Research Assistant Jobs in Michigan

Research assistant jobs in Michigan are consistently active, with strong demand concentrated in academic research, pharmaceutical and life sciences, and behavioral and social science sectors, drawing candidates from entry-level through senior researcher positions. Ann Arbor, Detroit, and Grand Rapids are the state's primary hiring hubs, anchored by institutions like the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and Henry Ford Health System, all of which maintain ongoing research assistant pipelines. The most in-demand specialties include clinical research coordination, laboratory research support, and data collection and analysis. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.

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Overview

Open roles30
Top employerWayne State University
Top cityDetroit, MI
Cities hiring10
Work type63% On-site
Top industryEducation

Showing 4 of 30+ Research Assistant jobs

Wayne State University
Research Assistant - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Wayne State University
Added 2d ago
Research Assistant - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Wayne State University
Detroit, Michigan
Clinical Trials
Laboratory Research
Research & Academia
Bachelor's degree
5,001-10,000

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Housey Healthcare ULC
Assistant Research Scientist - Cell Biology
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Housey Healthcare ULC
Added 2d ago
Assistant Research Scientist - Cell Biology
Housey Healthcare ULC
Southfield, Michigan
Administrative & Office Support
Project & Program Management
Project Management
$32 - $40/hr
On-Site
Bachelor of Science

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Gastroenterology Associates of Western Michigan
Clinical Research Assistant
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Gastroenterology Associates of Western Michigan
Added 3d ago
Clinical Research Assistant
Gastroenterology Associates of Western Michigan
Wyoming, Michigan
Administrative & Office Support
Business Operations
Data Analytics
$20 - $25/hr
On-Site

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Ferris State University
Research Assistant - Metal Biology Lab (Student Position)
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Ferris State University
Added 3d ago
Research Assistant - Metal Biology Lab (Student Position)
Ferris State University
Big Rapids, Michigan
Business Operations
Executive Leadership & C-Suite
Project Management
501-1,000

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See All 30 Research Assistant Jobs in Michigan

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Research Assistant Jobs by City in Michigan

Where Michigan roles are concentrated, by current openings.

Detroit
13 jobs
Ann Arbor
4 jobs
Big Rapids
3 jobs
Flint
2 jobs
Southfield
2 jobs
East Lansing
2 jobs
Novi
1 job
Wyoming
1 job
Grand Rapids
1 job

Research Assistant Job Market in Michigan

A snapshot from current Michigan openings, updated as new roles post.

Who's Hiring

  • Wayne State University
    Wayne State University11
  • Ferris State University
    Ferris State University3
  • Michigan State University
    Michigan State University3
  • The University of Michigan
    The University of Michigan3
  • Henry Ford Health
    Henry Ford Health2

Top Industries Hiring

  • Education
  • Healthcare & Medical Services
  • Transportation & Logistics

What Michigan Employers Look For

The qualifications that appear most often in research assistant jobs across Michigan.

  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as biology, psychology, or social science required
  • Hands-on experience with data collection, entry, and basic statistical analysis preferred
  • Familiarity with IRB protocols and human subjects research compliance standards expected
  • Proficiency in research software such as SPSS, R, or REDCap commonly listed
  • Strong written communication skills for drafting reports, summaries, and research notes
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks independently within a structured research environment

Research Assistant Jobs in Michigan: Frequently Asked Questions

How do you become a research assistant in Michigan?

Most research assistant positions in Michigan require at minimum a bachelor's degree in a field related to the research area, such as biology, psychology, public health, or social science. No state-issued license is required for the general research assistant role in Michigan. Candidates entering clinical research may strengthen their profile by earning the Certified Clinical Research Coordinator credential through the Association of Clinical Research Professionals, which Michigan's major academic medical centers recognize when hiring.

Which companies hire research assistants in Michigan?

Employers hiring research assistants in Michigan right now include Wayne State University, Ferris State University, and Michigan State University, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Michigan's deep concentration of university research programs, academic health systems, and life sciences companies means openings surface year-round across a range of disciplines and seniority levels.

Which Michigan cities have the most research assistant jobs?

Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Big Rapids have the most research assistant openings in Michigan. Ann Arbor's concentration is driven by the University of Michigan and its affiliated health system, Detroit draws demand from Wayne State University, Henry Ford Health System, and a growing biotech corridor, while Grand Rapids benefits from Spectrum Health and the Van Andel Institute anchoring a strong life sciences research community.

Are there remote research assistant jobs in Michigan?

Yes, but they're less common than in purely desk-based fields, since many research assistant roles require on-site lab work, in-person data collection, or direct participant interaction. About 38% of research assistant openings tied to Michigan are remote or hybrid as of August 2026. The positions most likely to offer remote flexibility are those focused on literature reviews, data coding, qualitative analysis, and survey administration.

How can I get hired as a research assistant in Michigan with little or no experience?

The most realistic entry path is applying for undergraduate or post-baccalaureate research assistant roles at Michigan's major universities, where no prior professional research experience is typically required. The University of Michigan and Michigan State University both post entry-level research assistant and research technician openings suited to new graduates. Volunteering with a faculty lab, completing a relevant senior thesis, or moving laterally from adjacent roles like clinical data coordinator or laboratory technician can open the door, and earning even a foundational research certificate strengthens a candidate's application considerably.

Where can I find and apply to research assistant jobs in Michigan?

You can find and apply to research assistant jobs in Michigan on Migrate Mate, which lists current Michigan openings across academic, clinical, and private-sector research environments. Find roles that fit your background and apply directly to the ones that match.

See All 30 Research Assistant Jobs in Michigan

Find roles in Michigan that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.

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