Senior Researcher Jobs in Michigan

Senior Researcher jobs in Michigan are in steady demand, concentrated in the state's strong university research ecosystems, automotive innovation sector, and life sciences industry. Ann Arbor, Detroit, and Grand Rapids are the primary hiring hubs, where institutions and employers such as the University of Michigan, Ford Motor Company, and Spectrum Health maintain active research programs. The most sought-after specialties include clinical and translational research, automotive systems research, and public health or epidemiology. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.

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Overview

Open roles10

Top employerHenry Ford Health

Top cityDetroit, MI

Cities hiring5

Work type67% Hybrid

Top credentialDoctoral degree

Showing 4 of 10+ Senior Researcher jobs

Technology Commercialization Senior Professional, Division of Research & Innovation

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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

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Senior Manager, Product Research

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Added 1w ago

Ford Motor Company

Senior Manager, Product Research

Dearborn, Michigan

Added 1w ago

Ford Motor Company

Dearborn, Michigan

Clinical Trials

Laboratory Research

Research & Academia

Clinical Trials

Laboratory Research

Research & Academia

$142k - $268k/yr

Hybrid

Master's degree

$142k - $268k/yr

Hybrid

Master's degree

10,000+

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Research Area Specialist Lead Underfill Senior-Term limited

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Added 1w ago

The University of Michigan

Research Area Specialist Lead Underfill Senior-Term limited

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Added 1w ago

The University of Michigan

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Customer Support

Sales

Technical Product & Program Management

Customer Support

Sales

Technical Product & Program Management

Salary TBD

Remote (US)

Doctoral degree

Remote (US)

Doctoral degree

10,000+

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Senior Researcher

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Added 2w ago

General Motors (GM)

Senior Researcher

Warren, Michigan

Added 2w ago

General Motors (GM)

Warren, Michigan

Clinical Trials

Laboratory Research

Research & Academia

Clinical Trials

Laboratory Research

Research & Academia

Salary TBD

Hybrid

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering

Hybrid

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering

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 10 Senior Researcher Jobs in Michigan

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

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Senior Researcher Jobs by City in Michigan

Where Michigan roles are concentrated, by current openings.

Detroit

3 jobs

Ann Arbor

2 jobs

Troy

1 job

Warren

1 job

Dearborn

1 job

Senior Researcher Job Market in Michigan

A snapshot from current Michigan openings, updated as new roles post.

Who's Hiring

Henry Ford Health2 open roles

Iterative Health1 open role

Ford Motor Company1 open role

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What Michigan Employers Look For

The qualifications that appear most often in senior researcher jobs across Michigan.

Master's or doctoral degree in a relevant research discipline required
Minimum five years of experience designing and leading independent research projects
Demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publication or technical report authorship
Proficiency in quantitative and qualitative research methods and statistical analysis tools
Experience managing research teams, budgets, and multi-stakeholder projects
Strong written and verbal communication skills for grant writing and presentations

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Senior Researcher Jobs in Michigan: Frequently Asked Questions

How do you become a senior researcher in Michigan?

Most senior researcher roles in Michigan require at least a master's degree, and many positions in clinical, health, or life sciences research expect a doctorate. Michigan does not issue a general state license for researchers, but those working in clinical settings often need Good Clinical Practice certification and must comply with institutional review board requirements administered through their employing institution. Candidates typically advance from research associate or research scientist roles, building a record of independent projects and publications before reaching the senior level.

Which companies hire senior researchers in Michigan?

Michigan senior researcher roles are posted by Henry Ford Health, Iterative Health, and Ford Motor Company and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Michigan's concentration of automotive manufacturers, major academic medical centers, and federally funded university research programs makes it one of the more consistently active states for senior research hiring.

Which Michigan cities have the most senior researcher jobs?

Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Michigan have the most senior researcher openings in Michigan. Ann Arbor leads because of the University of Michigan's extensive research enterprise and affiliated health system, while Detroit draws from the automotive and engineering research presence of large manufacturers and their supplier networks, and Grand Rapids benefits from a growing health sciences cluster anchored by Spectrum Health and Michigan State University's College of Human Medicine.

Are there remote senior researcher jobs in Michigan?

Yes, and they are more common than in many fields, since a meaningful share of senior researcher work involves data analysis, literature synthesis, grant writing, and manuscript preparation that can be done remotely. About 83% of senior researcher openings tied to Michigan are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting how well the analytical and writing-intensive parts of the role translate to distributed work. Roles requiring laboratory work, clinical data collection, or direct participant interaction remain predominantly on-site.

How can I get hired as a senior researcher in Michigan with little or no experience?

The most realistic entry path is securing a research assistant or research coordinator role at one of Michigan's large research universities or academic medical centers, such as the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, or Wayne State University, which regularly post entry-level positions for recent graduates. Building experience in a specific domain, such as clinical trials coordination or automotive testing support, and earning a relevant certification can accelerate advancement. Candidates who contribute to published studies or funded grant proposals while in junior roles gain the portfolio that Michigan employers look for when filling senior-level openings.

Where can I find and apply to senior researcher jobs in Michigan?

You can find and apply to senior researcher jobs in Michigan on Migrate Mate, which lists current Michigan openings. Search the available roles, identify the ones that match your background and target industry, and apply directly to the ones that fit.

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