Research Jobs in Detroit, MI

Research jobs in Detroit are actively hiring, with strong demand concentrated in Midtown, the New Center corridor, and the growing tech and innovation district around Wayne State University, across healthcare, automotive, and life sciences sectors. Employers posting right now include Wayne State University, Henry Ford Health, and Tenet Healthcare. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.

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Overview

Open roles75

Top employerWayne State University

Work type100% Hybrid

Top credentialMaster's degree

Companies hiring3

Showing 5 of 75+ Research jobs

Technology Commercialization Senior Professional, Division of Research & Innovation

We won't show you this job again

Added 3d ago

Wayne State University

Technology Commercialization Senior Professional, Division of Research & Innovation

Detroit, Michigan

Added 3d ago

Wayne State University

Detroit, Michigan

Business Strategy

Consulting & Professional Services

Strategy & Corporate Development

Business Strategy

Consulting & Professional Services

Strategy & Corporate Development

Salary TBD

Hybrid

Master's degree in business administration

Hybrid

Master's degree in business administration

5,001-10,000

Have you applied for this role?

Research Assistant - Sports Medicine

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Added 4d ago

Tenet Healthcare

Research Assistant - Sports Medicine

Detroit, Michigan

Added 4d ago

Tenet Healthcare

Detroit, Michigan

Administrative & Office Support

Project & Program Management

Project Management

Administrative & Office Support

Project & Program Management

Project Management

Salary TBD

Bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering

10,000+

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Research Grant/Contract Manager III - Cancer Clinical Research

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Added 5d ago

Henry Ford Health

Research Grant/Contract Manager III - Cancer Clinical Research

Detroit, Michigan

Added 5d ago

Henry Ford Health

Detroit, Michigan

Business Strategy

Product Management

Project Management

Business Strategy

Product Management

Project Management

Salary TBD

Bachelor's degree in finance

10,000+

Have you applied for this role?

Research Study Assistant - Dept. Internal Medicine

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Added 1w ago

Wayne State University

Research Study Assistant - Dept. Internal Medicine

Detroit, Michigan

Added 1w ago

Wayne State University

Detroit, Michigan

Clinical Trials

Laboratory Research

Research & Academia

Clinical Trials

Laboratory Research

Research & Academia

Salary TBD

High school diploma or GED

5,001-10,000

Have you applied for this role?

Research Financial Administrator, Division of Research & Innovation

We won't show you this job again

Added 1w ago

Wayne State University

Research Financial Administrator, Division of Research & Innovation

Detroit, Michigan

Added 1w ago

Wayne State University

Detroit, Michigan

Customer Service

Customer Support

Customer Service

Customer Support

Salary TBD

Hybrid

Bachelor's degree in finance

Hybrid

Bachelor's degree in finance

5,001-10,000

Have you applied for this role?

Added 3d ago

Technology Commercialization Senior Professional, Division of Research & Innovation

Wayne State University·Detroit, Michigan

Job functions:

Business Strategy

Consulting & Professional Services

Strategy & Corporate Development

Hybrid

Master's degree in business administration

5,001-10,000 employees

Job Description

Technology Commercialization Senior Professional, Division of Research & Innovation

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Technology Commercialization Senior Professional, Division of Research & Innovation at its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

Position Purpose:

The Technology Commercialization Professional is responsible for advancing the development and commercialization of technologies arising from Wayne State University faculty research. This role serves as a senior sector lead, managing a portfolio of technologies and working directly with faculty to assess commercial potential, develop commercialization strategies, and facilitate pathways to licensing, industry partnerships, or startup formation.

The Technology Commercialization Professional operates with a high degree of independence within assigned areas of expertise and contributes to the overall success of the Office of Technology Commercialization by ensuring technologies are effectively evaluated, positioned, and advanced through a structured, stage-gated commercialization process.

This role collaborates closely with the Senior Director, Commercialization, and the Director, Intellectual Property & Contracts. The Director, Intellectual Property & Contracts retains authority over intellectual property protection strategy, patent prosecution, and agreement negotiation and execution. The position reports to the Senior Director, Commercialization.

Essential Functions:

Portfolio Leadership & Commercialization Strategy

Manage a portfolio of technologies within assigned areas of expertise, leading the advancement of innovations through the full commercialization lifecycle. This includes identifying promising discoveries, assessing commercial potential, supporting intellectual property positioning in collaboration with the Director, Intellectual Property & Contracts, and advancing technologies toward licensing, partnership, or startup formation.

Develop and execute forward-looking commercialization strategies for Wayne State technologies, including market assessment, opportunity identification, evaluation of commercial viability, and creation of commercialization roadmaps aligned with university objectives and industry needs.

Conduct detailed analyses of market landscapes, competitive positioning, customer segments, and regulatory considerations to inform commercialization decisions and prioritize technologies for investment and advancement.

Recommend and support translational funding strategies, including proof-of-concept and early-stage development funding, to enhance the commercial readiness and value of technologies.

Faculty & Startup Engagement

Serve as a primary commercialization advisor to faculty researchers, maintaining strong, ongoing relationships and providing guidance on commercialization pathways, market considerations, and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Educate and counsel faculty on commercialization processes, including customer discovery, value proposition development, startup formation, and engagement with industry partners.

Support the development of startup opportunities by assisting faculty with early-stage company formation activities, including business model development, team identification, and preparation of investor-facing materials.

Foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship by encouraging faculty engagement in commercialization activities and helping them understand the broader impact and potential of their research.

Provide mentorship and informal guidance to junior staff, contributing to team development and knowledge sharing across the commercialization function.

Stakeholder Engagement & External Partnerships

Cultivate and maintain relationships with industry partners, entrepreneurs, investors, and other external stakeholders to support the commercialization of Wayne State technologies.

Actively engage with the regional and national innovation ecosystem, including participation in industry events, venture forums, and commercialization networks to promote university innovations.

Identify potential corporate partners and startup collaborators, facilitating connections that enhance the likelihood of successful commercialization outcomes.

Work collaboratively with internal university stakeholders, including the Office of General Counsel, Sponsored Program Administration, and other units, to ensure alignment and effective support for commercialization activities.

Represent Wayne State University in external engagements, promoting its research strengths and commercialization opportunities.

Portfolio Governance, Data Management & Reporting

Maintain accurate, complete, and up-to-date records in commercialization and IP management systems, ensuring data integrity for reporting, compliance, and decision-making purposes.

Provide timely and relevant information to the Sr. Director, Commercialization, and other OTC team members to support portfolio reviews, resource allocation decisions, strategic planning, and federal compliance requirements.

Track and report on key performance indicators, including technology progression, licensing activity, startup formation, and external engagement outcomes.

Participate in internal portfolio review meetings and contribute to data-driven evaluation and prioritization of technologies.

Ensure compliance with institutional policies and procedures related to commercialization activities.

Other Duties as Assigned

Perform additional responsibilities as required to support the Office of Technology Commercialization and the overall mission of Wayne State University.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor’s degree

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a science or engineering-related field.

Advanced degrees (MBA, JD, or PhD) being preferred.

Experience: Specialist (minimum 5 years of job-related experience).

A minimum of 5 years of experience in technology transfer, licensing, or intellectual property management is required.

Experience with startups and the venture capital community is highly desirable.

Demonstrated ability to work effectively with faculty researchers, industry partners, legal staff, and business stakeholders is essential.

School/College/Division:

The Division of Research & Innovation

Primary Department:

H0905 - VP Research

Employment Type:

Regular Employee
Job type: Full Time
Job category: Staff/Administrative

Funding/Salary Information:

Compensation type: Annual Salary
Annual Salary: To be determined

Working Conditions:

The Technology Commercialization Professional operates within a dynamic academic and entrepreneurial environment requiring flexibility, responsiveness, and strong relationship management. A hybrid work model supports effective engagement with faculty and external partners.

Some evening and weekend work is required.

Job Openings:

Number of openings: 1
Reposted position: No

Background check requirements:

University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.

Wayne State University

Technology Commercialization Senior Professional, Division of Research & Innovation

Detroit, Michigan

Added 3d ago

5,001-10,000 employees

Job functions:

Business Strategy

Consulting & Professional Services

Strategy & Corporate Development

Hybrid

Master's degree in business administration

Job Description

Technology Commercialization Senior Professional, Division of Research & Innovation

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Technology Commercialization Senior Professional, Division of Research & Innovation at its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

Position Purpose:

The Technology Commercialization Professional is responsible for advancing the development and commercialization of technologies arising from Wayne State University faculty research. This role serves as a senior sector lead, managing a portfolio of technologies and working directly with faculty to assess commercial potential, develop commercialization strategies, and facilitate pathways to licensing, industry partnerships, or startup formation.

The Technology Commercialization Professional operates with a high degree of independence within assigned areas of expertise and contributes to the overall success of the Office of Technology Commercialization by ensuring technologies are effectively evaluated, positioned, and advanced through a structured, stage-gated commercialization process.

This role collaborates closely with the Senior Director, Commercialization, and the Director, Intellectual Property & Contracts. The Director, Intellectual Property & Contracts retains authority over intellectual property protection strategy, patent prosecution, and agreement negotiation and execution. The position reports to the Senior Director, Commercialization.

Essential Functions:

Portfolio Leadership & Commercialization Strategy

Manage a portfolio of technologies within assigned areas of expertise, leading the advancement of innovations through the full commercialization lifecycle. This includes identifying promising discoveries, assessing commercial potential, supporting intellectual property positioning in collaboration with the Director, Intellectual Property & Contracts, and advancing technologies toward licensing, partnership, or startup formation.

Develop and execute forward-looking commercialization strategies for Wayne State technologies, including market assessment, opportunity identification, evaluation of commercial viability, and creation of commercialization roadmaps aligned with university objectives and industry needs.

Conduct detailed analyses of market landscapes, competitive positioning, customer segments, and regulatory considerations to inform commercialization decisions and prioritize technologies for investment and advancement.

Recommend and support translational funding strategies, including proof-of-concept and early-stage development funding, to enhance the commercial readiness and value of technologies.

Faculty & Startup Engagement

Serve as a primary commercialization advisor to faculty researchers, maintaining strong, ongoing relationships and providing guidance on commercialization pathways, market considerations, and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Educate and counsel faculty on commercialization processes, including customer discovery, value proposition development, startup formation, and engagement with industry partners.

Support the development of startup opportunities by assisting faculty with early-stage company formation activities, including business model development, team identification, and preparation of investor-facing materials.

Foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship by encouraging faculty engagement in commercialization activities and helping them understand the broader impact and potential of their research.

Provide mentorship and informal guidance to junior staff, contributing to team development and knowledge sharing across the commercialization function.

Stakeholder Engagement & External Partnerships

Cultivate and maintain relationships with industry partners, entrepreneurs, investors, and other external stakeholders to support the commercialization of Wayne State technologies.

Actively engage with the regional and national innovation ecosystem, including participation in industry events, venture forums, and commercialization networks to promote university innovations.

Identify potential corporate partners and startup collaborators, facilitating connections that enhance the likelihood of successful commercialization outcomes.

Work collaboratively with internal university stakeholders, including the Office of General Counsel, Sponsored Program Administration, and other units, to ensure alignment and effective support for commercialization activities.

Represent Wayne State University in external engagements, promoting its research strengths and commercialization opportunities.

Portfolio Governance, Data Management & Reporting

Maintain accurate, complete, and up-to-date records in commercialization and IP management systems, ensuring data integrity for reporting, compliance, and decision-making purposes.

Provide timely and relevant information to the Sr. Director, Commercialization, and other OTC team members to support portfolio reviews, resource allocation decisions, strategic planning, and federal compliance requirements.

Track and report on key performance indicators, including technology progression, licensing activity, startup formation, and external engagement outcomes.

Participate in internal portfolio review meetings and contribute to data-driven evaluation and prioritization of technologies.

Ensure compliance with institutional policies and procedures related to commercialization activities.

Other Duties as Assigned

Perform additional responsibilities as required to support the Office of Technology Commercialization and the overall mission of Wayne State University.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor’s degree

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a science or engineering-related field.

Advanced degrees (MBA, JD, or PhD) being preferred.

Experience: Specialist (minimum 5 years of job-related experience).

A minimum of 5 years of experience in technology transfer, licensing, or intellectual property management is required.

Experience with startups and the venture capital community is highly desirable.

Demonstrated ability to work effectively with faculty researchers, industry partners, legal staff, and business stakeholders is essential.

School/College/Division:

The Division of Research & Innovation

Primary Department:

H0905 - VP Research

Employment Type:

Regular Employee
Job type: Full Time
Job category: Staff/Administrative

Funding/Salary Information:

Compensation type: Annual Salary
Annual Salary: To be determined

Working Conditions:

The Technology Commercialization Professional operates within a dynamic academic and entrepreneurial environment requiring flexibility, responsiveness, and strong relationship management. A hybrid work model supports effective engagement with faculty and external partners.

Some evening and weekend work is required.

Job Openings:

Number of openings: 1
Reposted position: No

Background check requirements:

University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.

See All 75 Research Jobs in Detroit

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

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Research Job Market in Detroit

Who's Hiring

Wayne State University45
Henry Ford Health23
Tenet Healthcare8

Top Industries Hiring

Education

Other Michigan Cities Hiring Researchs

Other cities in Michigan with the most openings

See all Research jobs across Michigan

Ann Arbor

26 jobs

Flint

8 jobs

Warren

6 jobs

Dearborn

5 jobs

Rochester

2 jobs

Whitehall

2 jobs

Southfield

2 jobs

East Lansing

2 jobs

Grand Rapids

2 jobs

Research Jobs in Detroit: Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get a research job in Detroit?

Target Detroit's three strongest hiring sectors: healthcare systems anchored in Midtown, automotive and mobility research concentrated along the I-696 corridor, and life sciences and biotech firms clustered near Wayne State University and the Detroit Medical Center campus. Candidates who demonstrate hands-on lab or data analysis experience and familiarity with industry-specific tools stand out. Networking through Detroit's research and innovation community, including events tied to Wayne State and Henry Ford Health, also opens doors.

Which companies hire researchs in Detroit?

Detroit research roles are posted by Wayne State University, Henry Ford Health, and Tenet Healthcare and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Detroit's hiring mix is broad, including large health systems, legacy automotive OEMs and their research divisions, university-affiliated labs, and a growing number of mobility and clean-energy startups.

Are there remote research jobs in Detroit?

Yes, though availability depends heavily on role type: desk-based and analytical research positions are much more remote-friendly than hands-on lab or clinical roles, which typically require on-site presence. About 100% of research openings tied to Detroit are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with the highest concentration of flexible arrangements in data research, market research, and policy analysis roles.

How can I get a research job in Detroit with little or no experience?

The most realistic entry path in Detroit is through research assistant or lab technician roles at the city's major health systems and university research programs, particularly those affiliated with Wayne State University and Henry Ford Health. Detroit employers in automotive and mobility also hire junior research analysts who bring strong data or engineering coursework. Internships, co-ops through local universities, and volunteer research opportunities at Detroit-area nonprofits and think tanks can bridge the gap from student to early-career hire.

Which industries hire the most researchs in Detroit?

Detroit research roles concentrate in Education, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Detroit's position as a hub for automotive engineering, a major healthcare delivery market, and a growing life sciences corridor makes those sectors the most consistent sources of research hiring in the city.

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See All 75 Research Jobs in Detroit

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

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