Research Specialist Jobs in Michigan
Research Specialist jobs in Michigan are in steady demand, concentrated in the state's university research corridors, pharmaceutical and life sciences sectors, healthcare systems, and policy research organizations, with openings at every level from research assistant through senior research scientist. The busiest hiring markets are Ann Arbor, Detroit, and Grand Rapids, anchored by employers such as the University of Michigan, Henry Ford Health, and Pfizer's Michigan operations. The most sought-after specialties include clinical research, social and behavioral research, and biomedical or laboratory research. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Research Specialist JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 13+ Research Specialist jobs
How to Apply
Submit a cover letter, resume, and three references with e-mail address and phone. In your cover letter, please explain your lab and field experience and chemistry knowledge, and your interest in the position. For questions contact Jenan Kharbush at jenanjk@umich.edu.
Who We Are
EARTH is a diverse and vibrant intellectual community dedicated to excellence through research and teaching. The unit is home to approximately 40 faculty and 25 regular administrative and lab staff, 160 undergraduate majors and 70 graduate students. The mission of the department is to promote education and scientific discovery about our planet. We welcome all who are curious about the EARTH and we strive to create an environment that is accessible and supportive to everyone. Find more about the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences here.
Mission Statement
The mission of the University of Michigan is to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values, and in developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future.
Job Summary
The Microbial Biogeochemistry Lab in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Michigan is seeking a full-time laboratory technician to manage research projects in molecular biogeochemistry, including the study of nitrogen-containing biomarkers via compound-specific isotope analysis.
Primary responsibilities will include the preparation and analysis of water, sediment, and culture samples in the lab; independently running, maintaining, and troubleshooting instrumentation; and scientific data entry, processing, and visualization. Instrumentation includes our gas chromatography isotope ratio mass spectrometer (GC-IRMS), a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), a SEAL nutrient analyzer, and a membrane inlet mass spectrometer (MIMS).
The successful candidate will independently manage projects and advise on research group projects, and will collaborate on conceptual project design, experimental approaches, methods development, as well as assist with publications and proposals. The candidate should exhibit a willingness to learn and develop new methods and techniques, as well as instruct students and other lab users in best practices for stable isotope applications in microbial ecology and biogeochemistry. The technician is responsible for instructing on safety in the lab and maintaining compliance with SOPs. Candidates should also have excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills. The salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience and includes a full benefits package.
Required Qualifications*
- B.S./B.A. degree in engineering, geochemistry, geoscience, analytical chemistry, physics, or a related field
- Intermediate level candidates will have 4-5 years of experience in addition to their education
- Associate level candidates will have 1-3 years of experience in addition to their education
- At least 2 years lab experience in the operation and/or maintenance of modern instruments for quantitative chemical, isotopic, and/or geological analysis.
- Familiarity with common software and platforms (e.g., MSWord, Excel, Adobe)
Desired Qualifications*
- MS degree/Ph.D. in engineering, geochemistry, geoscience, analytical chemistry, physics, or a related field
- Experience with the operation and maintenance of any of the following: elemental analyzer, isotope ratio mass spectrometer coupled to multiple peripheral systems (such as elemental analyzer, trace gas concentrator, gas chromatograph), mass spectrometers, liquid chromatography, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, SEAL nutrient analyzer, MIMS
- Research experience with stable isotope applications
- Record of scholarly research and/or collaboration in engineering, geochemistry, analytical chemistry, physics, or a related field
Why Work at Michigan?
We are so proud that the University of Michigan offers comprehensive benefits to support your wellness as you plan for a stable and secure future. To enhance a career filled with purpose and opportunity, other benefits include:
- Generous time off programs.
- Our retirement plan provides two-for-one matching contributions.
- Comprehensive options for health, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance.
- Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses.
- Tuition support, including the ability to take undergraduate courses in LSA at no cost.
- Meeting-free days and communication norms that help you to "unplug" from work.
- Access to deals, discounts, and attractions; see Uniquely Michigan for details.
While you will primarily work from our central campus in Ann Arbor, LSA offers flexible work options. To support work-life balance, LSA has an email policy that limits non-essential emails to weekday business hours. We invite you to take a look at LSAs mission, vision, and values.
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.
Underfill Statement
This position may be underfilled at a lower classification depending on the qualifications of the selected candidate.
Additional Information
Salary for this position at the Associate level is $42,400 - $53,000
Salary for this position at the Intermediate level is $53,600 - $67,000
As one of the world's great liberal arts and sciences colleges, LSA pushes the boundaries of what is understood about the human experience and the natural world, and we foster the next generation of rigorous and empathetic thinkers, creators, and contributors to the state of Michigan, the nation, and the world.
To learn more about LSA's Mission, Vision and Values, please visit lsa.umich.edu/strategicvision.
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
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
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
285009
Working Title
Research Lab Specialist, Molecular Biogeochemistry, Kharbush Lab
Job Title
Research Lab Specialist Inter
Work Location
Ann Arbor Campus
Ann Arbor, MI
Modes of Work
Onsite
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
FLSA Status
Exempt
Organizational Group
College Of Lsa
Department
LSA Earth & Environmental Sci.
Posting Begin/End Date
10/29/2026 - 11/05/2026
Salary
$42,400.00 - $67,000.00
Career Interest
Research
How to Apply
Submit a cover letter, resume, and three references with e-mail address and phone. In your cover letter, please explain your lab and field experience and chemistry knowledge, and your interest in the position. For questions contact Jenan Kharbush at jenanjk@umich.edu.
Who We Are
EARTH is a diverse and vibrant intellectual community dedicated to excellence through research and teaching. The unit is home to approximately 40 faculty and 25 regular administrative and lab staff, 160 undergraduate majors and 70 graduate students. The mission of the department is to promote education and scientific discovery about our planet. We welcome all who are curious about the EARTH and we strive to create an environment that is accessible and supportive to everyone. Find more about the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences here.
Mission Statement
The mission of the University of Michigan is to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values, and in developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future.
Job Summary
The Microbial Biogeochemistry Lab in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Michigan is seeking a full-time laboratory technician to manage research projects in molecular biogeochemistry, including the study of nitrogen-containing biomarkers via compound-specific isotope analysis.
Primary responsibilities will include the preparation and analysis of water, sediment, and culture samples in the lab; independently running, maintaining, and troubleshooting instrumentation; and scientific data entry, processing, and visualization. Instrumentation includes our gas chromatography isotope ratio mass spectrometer (GC-IRMS), a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), a SEAL nutrient analyzer, and a membrane inlet mass spectrometer (MIMS).
The successful candidate will independently manage projects and advise on research group projects, and will collaborate on conceptual project design, experimental approaches, methods development, as well as assist with publications and proposals. The candidate should exhibit a willingness to learn and develop new methods and techniques, as well as instruct students and other lab users in best practices for stable isotope applications in microbial ecology and biogeochemistry. The technician is responsible for instructing on safety in the lab and maintaining compliance with SOPs. Candidates should also have excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills. The salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience and includes a full benefits package.
Required Qualifications*
- B.S./B.A. degree in engineering, geochemistry, geoscience, analytical chemistry, physics, or a related field
- Intermediate level candidates will have 4-5 years of experience in addition to their education
- Associate level candidates will have 1-3 years of experience in addition to their education
- At least 2 years lab experience in the operation and/or maintenance of modern instruments for quantitative chemical, isotopic, and/or geological analysis.
- Familiarity with common software and platforms (e.g., MSWord, Excel, Adobe)
Desired Qualifications*
- MS degree/Ph.D. in engineering, geochemistry, geoscience, analytical chemistry, physics, or a related field
- Experience with the operation and maintenance of any of the following: elemental analyzer, isotope ratio mass spectrometer coupled to multiple peripheral systems (such as elemental analyzer, trace gas concentrator, gas chromatograph), mass spectrometers, liquid chromatography, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, SEAL nutrient analyzer, MIMS
- Research experience with stable isotope applications
- Record of scholarly research and/or collaboration in engineering, geochemistry, analytical chemistry, physics, or a related field
Why Work at Michigan?
We are so proud that the University of Michigan offers comprehensive benefits to support your wellness as you plan for a stable and secure future. To enhance a career filled with purpose and opportunity, other benefits include:
- Generous time off programs.
- Our retirement plan provides two-for-one matching contributions.
- Comprehensive options for health, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance.
- Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses.
- Tuition support, including the ability to take undergraduate courses in LSA at no cost.
- Meeting-free days and communication norms that help you to "unplug" from work.
- Access to deals, discounts, and attractions; see Uniquely Michigan for details.
While you will primarily work from our central campus in Ann Arbor, LSA offers flexible work options. To support work-life balance, LSA has an email policy that limits non-essential emails to weekday business hours. We invite you to take a look at LSAs mission, vision, and values.
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.
Underfill Statement
This position may be underfilled at a lower classification depending on the qualifications of the selected candidate.
Additional Information
Salary for this position at the Associate level is $42,400 - $53,000
Salary for this position at the Intermediate level is $53,600 - $67,000
As one of the world's great liberal arts and sciences colleges, LSA pushes the boundaries of what is understood about the human experience and the natural world, and we foster the next generation of rigorous and empathetic thinkers, creators, and contributors to the state of Michigan, the nation, and the world.
To learn more about LSA's Mission, Vision and Values, please visit lsa.umich.edu/strategicvision.
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
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
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
285009
Working Title
Research Lab Specialist, Molecular Biogeochemistry, Kharbush Lab
Job Title
Research Lab Specialist Inter
Work Location
Ann Arbor Campus
Ann Arbor, MI
Modes of Work
Onsite
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
FLSA Status
Exempt
Organizational Group
College Of Lsa
Department
LSA Earth & Environmental Sci.
Posting Begin/End Date
10/29/2026 - 11/05/2026
Salary
$42,400.00 - $67,000.00
Career Interest
Research
See All 13 Research Specialist Jobs in Michigan
Find roles in Michigan that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Specialist JobsResearch Specialist Jobs by City in Michigan
Where Michigan roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Research Specialist Job Market in Michigan
A snapshot from current Michigan openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Michigan Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research specialist jobs across Michigan.
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as biology, public health, social science, or psychology
- Experience designing, conducting, and documenting research studies or experimental protocols
- Proficiency with statistical software such as SPSS, SAS, R, or similar data analysis tools
- Familiarity with IRB submission processes and human subjects research compliance requirements
- Strong scientific or technical writing skills for grant proposals, reports, and peer-reviewed publications
- Ability to manage multiple research projects simultaneously and meet regulatory reporting deadlines
Research Specialist Jobs in Michigan: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a research specialist in Michigan?
Most research specialist roles in Michigan require at minimum a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as biology, psychology, public health, or a social science, though many employers prefer a master's degree for independent or senior positions. Clinical research roles often require or strongly favor certification through the Association of Clinical Research Professionals. Michigan does not issue a state-level research specialist license, but researchers conducting human subjects studies must complete IRB-approved training, and those working in clinical settings may need Good Clinical Practice certification.
Which companies hire research specialists in Michigan?
Employers hiring research specialists in Michigan right now include The University of Michigan, Delta Dental, and Hillsdale College, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Michigan's deep concentration of university medical centers, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and health systems makes it one of the more active states for research hiring across both academic and industry settings.
Which Michigan cities have the most research specialist jobs?
Ann Arbor, Okemos, and Detroit have the most research specialist openings in Michigan. Ann Arbor's concentration around the University of Michigan and its affiliated health system drives a large share of academic and clinical research hiring, while Detroit's major hospital networks and Wayne State University anchor healthcare-focused roles, and Grand Rapids benefits from the growing life sciences and health research activity centered around Spectrum Health and other regional medical institutions.
Are there remote research specialist jobs in Michigan?
Yes, but they're less common than in purely desk-based fields. About 64% of research specialist openings tied to Michigan are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the fact that much of the work involves lab environments, clinical sites, or in-person data collection. The portions of the role most likely to be remote include data analysis, literature review, grant writing, and reporting tasks.
How can I get hired as a research specialist in Michigan with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a research assistant or research coordinator role, which large Michigan employers including the University of Michigan Health System, Michigan State University, and Henry Ford Health regularly post for candidates with a relevant bachelor's degree and no prior professional research experience. Completing an IRB human subjects training module and earning a Good Clinical Practice certificate before applying gives candidates a meaningful edge. Adjacent roles such as clinical data coordinator, lab technician, or program evaluation assistant are also common stepping stones into research specialist positions at Michigan institutions.
Where can I find and apply to research specialist jobs in Michigan?
You can find and apply to research specialist jobs in Michigan on Migrate Mate, which lists current Michigan openings across industries and experience levels. Find roles that fit your background and apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 13 Research Specialist Jobs in Michigan
Find roles in Michigan that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Specialist Jobs