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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How to Apply
Apply at https://apply.interfolio.com/196430. Only materials submitted through the Interfolio link will be reviewed. Do not submit materials on this website or using any of the apply now links on this page.
Applicants are invited to submit a cover letter describing their interest in and qualifications for the position; a curriculum vitae; a statement describing scholarly and research activities (including funded research), and two recent publications. Inquiries should be submitted to srcsearches@umich.edu. Applications are due December 1, 2026.
Job Summary
The Institute for Social Research (ISR) at the University of Michigan invites applications for a Research Assistant Professor in its Survey Research Center (SRC).
The Research Assistant Professor will lead and collaborate on externally funded projects in SRC?s Social Environment and Health (SEH) Program. SEH is one of the longest running programs in SRC and has a long history of conducting innovative research at the intersection of social, environmental, and biological factors influencing human health. SEH is also home to the National Neighborhood Data Archive (NaNDA), a publicly available longitudinal data resource with rigorously evaluated and theoretically derived measures of the neighborhood environment at multiple spatial scales.
We are looking for an interdisciplinary scholar with an interest in the social environment and health. We will consider a broad range of areas of specialization, including but not limited to aging, disability, housing, environmental exposures, built environment, biomarkers of aging, infectious disease, and contextual methods. Scholars using novel data sources as well as other innovative methods to capture new dimensions of the socio-environmental context are encouraged to apply. We are particularly interested in candidates with a successful record of externally funded research, and a strong record of scholarship.
The Research Assistant Professor will collaborate with an existing team of social scientists and social, environmental, and infectious disease epidemiologists in the SEH Program. Successful candidates are expected to establish an independent, externally funded research program.
As the world's largest academic social science survey and research organization, the Institute for Social Research (ISR) is a leader in developing and applying new social science methods and is committed to educating the next generation of social scientists. The Institute's Survey Research Center conducts investigator-initiated, survey-based research on theoretical and applied problems of both social and scientific importance. SEH and SRC are committed to mentoring early career faculty to succeed in its multidisciplinary and highly entrepreneurial environment.
Responsibilities*
The Research Assistant Professor will pursue independent and collaborative externally funded research projects related to the social environment and health.
Required Qualifications*
The Research Assistant Professor position requires:
A Ph.D. in the social or behavioral science fields, including epidemiology, psychology, health services research, population health, environmental health, urban planning, or related fields, and at least 2-3 years of post-doctoral experience;
Strong record of scholarship as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications;
Demonstrated success in securing externally funded research (e.g., small grants [NIH R03/R21], career development awards [NIH K99/R00, K01]);
Strong written and oral communication skills.
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
The position is a 12-month appointment located in Ann Arbor, MI. Salary is highly competitive.
The Institute for Social Research (ISR) at the University of Michigan seeks to create a community of respect and authentic collaboration by recruiting and retaining individuals that represent a variety of voices as a reflection of our commitment to serve the people of Michigan, to maintain the excellence of the university, and to ground our research in varied disciplines, perspectives, and ways of knowing and learning.
Benefits at the University of Michigan
In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and any eligible family members and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:
Generous time off
A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting upon meeting eligibility requirements
Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
Life insurance
Long-term disability coverage
Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
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
Institute for Social Research job openings are posted for a minimum of fourteen (14) calendar days. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
Applications are due December 1, 2026.
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
285077
Working Title
Research Assistant Professor
Job Title
RESEARCH ASST PROFESSOR
Work Location
Ann Arbor Campus
Ann Arbor, MI
Modes of Work
Hybrid
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
FLSA Status
Exempt
Organizational Group
Inst Soc Research
Department
SRC-Social Envir & Health
Posting Begin/End Date
11/02/2026 - 12/01/2026
Career Interest
Primary
See All 35 Research Assistant Jobs in Michigan
Find roles in Michigan that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Assistant JobsResearch Assistant Jobs by City in Michigan
Where Michigan roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Research Assistant Job Market in Michigan
A snapshot from current Michigan openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Wayne State University14

- The University of Michigan7

- Henry Ford Health2

- Detroit Institute of Arts2
- IQVIA1

Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Transportation & Logistics
- Healthcare & Medical Services
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, The University of Michigan, and Henry Ford Health, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 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, Flint, and Dearborn 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 56% of research assistant openings tied to Michigan are remote or hybrid as of November 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 35 Research Assistant Jobs in Michigan
Find roles in Michigan that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Assistant Jobs