Physics Jobs in Michigan
Physics jobs in Michigan are concentrated in a strong and active market, anchored by the state's deep ties to automotive research, defense systems, and academic research institutions. Detroit, Ann Arbor, and the greater Lansing area drive the bulk of hiring, with major employers such as General Motors, L3Harris Technologies, and the University of Michigan consistently seeking physicists across experimental, computational, and applied specialties. Demand is strongest in areas like materials science, radiation physics, and acoustics, with roles available from early-career research positions through senior staff and principal scientist levels. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Showing 5 of 8+ Physics jobs
How to Apply
Applicants must submit a current resume and a brief cover letter that contains the following information:
- Availability for the semester for which they are applying
- A list of Physics courses completed at UM-Flint
- Contact information of a PHY faculty member who is recommending you
Job Summary
The Division of Engineering and Technology is looking to hire a reliable and detail-oriented student to serve as a Physics Prep Attendant for introductory Physics courses for the Fall 2026 semester. This role will help ensure that weekly lab sessions run smoothly by checking equipment and materials in advance, preparing basic lab setups, and maintaining clean and organized lab spaces. The goal of this position is to reduce potential disruptions during class time by confirming that required supplies and equipment are available and ready before each lab begins. The Physics Prep Attendant will provide laboratory set ups for the following courses: AST 120, PHY 110, PHY 143, PHY 145, PHY 243, and PHY 245.
This is a great opportunity for a student who is organized, dependable, and interested in supporting hands-on learning environments. Each position is filled on a per semester basis. This position will report to the Natural Sciences Laboratory Supervisor. Physics Prep Attendants work weekly schedules based on lab availability and will be finalized upon hiring.
Responsibilities*
The primary responsibility of the Physics Prep Attendant is to help ensure that equipment, supplies, and lab spaces are ready before class begins, minimizing disruptions during instructional time. This includes locating and organizing lab materials, checking equipment, maintaining clean and orderly lab spaces, preparing basic setups as requested, and reporting any missing or malfunctioning items to staff.
In addition, Physics Prep Attendants are expected to:
- Troubleshoot lab activities and equipment as necessary
- Provide recommendations for lab procedure updates
- Know locations and appropriate usage of all safety equipment
- Follow all departmental safety rules
- Ensure good housekeeping in the lab by doing the following:
- Wiping tables and benchtops
- Ensuring that supplies and equipment are stored appropriately
- Reporting any broken equipment/models to the Lab Supervisor
- Assist with inventory of Physics labs
- Communicate work schedule with the Lab Supervisor
Required Qualifications*
- Must be a currently enrolled UM-Flint student in good academic standing
- Knowledge of proper use and handling of equipment related to optics, dynamics, electricity, magnetism, and/or astronomy
- A demonstrated ability to apply laboratory safety rules
- Recommendation by a Physics instructor
- Ability to follow directions and complete tasks independently
- Strong communication skills
Desired Qualifications*
- Previous experience in a lab, classroom support, or equipment setup role
- Excellent organizational skills
- Ability to perform basic repairs on equipment used in the labs
Modes of Work
Onsite
The work requires, or the supervisor approves a fully onsite presence. Onsite is defined as a designated U-M owned or leased work location within or outside of the State of Michigan
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of three calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the fourth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Job Opening ID
279962
Working Title
Physics Prep Attendant (STUDENT/WORK STUDY)
Job Title
LAB ATTENDANT (TEMP)
Work Location
Flint Campus
Flint, MI
Modes of Work
Onsite
Full/Part Time
Part-Time
Regular/Temporary
Temporary
FLSA Status
Nonexempt
Organizational Group
Flint Cit
Department
Flint Applied & Eng Physics
Posting Begin/End Date
8/21/2026 - 9/18/2026
Salary
$16.25 - $16.85
Career Interest
Temporary Job Opening
How to Apply
Applicants must submit a current resume and a brief cover letter that contains the following information:
- Availability for the semester for which they are applying
- A list of Physics courses completed at UM-Flint
- Contact information of a PHY faculty member who is recommending you
Job Summary
The Division of Engineering and Technology is looking to hire a reliable and detail-oriented student to serve as a Physics Prep Attendant for introductory Physics courses for the Fall 2026 semester. This role will help ensure that weekly lab sessions run smoothly by checking equipment and materials in advance, preparing basic lab setups, and maintaining clean and organized lab spaces. The goal of this position is to reduce potential disruptions during class time by confirming that required supplies and equipment are available and ready before each lab begins. The Physics Prep Attendant will provide laboratory set ups for the following courses: AST 120, PHY 110, PHY 143, PHY 145, PHY 243, and PHY 245.
This is a great opportunity for a student who is organized, dependable, and interested in supporting hands-on learning environments. Each position is filled on a per semester basis. This position will report to the Natural Sciences Laboratory Supervisor. Physics Prep Attendants work weekly schedules based on lab availability and will be finalized upon hiring.
Responsibilities*
The primary responsibility of the Physics Prep Attendant is to help ensure that equipment, supplies, and lab spaces are ready before class begins, minimizing disruptions during instructional time. This includes locating and organizing lab materials, checking equipment, maintaining clean and orderly lab spaces, preparing basic setups as requested, and reporting any missing or malfunctioning items to staff.
In addition, Physics Prep Attendants are expected to:
- Troubleshoot lab activities and equipment as necessary
- Provide recommendations for lab procedure updates
- Know locations and appropriate usage of all safety equipment
- Follow all departmental safety rules
- Ensure good housekeeping in the lab by doing the following:
- Wiping tables and benchtops
- Ensuring that supplies and equipment are stored appropriately
- Reporting any broken equipment/models to the Lab Supervisor
- Assist with inventory of Physics labs
- Communicate work schedule with the Lab Supervisor
Required Qualifications*
- Must be a currently enrolled UM-Flint student in good academic standing
- Knowledge of proper use and handling of equipment related to optics, dynamics, electricity, magnetism, and/or astronomy
- A demonstrated ability to apply laboratory safety rules
- Recommendation by a Physics instructor
- Ability to follow directions and complete tasks independently
- Strong communication skills
Desired Qualifications*
- Previous experience in a lab, classroom support, or equipment setup role
- Excellent organizational skills
- Ability to perform basic repairs on equipment used in the labs
Modes of Work
Onsite
The work requires, or the supervisor approves a fully onsite presence. Onsite is defined as a designated U-M owned or leased work location within or outside of the State of Michigan
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of three calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the fourth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Job Opening ID
279962
Working Title
Physics Prep Attendant (STUDENT/WORK STUDY)
Job Title
LAB ATTENDANT (TEMP)
Work Location
Flint Campus
Flint, MI
Modes of Work
Onsite
Full/Part Time
Part-Time
Regular/Temporary
Temporary
FLSA Status
Nonexempt
Organizational Group
Flint Cit
Department
Flint Applied & Eng Physics
Posting Begin/End Date
8/21/2026 - 9/18/2026
Salary
$16.25 - $16.85
Career Interest
Temporary Job Opening
See All 8 Physics Jobs in Michigan
Find roles in Michigan that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Physics JobsPhysics Jobs by City in Michigan
Where Michigan roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Physics Job Market in Michigan
A snapshot from current Michigan openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Michigan Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in physics jobs across Michigan.
- Bachelor's degree or higher in physics or a closely related field from an accredited institution
- Graduate degree (master's or PhD) required for most research scientist and senior-level roles
- Hands-on laboratory experience with instrumentation, data acquisition, or experimental design
- Proficiency in computational tools such as MATLAB, Python, or simulation software relevant to the specialty
- Familiarity with safety protocols, radiation handling standards, or cleanroom procedures where applicable
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical documentation and cross-functional collaboration
Physics Jobs in Michigan: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a physics in Michigan?
Most physics positions in Michigan require at least a bachelor's degree in physics or a closely related discipline, with research-focused and senior roles typically requiring a master's or doctoral degree. Michigan does not issue a state occupational license specifically for physicists, so hiring decisions center on academic credentials, laboratory or computational experience, and specialization. Candidates pursuing roles in medical physics should seek board certification through the American Board of Radiology or American Board of Medical Physics, credentials recognized by Michigan health systems.
Which companies hire physicss in Michigan?
Michigan physics roles are posted by Calvin University, General Motors (GM), and Aquinas College and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Michigan's combination of automotive R&D, defense contractors, and research universities creates a unusually broad employer base for physicists across the state.
Which Michigan cities have the most physics jobs?
Grand Rapids, Warren, and Flint lead Michigan for physics openings. Ann Arbor's concentration of University of Michigan research programs and affiliated spinoffs drives strong demand there, while Detroit and its suburbs attract physicists through the automotive industry's materials and acoustics research divisions, and defense contractors with Michigan operations contribute meaningfully to hiring in the greater Lansing and mid-Michigan corridor.
Are there remote physics jobs in Michigan?
Yes, but they're limited, since most physics work involves laboratory equipment, physical specimens, or on-site instrumentation that cannot be replicated remotely. About 0% of physics openings tied to Michigan are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and these tend to cluster in computational, modeling, and data-analysis roles rather than experimental or hands-on positions.
How can I get hired as a physics in Michigan with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through undergraduate research assistantships or co-op programs, which the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and Wayne State University run consistently. These positions build the lab skills and faculty references that Michigan employers look for in new graduates. Entry-level roles at national laboratories with Michigan partnerships, or technician positions at automotive testing facilities, also provide a foothold, and completing relevant coursework in materials characterization or computational modeling gives candidates a practical edge when applying.
Where can I find and apply to physics jobs in Michigan?
You can find and apply to physics jobs in Michigan on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state. Search the listings to find roles that match your background and specialization, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 8 Physics Jobs in Michigan
Find roles in Michigan that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Physics Jobs