Research Jobs in Michigan
Research jobs in Michigan are consistently active, with strong demand concentrated in higher education, life sciences, automotive engineering, and public health sectors at levels from research assistant to principal investigator. Ann Arbor, Detroit, and Grand Rapids anchor most of the hiring, with the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and Ford Motor Company among the most established employers in the state. The most in-demand specialties include clinical research, materials science, and automotive systems research. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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About Our Company
We’re a diversified financial services leader with more than $1.5 trillion in assets under management, administration and advisement as of year-end 2024. Our team of 22,000 people across 19 countries, serves more than 3.5 million individual, small business and institutional clients. We are a longstanding leader in financial planning and advice, a global asset manager and an insurer. Our unwavering focus on our clients and strong financial foundation connects each of our unique businesses – Ameriprise Financial, Columbia Threadneedle Investments and RiverSource Insurance and Annuities. Here, we foster meaningful careers, invest in the future, and make a difference for clients, institutions and communities around the world.
Job Description
The Vice President, Equity Research position will lead and evolve the equity research function supporting Wealth Management Solutions and the Investment Research Group. The role sets research standards, manages analyst coverage, develops research talent, and ensures research output directly supports portfolio construction, security selection, monitoring, model changes, and advisor-facing communication. In this highly visible leadership role, you will shape research strategy, develop a high-performing team of analysts, and ensure investment insights directly influence portfolio construction, security selection, and advisor guidance. You will play a critical role helping build scalable research capabilities that support growth, investment excellence, and client outcomes.Key Responsibilities
- Lead, coach, and develop the equity research team, establishing clear expectations for research quality, coverage responsibilities, performance, and professional growth.
- Define and oversee research methodologies, standards, and quality controls across investment recommendations, financial models, valuation frameworks, and written research publications.
- Direct equity coverage strategy, including sector assignments, analyst onboarding, succession planning, and continuity of coverage during the transition to the new portfolio management structure.
- Partner closely with portfolio managers and cross-functional stakeholders to align research priorities with portfolio construction, governance, compliance, product, and advisor engagement needs.
- Lead recruiting, onboarding, and talent pipeline efforts to build a scalable research organization capable of supporting future business growth.
- Oversee advisor-facing research content, market commentary, webinars, and investment communications to ensure consistency, relevance, and regulatory alignment.
- Lead, coach, and develop the equity research team, establishing clear expectations for research quality, coverage responsibilities, performance, and professional growth.
- Define and oversee research methodologies, standards, and quality controls across investment recommendations, financial models, valuation frameworks, and written research publications.
- Direct equity coverage strategy, including sector assignments, analyst onboarding, succession planning, and continuity of coverage during the transition to the new portfolio management structure.
- Partner closely with portfolio managers and cross-functional stakeholders to align research priorities with portfolio construction, governance, compliance, product, and advisor engagement needs.
- Lead recruiting, onboarding, and talent pipeline efforts to build a scalable research organization capable of supporting future business growth.
- Oversee advisor-facing research content, market commentary, webinars, and investment communications to ensure consistency, relevance, and regulatory alignment.
Qualifications
- 12+ years of equity research experience, including expertise in fundamental analysis, financial modeling, valuation, and investment thesis development, with 5+ years leading research analysts or investment professionals.
- Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting, Business, or a related field; Master of Business Administration, Chartered Financial Analyst designation, or advanced degree preferred.
- Series 86/87, 65, 66, or other applicable licensing/registration, or ability to obtain required licenses within an established timeframe.
- Experience within asset management, investment advisory, separately managed account, institutional investment, or equity research environments; experience supporting portfolio implementation structures is preferred.
- Strong ability to scale research processes, establish governance standards, and drive high-quality investment decision support across a growing platform.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence senior leaders, portfolio managers, advisors, and cross-functional stakeholders.
Base Pay Salary
The estimated base salary for this role is $196,700 – $270,000 per year. We have a pay-for-performance compensation philosophy. Your initial total compensation may vary based on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and geographical work location. In addition, most of our roles are eligible for variable pay in the form of bonus, commissions, and/or long-term incentives depending on the role. We also have a competitive and comprehensive benefits program that supports all aspects of your health and well-being, including but not limited to vacation time, sick time, 401(k), and health, dental and life insurances.Full-Time/Part-Time
Exempt/Non-Exempt
Job Family Group
Line of Business
Ameriprise Financial is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, military status, veteran status, genetic information, citizenship, disability status, marital status, family status or any other basis prohibited by law.
We are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible recruitment process for individuals with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, speak to your recruiter to discuss how we can support you.
See All 81 Research Jobs in Michigan
Find roles in Michigan that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research JobsResearch Jobs by City in Michigan
Where Michigan roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Research Job Market in Michigan
A snapshot from current Michigan openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- The University of Michigan22

- Henry Ford Health7

- Wayne State University5

- Michigan State University5

- Ford Motor Company4

Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Chemicals & Materials
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Michigan Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research jobs across Michigan.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant field such as biology, chemistry, or engineering
- Experience with research methodology, data collection, and quantitative or qualitative analysis
- Proficiency in statistical software such as SPSS, SAS, R, or Python for data analysis
- Familiarity with IRB protocols and human subjects research compliance requirements
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for preparing reports and presenting findings
- Ability to collaborate across interdisciplinary teams in university, clinical, or corporate settings
Research Jobs in Michigan: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a research in Michigan?
Most research positions in Michigan require at minimum a bachelor's degree in a field directly related to the research area, with many roles at universities or pharmaceutical firms requiring a master's or doctoral degree. Clinical research roles may require certification through the Society of Clinical Research Associates or a comparable credentialing body. Michigan does not issue a general state research license, so your academic credentials and demonstrated research experience are the primary qualifications employers evaluate.
Which companies hire researchs in Michigan?
Employers hiring researchs in Michigan right now include The University of Michigan, Henry Ford Health, and Wayne State University, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Michigan's concentration of research universities, automotive giants, and health systems means openings appear across a wide range of industries and disciplines.
Which Michigan cities have the most research jobs?
Ann Arbor, Detroit, and Dearborn account for the largest share of research openings in Michigan. Ann Arbor leads due to the University of Michigan and its affiliated health system, while Detroit and its suburbs draw demand from automotive and advanced manufacturing research centers, and Grand Rapids has grown as a hub for medical device and clinical research tied to its large health systems.
Are there remote research jobs in Michigan?
Yes, but they're less common than in purely desk-based fields, since many research roles require laboratory access, fieldwork, or on-site collaboration. About 60% of research openings tied to Michigan are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, which reflects how the market has adapted post-pandemic. Data analysis, literature review, and grant writing components of research work are the most likely to be performed remotely.
How can I get hired as a research in Michigan with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for a research assistant or laboratory technician role at one of Michigan's major research universities, where positions are regularly posted for candidates without extensive prior experience. The University of Michigan and Michigan State University both run structured undergraduate and post-baccalaureate research programs that serve as direct pipelines into paid research staff roles. Completing a relevant internship, earning a certification in clinical research, or building a portfolio of independent projects strengthens your candidacy considerably against other entry-level applicants.
Where can I find and apply to research jobs in Michigan?
You can find and apply to research jobs in Michigan on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings tied to the state across industries and seniority levels. Search the listings to find roles that match your background and apply directly to whichever ones fit your experience and location preferences.
See All 81 Research Jobs in Michigan
Find roles in Michigan that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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