Postdoctoral Research Associate Jobs in Michigan
Postdoctoral Research Associate jobs in Michigan are open across East Lansing, Detroit, and Grand Rapids and other Michigan metros, with employers like Michigan State University, Wayne State University, and Henry Ford Health hiring at every experience level. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 48+ Postdoctoral Research Associate jobs
How to Apply
Interested applicants, please submit as one PDF document: (1) a letter of interest; (2) personal statement regarding research interests, career goals, and experience; (3) a curriculum vitae; (4) a writing sample (for example, a published peer-reviewed manuscript or manuscript in preparation for peer review); and (5) contact information for two or three references who can supply a letter of recommendation.
Additional materials and questions about the position can be sent to the PI (Dr. Kristina Smiley) at [email protected].
Job Summary
The Smiley Lab at the University of Michigan is seeking a motivated and independent Postdoctoral Researcher to join our laboratory, starting August 2026 (start date flexible). Our lab investigates the neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying parental behavior, with a particular focus on how the hormones associated with parenting modulate sensory processing of offspring vocal cues. This position offers a unique opportunity to not only conduct cutting-edge in vivo electrophysiology experiments, but also to play a central role in establishing this technique from the ground up in a new lab environment. Postdocs in the lab will be encouraged to apply for independent funding to support their career development. The PI and other lab members are committed to providing mentorship in neuroendocrinology, behavioral paradigms, technical training, and grant/fellowship writing, with guidance tailored to the postdoc's long-term career goals and a strong emphasis on supporting their transition to the next career stage.
Responsibilities
Primary responsibilities include:
- Lead the execution of one of our NIH funded projects: testing whether hormones are required for neural responses to offspring begging calls in zebra finches, using pharmacological manipulations and in vivo extracellular electrophysiology.
- Establish, optimize, and maintain an in vivo electrophysiology system (including ordering and configuring equipment, troubleshooting hardware/software, and piloting experimental protocols).
- Design, conduct, and analyze electrophysiological experiments in awake, behaving animals.
- Supervise and mentor junior trainees, including graduate and undergraduate students, in technical methods and experimental design.
- Present research findings at lab meetings, conferences, and through peer-reviewed publications.
- Develop independent research directions and contribute to future grant proposals that build upon and extend the labs' core areas of expertise.
- Contribute to the collaborative, supportive environment of a new and growing lab.
Required Qualifications
The fellow is expected to have:
- Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Biology, Psychology, or a related field by the start date.
- Hands-on experience with in vivo electrophysiology (single-unit, multi-unit, or related approaches) in animal models.
- Strong technical skills in setting up and troubleshooting complex experimental systems.
- Proficiency in programming and data analysis (e.g., MATLAB, Python).
- Demonstrated ability to independently design, conduct, and analyze experiments.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Applicants are expected to have met all doctoral requirements before the start of the fellowship.
Desired Qualifications
Preference will be given to applicants who have:
- Previous experience with neuroendocrinology, hormone manipulation, or sensory neurobiology.
- Experience with custom hardware/electrode building (e.g., microdrives, tetrodes, cannulation systems).
- Experience working with avian animal model systems.
- A collaborative mindset, with enthusiasm for contributing to a new laboratory setup and culture.
- Interest in mentoring and training students in experimental neuroscience.
- Strong motivation to develop independent research directions and pursue external funding opportunities that prepare for a future independent career.
Modes of Work
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.
Additional Information
Location:
The University of Michigan offers an extraordinary intellectual environment, with world-class neuroscience, psychology, and biomedical research communities, extensive core facilities, and a vibrant culture of collaboration across disciplines. Located in Ann Arbor, Michigan a city consistently ranked among the best places to live in the you'll enjoy a dynamic, culturally rich community with excellent restaurants, music and arts, easy access to nature, and a welcoming, progressive atmosphere. Postdocs will join a vibrant community of like-minded scientists in the Brain & Behavior area of the UM Psychology Department, as well as gain additional support through the Michigan Neuroscience Institute.
The salary range is $63,480 - $71,748. Please note a higher salary may be offered based on equity and the selected candidate's experience. Please note a higher salary may be offered based on equity and the selected candidate's experience.
This is a 12-month term-limited position with the possibility of renewal. The anticipated start date is August 1, 2026, however, the start date is flexible.
As one of the world's great liberal arts and sciences colleges, LSA pushes the boundaries of what is understood about the human experience and the natural world, and we foster the next generation of rigorous and empathetic thinkers, creators, and contributors to the state of Michigan, the nation, and the world.
To learn more about LSA's Mission, Vision and Values, please visit lsa.umich.edu/strategicvision.
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 seven calendar days. This job may be removed from the posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
Applications will begin to be reviewed one week after the posting opens and will remain open until the position is filled.
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
279101
Working Title
Postdoctoral Research Fellow Position in Behavioral
Job Title
RESEARCH FELLOW
Work Location
Ann Arbor Campus
Ann Arbor, MI
Modes of Work
Onsite
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
FLSA Status
Exempt
Organizational Group
College Of Lsa
Department
LSA Psychology
Posting Begin/End Date
6/19/2026 - 8/02/2026
Salary
$63,480.00 - $71,748.00
Career Interest
Research Fellows
How to Apply
Interested applicants, please submit as one PDF document: (1) a letter of interest; (2) personal statement regarding research interests, career goals, and experience; (3) a curriculum vitae; (4) a writing sample (for example, a published peer-reviewed manuscript or manuscript in preparation for peer review); and (5) contact information for two or three references who can supply a letter of recommendation.
Additional materials and questions about the position can be sent to the PI (Dr. Kristina Smiley) at [email protected].
Job Summary
The Smiley Lab at the University of Michigan is seeking a motivated and independent Postdoctoral Researcher to join our laboratory, starting August 2026 (start date flexible). Our lab investigates the neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying parental behavior, with a particular focus on how the hormones associated with parenting modulate sensory processing of offspring vocal cues. This position offers a unique opportunity to not only conduct cutting-edge in vivo electrophysiology experiments, but also to play a central role in establishing this technique from the ground up in a new lab environment. Postdocs in the lab will be encouraged to apply for independent funding to support their career development. The PI and other lab members are committed to providing mentorship in neuroendocrinology, behavioral paradigms, technical training, and grant/fellowship writing, with guidance tailored to the postdoc's long-term career goals and a strong emphasis on supporting their transition to the next career stage.
Responsibilities
Primary responsibilities include:
- Lead the execution of one of our NIH funded projects: testing whether hormones are required for neural responses to offspring begging calls in zebra finches, using pharmacological manipulations and in vivo extracellular electrophysiology.
- Establish, optimize, and maintain an in vivo electrophysiology system (including ordering and configuring equipment, troubleshooting hardware/software, and piloting experimental protocols).
- Design, conduct, and analyze electrophysiological experiments in awake, behaving animals.
- Supervise and mentor junior trainees, including graduate and undergraduate students, in technical methods and experimental design.
- Present research findings at lab meetings, conferences, and through peer-reviewed publications.
- Develop independent research directions and contribute to future grant proposals that build upon and extend the labs' core areas of expertise.
- Contribute to the collaborative, supportive environment of a new and growing lab.
Required Qualifications
The fellow is expected to have:
- Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Biology, Psychology, or a related field by the start date.
- Hands-on experience with in vivo electrophysiology (single-unit, multi-unit, or related approaches) in animal models.
- Strong technical skills in setting up and troubleshooting complex experimental systems.
- Proficiency in programming and data analysis (e.g., MATLAB, Python).
- Demonstrated ability to independently design, conduct, and analyze experiments.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Applicants are expected to have met all doctoral requirements before the start of the fellowship.
Desired Qualifications
Preference will be given to applicants who have:
- Previous experience with neuroendocrinology, hormone manipulation, or sensory neurobiology.
- Experience with custom hardware/electrode building (e.g., microdrives, tetrodes, cannulation systems).
- Experience working with avian animal model systems.
- A collaborative mindset, with enthusiasm for contributing to a new laboratory setup and culture.
- Interest in mentoring and training students in experimental neuroscience.
- Strong motivation to develop independent research directions and pursue external funding opportunities that prepare for a future independent career.
Modes of Work
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.
Additional Information
Location:
The University of Michigan offers an extraordinary intellectual environment, with world-class neuroscience, psychology, and biomedical research communities, extensive core facilities, and a vibrant culture of collaboration across disciplines. Located in Ann Arbor, Michigan a city consistently ranked among the best places to live in the you'll enjoy a dynamic, culturally rich community with excellent restaurants, music and arts, easy access to nature, and a welcoming, progressive atmosphere. Postdocs will join a vibrant community of like-minded scientists in the Brain & Behavior area of the UM Psychology Department, as well as gain additional support through the Michigan Neuroscience Institute.
The salary range is $63,480 - $71,748. Please note a higher salary may be offered based on equity and the selected candidate's experience. Please note a higher salary may be offered based on equity and the selected candidate's experience.
This is a 12-month term-limited position with the possibility of renewal. The anticipated start date is August 1, 2026, however, the start date is flexible.
As one of the world's great liberal arts and sciences colleges, LSA pushes the boundaries of what is understood about the human experience and the natural world, and we foster the next generation of rigorous and empathetic thinkers, creators, and contributors to the state of Michigan, the nation, and the world.
To learn more about LSA's Mission, Vision and Values, please visit lsa.umich.edu/strategicvision.
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 seven calendar days. This job may be removed from the posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
Applications will begin to be reviewed one week after the posting opens and will remain open until the position is filled.
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
279101
Working Title
Postdoctoral Research Fellow Position in Behavioral
Job Title
RESEARCH FELLOW
Work Location
Ann Arbor Campus
Ann Arbor, MI
Modes of Work
Onsite
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
FLSA Status
Exempt
Organizational Group
College Of Lsa
Department
LSA Psychology
Posting Begin/End Date
6/19/2026 - 8/02/2026
Salary
$63,480.00 - $71,748.00
Career Interest
Research Fellows
See All 48 Postdoctoral Research Associate Jobs in Michigan
Find roles in Michigan that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsPostdoctoral Research Associate Jobs by City in Michigan
Where Michigan roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Postdoctoral Research Associate Job Market in Michigan
A snapshot from current Michigan openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Michigan State University43
- Wayne State University3
- Henry Ford Health1
- The University of Michigan1
Top Industries Hiring
- Education45
- Healthcare & Medical Services1
What Michigan Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in postdoctoral research associate jobs across Michigan.
- PhD in a relevant field such as biology, chemistry, neuroscience, or a related discipline
- Experience with discipline-specific laboratory techniques such as CRISPR, sequencing, or imaging
- Record of peer-reviewed publication or manuscripts in preparation
- Proficiency with statistical or computational tools such as R, Python, or MATLAB
- Ability to design, execute, and troubleshoot independent research projects
- Strong written and oral communication skills for grant writing and conference presentations
Postdoctoral Research Associate Jobs in Michigan: Frequently Asked Questions
How many postdoctoral research associate jobs are there in Michigan?
There are 48+ postdoctoral research associate openings in Michigan on Migrate Mate as of June 2026, with the most roles in East Lansing, Detroit, and Grand Rapids. New positions post regularly as employers across Michigan hire.
Which Michigan cities have the most postdoctoral research associate jobs?
East Lansing, Detroit, and Grand Rapids have the most postdoctoral research associate openings in Michigan right now, with additional roles spread across smaller metros statewide.
Which companies hire postdoctoral research associates in Michigan?
Employers hiring postdoctoral research associates in Michigan include Michigan State University, Wayne State University, and Henry Ford Health, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026.
Are there remote postdoctoral research associate jobs in Michigan?
Yes. About 10% of postdoctoral research associate openings tied to Michigan are remote or hybrid as of June 2026. The rest are on-site roles based in Michigan metros.
How do I apply for postdoctoral research associate jobs in Michigan?
You can apply to postdoctoral research associate jobs in Michigan directly on Migrate Mate. Search the listings above, find roles that match your experience and preferred Michigan location, then apply to each one that fits.
See All 48 Postdoctoral Research Associate Jobs in Michigan
Find roles in Michigan that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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