sponsorship process take at a university like Wayne State?
Because Wayne State is cap-exempt, it can file an H-1B petition at any point in the year, and USCIS standard processing typically takes three to six months. Premium processing reduces that to 15 business days for an additional USCIS fee. Most universities initiate the filing after a formal offer letter is signed, so the earlier you confirm sponsorship in negotiations, the smoother the timeline.