Research Associate Jobs in Michigan
Research Associate jobs in Michigan are actively sought across the state's robust academic, pharmaceutical, and automotive research sectors, with openings at every level from entry-level lab assistant to senior research scientist. Ann Arbor, Detroit, and Grand Rapids anchor the strongest hiring activity, where institutions and companies like the University of Michigan, Pfizer, and Dow Chemical maintain deep research workforces. The most in-demand specialties include clinical research, materials science, and biomedical sciences. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Research Associate JobsOverview
Showing 4 of 23+ Research Associate jobs
How to Apply
Apply through http://careers.umich.edu/ (click on APPLY NOW box on the upper right corner of this page). Applications will only be accepted from current graduate students in Mechanical Engineering. Include your resume.
Job Summary
A Ph.D. student is sought for assistance on collaborative projects. Research associates will have the opportunity to participate in the design of faculty-generated projects. Students are paid bi-weekly at an hourly rate determined by the faculty project sponsor.
Responsibilities*
- Coordinate the processing and analysis of data;
- Perform complex statistical computations;
- Organize data for the preparation of proposals for new funding;
- Develop experimental procedures and test controls;
- Specific activities are dependent upon the faculty research;
- Perform other duties as assigned or requested by the direct supervisor.
Required Qualifications*
- At least an undergraduate degree in engineering or related field. Must be a current Mechanichal Engineering graduate student at UM-Dearborn. Preference will be given to candidates who are currently enrolled in a Ph.D. program
- Self-motivation and willingness to learn new applications and the ability to work independently
- Good communication skills
- Good organizational and documentation skills for keeping track of data and multiple analysis steps
- Proficient in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, internet search engines, internet and mobile devices
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.
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.
E-Verify
The University of Michigan participates with the federal EVerify system. Individuals hired into positions that are funded by a federal contract with the FAR EVerify clause must have their identity and work eligibility confirmed by the EVerify system. This position is identified as a position that may include the EVerify requirement.
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
285023
Working Title
ME Research Associate W27(Student Temporary)
Job Title
RES ASSOC I (TEMP)
Work Location
Dearborn Campus
Dearborn, MI
Modes of Work
Hybrid
Full/Part Time
Part-Time
Regular/Temporary
Temporary
FLSA Status
Nonexempt
Organizational Group
Dbn Col Engineering
Department
Dbn Coll of Eng-Mechanical Eng
Posting Begin/End Date
11/01/2026 - 11/11/2026
Career Interest
Temporary Job Opening
How to Apply
Apply through http://careers.umich.edu/ (click on APPLY NOW box on the upper right corner of this page). Applications will only be accepted from current graduate students in Mechanical Engineering. Include your resume.
Job Summary
A Ph.D. student is sought for assistance on collaborative projects. Research associates will have the opportunity to participate in the design of faculty-generated projects. Students are paid bi-weekly at an hourly rate determined by the faculty project sponsor.
Responsibilities*
- Coordinate the processing and analysis of data;
- Perform complex statistical computations;
- Organize data for the preparation of proposals for new funding;
- Develop experimental procedures and test controls;
- Specific activities are dependent upon the faculty research;
- Perform other duties as assigned or requested by the direct supervisor.
Required Qualifications*
- At least an undergraduate degree in engineering or related field. Must be a current Mechanichal Engineering graduate student at UM-Dearborn. Preference will be given to candidates who are currently enrolled in a Ph.D. program
- Self-motivation and willingness to learn new applications and the ability to work independently
- Good communication skills
- Good organizational and documentation skills for keeping track of data and multiple analysis steps
- Proficient in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, internet search engines, internet and mobile devices
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.
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.
E-Verify
The University of Michigan participates with the federal EVerify system. Individuals hired into positions that are funded by a federal contract with the FAR EVerify clause must have their identity and work eligibility confirmed by the EVerify system. This position is identified as a position that may include the EVerify requirement.
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
285023
Working Title
ME Research Associate W27(Student Temporary)
Job Title
RES ASSOC I (TEMP)
Work Location
Dearborn Campus
Dearborn, MI
Modes of Work
Hybrid
Full/Part Time
Part-Time
Regular/Temporary
Temporary
FLSA Status
Nonexempt
Organizational Group
Dbn Col Engineering
Department
Dbn Coll of Eng-Mechanical Eng
Posting Begin/End Date
11/01/2026 - 11/11/2026
Career Interest
Temporary Job Opening
See All 23 Research Associate Jobs in Michigan
Find roles in Michigan that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Associate JobsResearch Associate Jobs by City in Michigan
Where Michigan roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Research Associate Job Market in Michigan
A snapshot from current Michigan openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
What Michigan Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research associate jobs across Michigan.
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific field such as biology, chemistry, or engineering
- Experience with laboratory techniques including PCR, cell culture, or data analysis software
- Familiarity with Good Laboratory Practice standards and research compliance protocols
- Proficiency in statistical analysis tools such as R, SPSS, or SAS for data interpretation
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for preparing reports and presenting findings
- Ability to collaborate within interdisciplinary teams in academic or industry research environments
Research Associate Jobs in Michigan: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a research associate in Michigan?
Most research associate positions in Michigan require at minimum a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as biology, chemistry, environmental science, or engineering, with many roles preferring a master's degree. Michigan does not issue a state-specific license for research associates in most settings, though clinical research roles may require certification through bodies like the Society of Clinical Research Associates. University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and major pharma employers typically look for candidates with hands-on lab experience gained through internships or undergraduate research programs.
Which companies hire research associates in Michigan?
Employers hiring research associates in Michigan right now include The University of Michigan, Oakland University, and Wayne State University, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Michigan's strong pharmaceutical, automotive technology, and university research sectors mean hiring tends to be concentrated among large anchor institutions and life sciences companies with long-standing Michigan operations.
Which Michigan cities have the most research associate jobs?
Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Rochester lead Michigan for research associate openings. Ann Arbor's concentration of activity is driven by the University of Michigan's extensive research enterprise and the surrounding life sciences corridor, while Detroit supports demand through automotive R&D and healthcare systems, and Grand Rapids draws on its growing medical device and pharmaceutical manufacturing base.
Are there remote research associate jobs in Michigan?
Yes, but they're rare. Research associate roles are often hands-on, requiring physical presence in laboratories, clinics, or research facilities. About 33% of research associate openings tied to Michigan are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, which reflects the field's general reliance on in-person lab work. The portions of the role most suited to remote work include data analysis, literature review, and report writing.
How can I get hired as a research associate in Michigan with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through undergraduate or post-baccalaureate research assistant roles at Michigan's major research universities, particularly the University of Michigan and Michigan State University, which regularly hire candidates with limited experience for lab support positions. From there, lateral moves from roles like lab technician, research coordinator, or clinical data associate are common pathways into research associate titles. Employers across Michigan's life sciences corridor in Ann Arbor and the pharmaceutical sector in Kalamazoo often recruit new graduates who have completed relevant coursework and can demonstrate hands-on project experience through a portfolio or thesis work.
Where can I find and apply to research associate jobs in Michigan?
You can find and apply to research associate jobs in Michigan on Migrate Mate, which lists current Michigan openings across industries including life sciences, academic research, and technology. Find roles that fit your background and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 23 Research Associate Jobs in Michigan
Find roles in Michigan that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Associate Jobs