Laboratory Specialist Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Michigan
Laboratory specialist jobs in Michigan draw from the state's strength in automotive testing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and university research. Major employers include Michigan Medicine, Henry Ford Health, Pfizer's Kalamazoo operations, and auto-sector labs across the Detroit metro. Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, and Kalamazoo are the primary hiring hubs for sponsored laboratory specialist roles.
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Get Access To All JobsHow to Apply
Interested applicants should provide a cover letter detailing their specific interest in the position, CV and contact information for three references.
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 Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Michigan seeks a full-time Laboratory Research Specialist to manage the Geomicrobiology Laboratory and the Great Lakes Center for Freshwaters and Human Health. The successful candidate will work with a team of graduate students, postdocs, and staff to train and mentor students and conduct laboratory and field research on microbiomes, with a focus on harmful cyanobacterial blooms in the Great Lakes. The position requires regular, onsite presence in the laboratory to support research operations and train users.
Responsibilities
Senior:
- Lead, develop, design, and conduct research on multiple projects, including both wet lab and field work in the Dick lab.
- Independently create new methods and work to improve existing laboratory and research techniques.
- Collect and conduct samples for research and data analysis.
- Prepare research reports and write content for final submission into peer-reviewed journals.
- Present research work at conferences.
- Collect data and contribute to the preparation of research reports and peer-reviewed papers.
Lab Operations & Safety
- Provide oversight for the day-to-day operation of the laboratory.
- Train users and staff on laboratory techniques, equipment usage, and protocol standards.
- Maintain laboratory records and ensure compliance with protocol standards.
- Serve as back-up supervisor when the Principal Investigator (PI) is unavailable in the lab.
- Maintain laboratory safety by enforcing protocols, procedures, and university/departmental policies.
Supervision & Training
- Supervise Research Fellows, graduate, and undergraduate students.
- Coach and mentor staff and students on various research techniques.
- Train all staff in the lab.
Collaboration & Communication
- Interact and collaborate with research partners, both internally and externally.
- Present research findings at conferences.
Data Management & Reporting
- Enter data into databases; design and update datasets as needed.
- Develop and implement data management protocols.
Intermediate:
- Develop, design, and conduct research in the Geomicrobiology Lab.
- Create new methodologies and independently improve existing methods.
- Collect samples and data for research reports and peer-reviewed papers.
- Prepare reports and write content for submission to peer-reviewed journals.
- Conduct both wet lab and field work.
Laboratory Operations & Supervision
- Oversee daily operation of the laboratory.
- Train users on laboratory techniques and equipment usage.
- Supervise undergraduate students, providing coaching and mentoring on research techniques.
- Maintain laboratory cultures, records, and protocols.
- Coordinate laboratory usage, sample management, and supply ordering/inventory.
Safety and Compliance
- Enforce laboratory safety protocols and procedures.
- Ensure compliance with departmental and University policies and procedures.
Collaboration, Outreach, & Web Management
- Coordinate collaborative research, outreach, and engagement at the Great Lakes Center for Freshwaters and Human Health.
- Design and update websites using graphical web-based software.
- Plan and coordinate monthly and annual meetings.
- Participate in and coordinate public outreach and engagement with stakeholders.
- Assist in the preparation of reports.
Data Management
- Manage research data, including entry into databases.
- Design and update datasets.
- Develop and implement data management protocols.
Required Qualifications
Senior:
- BS/BA degree in a recognized field of science or learning directly related to laboratory duties
- 5-6 years of relevant laboratory or research experience
- Experience in a laboratory setting with all of the following:
- Managing budgets or financial resources
- Lab management
- Preparation of microbiological media and reagents, sterile technique, cultivation of bacteria
- Chemical and molecular methods such as gel electrophoresis, UV-VIS spectrophotometer, polymerase chain reaction, and extraction and quantification of nucleic acids.
- Planning and executing field work with minimal supervision, including coordination and collection of environmental water samples on research vessels on the Great Lakes
Intermediate:
- BS/BA degree plus 4-5 years related experience in a natural science discipline such as microbiology, chemistry, earth science, or environmental sciences.
- Experience in a laboratory setting with experience in two or more of the following:
- Lab management
- Preparation of microbiological media and reagents, sterile technique, cultivation of bacteria
- Chemical and molecular methods such as gel electrophoresis, UV-VIS spectrophotometer, polymerase chain reaction, and extraction and quantification of nucleic acids.
- Planning and executing field work with minimal supervision, including coordination and collection of environmental water samples on research vessels on the Great Lakes
Desired Qualifications
Senior:
- Master's degree or Doctorate (PhD, MD, etc.) in a relevant scientific discipline.
- Demonstrated experience with scholarly publication and presentation at scientific meetings or conferences.
- Experience with grant writing or securing external research funding.
- Project Management: Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
- Experience mentoring junior staff, students, or trainees.
- Experience with design and maintenance of websites
- Experience with data management
- Experience with bioinformatic analysis of DNA sequence data such as 16S rRNA gene libraries and random shotgun metagenomic and metatranscriptomic data; familiarity with the unix command line interface and shell scripts, and R or Python
- Experience with research engagement and/or outreach
Intermediate:
- Master's degree or higher in a relevant scientific field
- Supervisory and financial management experience
- Experience with design and maintenance of websites
- Experience with data management
- Experience with bioinformatic analysis of DNA sequence data such as 16S rRNA gene libraries and random shotgun metagenomic and metatranscriptomic data; familiarity with the unix command line interface and shell scripts, and R or Python
- Experience with research engagement and/or outreach
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 LSA's 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.
Additional Information
This position may be filled at the intermediate or senior level depending on candidate qualifications and experience.
The salary ranges are as follows:
Intermediate-level candidates: $53,600 - $66,950
Senior-level candidates: $63,100 - $78,900
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.
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
285539
Working Title
Research Laboratory Specialist, Dick Lab
Job Title
Research Lab Specialist Senior
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
11/10/2026 - 11/24/2026
Salary
$63,100.00 - $78,900.00
Career Interest
Research
How to Apply
Interested applicants should provide a cover letter detailing their specific interest in the position, CV and contact information for three references.
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 Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Michigan seeks a full-time Laboratory Research Specialist to manage the Geomicrobiology Laboratory and the Great Lakes Center for Freshwaters and Human Health. The successful candidate will work with a team of graduate students, postdocs, and staff to train and mentor students and conduct laboratory and field research on microbiomes, with a focus on harmful cyanobacterial blooms in the Great Lakes. The position requires regular, onsite presence in the laboratory to support research operations and train users.
Responsibilities
Senior:
- Lead, develop, design, and conduct research on multiple projects, including both wet lab and field work in the Dick lab.
- Independently create new methods and work to improve existing laboratory and research techniques.
- Collect and conduct samples for research and data analysis.
- Prepare research reports and write content for final submission into peer-reviewed journals.
- Present research work at conferences.
- Collect data and contribute to the preparation of research reports and peer-reviewed papers.
Lab Operations & Safety
- Provide oversight for the day-to-day operation of the laboratory.
- Train users and staff on laboratory techniques, equipment usage, and protocol standards.
- Maintain laboratory records and ensure compliance with protocol standards.
- Serve as back-up supervisor when the Principal Investigator (PI) is unavailable in the lab.
- Maintain laboratory safety by enforcing protocols, procedures, and university/departmental policies.
Supervision & Training
- Supervise Research Fellows, graduate, and undergraduate students.
- Coach and mentor staff and students on various research techniques.
- Train all staff in the lab.
Collaboration & Communication
- Interact and collaborate with research partners, both internally and externally.
- Present research findings at conferences.
Data Management & Reporting
- Enter data into databases; design and update datasets as needed.
- Develop and implement data management protocols.
Intermediate:
- Develop, design, and conduct research in the Geomicrobiology Lab.
- Create new methodologies and independently improve existing methods.
- Collect samples and data for research reports and peer-reviewed papers.
- Prepare reports and write content for submission to peer-reviewed journals.
- Conduct both wet lab and field work.
Laboratory Operations & Supervision
- Oversee daily operation of the laboratory.
- Train users on laboratory techniques and equipment usage.
- Supervise undergraduate students, providing coaching and mentoring on research techniques.
- Maintain laboratory cultures, records, and protocols.
- Coordinate laboratory usage, sample management, and supply ordering/inventory.
Safety and Compliance
- Enforce laboratory safety protocols and procedures.
- Ensure compliance with departmental and University policies and procedures.
Collaboration, Outreach, & Web Management
- Coordinate collaborative research, outreach, and engagement at the Great Lakes Center for Freshwaters and Human Health.
- Design and update websites using graphical web-based software.
- Plan and coordinate monthly and annual meetings.
- Participate in and coordinate public outreach and engagement with stakeholders.
- Assist in the preparation of reports.
Data Management
- Manage research data, including entry into databases.
- Design and update datasets.
- Develop and implement data management protocols.
Required Qualifications
Senior:
- BS/BA degree in a recognized field of science or learning directly related to laboratory duties
- 5-6 years of relevant laboratory or research experience
- Experience in a laboratory setting with all of the following:
- Managing budgets or financial resources
- Lab management
- Preparation of microbiological media and reagents, sterile technique, cultivation of bacteria
- Chemical and molecular methods such as gel electrophoresis, UV-VIS spectrophotometer, polymerase chain reaction, and extraction and quantification of nucleic acids.
- Planning and executing field work with minimal supervision, including coordination and collection of environmental water samples on research vessels on the Great Lakes
Intermediate:
- BS/BA degree plus 4-5 years related experience in a natural science discipline such as microbiology, chemistry, earth science, or environmental sciences.
- Experience in a laboratory setting with experience in two or more of the following:
- Lab management
- Preparation of microbiological media and reagents, sterile technique, cultivation of bacteria
- Chemical and molecular methods such as gel electrophoresis, UV-VIS spectrophotometer, polymerase chain reaction, and extraction and quantification of nucleic acids.
- Planning and executing field work with minimal supervision, including coordination and collection of environmental water samples on research vessels on the Great Lakes
Desired Qualifications
Senior:
- Master's degree or Doctorate (PhD, MD, etc.) in a relevant scientific discipline.
- Demonstrated experience with scholarly publication and presentation at scientific meetings or conferences.
- Experience with grant writing or securing external research funding.
- Project Management: Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
- Experience mentoring junior staff, students, or trainees.
- Experience with design and maintenance of websites
- Experience with data management
- Experience with bioinformatic analysis of DNA sequence data such as 16S rRNA gene libraries and random shotgun metagenomic and metatranscriptomic data; familiarity with the unix command line interface and shell scripts, and R or Python
- Experience with research engagement and/or outreach
Intermediate:
- Master's degree or higher in a relevant scientific field
- Supervisory and financial management experience
- Experience with design and maintenance of websites
- Experience with data management
- Experience with bioinformatic analysis of DNA sequence data such as 16S rRNA gene libraries and random shotgun metagenomic and metatranscriptomic data; familiarity with the unix command line interface and shell scripts, and R or Python
- Experience with research engagement and/or outreach
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 LSA's 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.
Additional Information
This position may be filled at the intermediate or senior level depending on candidate qualifications and experience.
The salary ranges are as follows:
Intermediate-level candidates: $53,600 - $66,950
Senior-level candidates: $63,100 - $78,900
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.
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
285539
Working Title
Research Laboratory Specialist, Dick Lab
Job Title
Research Lab Specialist Senior
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
11/10/2026 - 11/24/2026
Salary
$63,100.00 - $78,900.00
Career Interest
Research
Laboratory Specialist Job Roles in Michigan
See all 75+ Laboratory Specialist Jobs in Michigan
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Search Laboratory Specialist Jobs in MichiganLaboratory Specialist Jobs in Michigan: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for laboratory specialists in Michigan?
Michigan's largest laboratory specialist sponsors include Michigan Medicine and the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Henry Ford Health and Detroit Medical Center in the metro Detroit area, Pfizer and Perrigo in Kalamazoo, and Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids. Automotive testing laboratories affiliated with Ford, GM, and Stellantis also file sponsorship petitions for laboratory roles, particularly in materials testing and quality analysis.
Which visa types realistically fit laboratory specialist roles in Michigan?
Laboratory specialist roles that require a bachelor's degree in a directly related scientific field can qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship as a specialty occupation. Australian nationals may pursue the E-3 visa under the same specialty occupation standard. F-1 students with STEM-designated degrees can use OPT or STEM OPT to work in qualifying laboratory roles while seeking long-term sponsorship. Employers also sometimes support EB-2 or EB-3 green card sponsorship through PERM for experienced laboratory specialists.
How to find laboratory specialist visa sponsorship jobs in Michigan?
Migrate Mate lists Michigan employers with verified visa sponsorship history for laboratory specialist roles, searchable by city and employer. This lets you focus on organizations that have actually filed sponsorship petitions for laboratory positions rather than applying broadly. Ann Arbor, Kalamazoo, and Grand Rapids tend to show the highest concentration of verified sponsors, particularly from health systems, pharmaceutical companies, and university research departments.
Which cities in Michigan have the most laboratory specialist sponsorship jobs?
Ann Arbor leads Michigan for laboratory specialist sponsorship, driven by the University of Michigan's research enterprise and Michigan Medicine. Kalamazoo is a strong secondary market due to Pfizer, Perrigo, and a dense cluster of pharmaceutical and biotech employers. Grand Rapids has growing activity through Spectrum Health and medical device companies. Detroit and Dearborn also generate sponsorship demand from automotive materials and emissions testing laboratories.
Are there state-specific factors that affect laboratory specialist sponsorship in Michigan?
Michigan's dual strength in life sciences and automotive manufacturing creates sponsorship demand across two distinct laboratory tracks. University of Michigan, Michigan State, and Wayne State feed a strong domestic pipeline, but research-intensive roles in genomics, analytical chemistry, and materials science frequently require international talent. Kalamazoo's pharmaceutical cluster has a long history of sponsoring laboratory professionals, making it one of the more sponsorship-active markets for this role outside of coastal research hubs.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored laboratory specialist jobs in Michigan?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.