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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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 75 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 Michigan32

- General Motors (GM)7

- Wayne State University6

- Henry Ford Health4

- IQVIA3

Top Industries Hiring
- Education
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, General Motors (GM), and Wayne State University, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 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 Flint 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 66% of research openings tied to Michigan are remote or hybrid as of November 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 75 Research Jobs in Michigan
Find roles in Michigan that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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