Lead Researcher Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Michigan
Lead researcher visa sponsorship jobs in Michigan are concentrated at research universities and life sciences employers across Ann Arbor, Detroit, and Grand Rapids. The University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and pharmaceutical and automotive technology firms regularly sponsor international researchers for roles requiring advanced degrees in biology, chemistry, engineering, and related STEM fields.
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Get Access To All JobsHow to Apply
A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.
Who We Are
At Michigan Engineering, we develop the talent and technologies that move society forward and serve our state and national interests. Through discovery and innovation, we create the foundational knowledge and practical technologies to solve not only today's most pressing challenges, but also power industries and change lives. Our programs and community are designed to promote personal well-being and achievement - enabling everyone to unlock their potential and contribute with confidence.
Job Summary
The Division of Electrical and Computer Engineering is seeking a highly responsible, self-motivated, detail-oriented individual to fill the position of Lead Research Administrator. The successful candidate will manage pre and post award activities relating to the Optics and CUOS Directors and faculty. This position reports directly to the Research Administration Senior Manager.
Research Administrators support Michigan Engineering research projects by coordinating budgets and timelines, securing funding and helping the work stay on track. This is crucial work that enables our research teams to tackle humanity's toughest problems. To learn more about Research Administration at Michigan Engineering, view our short video here.
Responsibilities
FINANCIAL:
- Financial reconciliation, including monitoring projects to ensure expenses are appropriate for all accounts (sponsored and general funding) assigned by the Research Administration Senior Manager
- Forecasting all financial projects both sponsored and non-sponsored
- Review project expenses to determine allowability and appropriateness including researching erroneous charges and taking corrective action
RESEARCH ADMINISTRATION:
- Work closely with faculty to develop, prepare and submit proposals, involving multi-site budgets, and other agreements with a variety of sponsors
- Develop itemized budgets and guide faculty on appropriate budgetary items to include in proposal submissions ensuring proposal and budget compliance with federal, University, and EECS/ECE department specific rules and regulations
- Track and oversee project financial status, provide monthly financial reports for investigators
- DBE initiation for faculty, staff and student effort for projects
- Financial monitoring such as journal entries, budget allocations, post award change requests, unfunded agreement processing, initiation sub projects, subcontracts, and monitoring and reconciling purchasing orders in the department purchasing system
- FSRs and other documents to close out sponsored projects
- Organizing meetings and conferences from implementation to completion, including travel arrangements Ensuring that sponsor guidelines for expenses and reporting are being met
- Taking and distributing minutes and following up on action items
- Assisting and drafting ad hoc reports required by faculty, sponsor or Research Administration Senior Manager
OTHER:
- Other duties as assigned
- Coverage for the team as needed, including reimbursements, packages, and schedules
- Assisting with purchasing approvals, as needed
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and work experience
- 7+ years of progressively responsible experience in related position or an accounting background/experience
- Familiarity with university policies and procedures related to sponsored projects
- Demonstrated ability to think through and anticipate departmental needs
- Proven ability to work well with others especially under pressure of deadlines
- Ability to work well independently and in teams
- Demonstrated knowledge of compliance issues particularly having an in-depth knowledge of Uniform Guidance compliance
- Proven ability to analyze data
- Excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills
- Demonstrated initiative identifying and following through on critical tasks
- Ability to make independent decisions
- Experience with financial management and account reconciliation
- Excellent communication skills
Desired Qualifications
- Demonstrated ability to produce, explain, and use reports and spreadsheets
- Ability to multitask and refocus after interruptions
- Demonstrated ability to improve processes, adapt to new conditions and manage change
- Prior experience working with, and understanding policies and procedures of, the following federal agencies NSF, NIH, DOD, and DOE, as well as experience with corporate and industrial sponsors
- RAIN, Navigate certification, or equivalent
- Certified Research Administrator (CRA) is a plus but not required
Why Work at 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 your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:
- Generous time off
- A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
- Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
- Life insurance
- Long-term disability coverage
- Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
- Maternity and Parental Leave
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.
This position is primarily remote, however in person presence is needed for finance meetings and assisting with team coverage, when needed.
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.
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
285337
Working Title
Research Administrator Lead
Job Title
Research Administrator Ld
Work Location
Ann Arbor Campus
Ann Arbor, MI
Modes of Work
Mobile/Remote
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
FLSA Status
Exempt
Organizational Group
College Engineering
Department
CoE EECS - ECE Division
Posting Begin/End Date
11/05/2026 - 11/19/2026
Salary
$100,000.00 - $115,000.00
Career Interest
Research
How to Apply
A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.
Who We Are
At Michigan Engineering, we develop the talent and technologies that move society forward and serve our state and national interests. Through discovery and innovation, we create the foundational knowledge and practical technologies to solve not only today's most pressing challenges, but also power industries and change lives. Our programs and community are designed to promote personal well-being and achievement - enabling everyone to unlock their potential and contribute with confidence.
Job Summary
The Division of Electrical and Computer Engineering is seeking a highly responsible, self-motivated, detail-oriented individual to fill the position of Lead Research Administrator. The successful candidate will manage pre and post award activities relating to the Optics and CUOS Directors and faculty. This position reports directly to the Research Administration Senior Manager.
Research Administrators support Michigan Engineering research projects by coordinating budgets and timelines, securing funding and helping the work stay on track. This is crucial work that enables our research teams to tackle humanity's toughest problems. To learn more about Research Administration at Michigan Engineering, view our short video here.
Responsibilities
FINANCIAL:
- Financial reconciliation, including monitoring projects to ensure expenses are appropriate for all accounts (sponsored and general funding) assigned by the Research Administration Senior Manager
- Forecasting all financial projects both sponsored and non-sponsored
- Review project expenses to determine allowability and appropriateness including researching erroneous charges and taking corrective action
RESEARCH ADMINISTRATION:
- Work closely with faculty to develop, prepare and submit proposals, involving multi-site budgets, and other agreements with a variety of sponsors
- Develop itemized budgets and guide faculty on appropriate budgetary items to include in proposal submissions ensuring proposal and budget compliance with federal, University, and EECS/ECE department specific rules and regulations
- Track and oversee project financial status, provide monthly financial reports for investigators
- DBE initiation for faculty, staff and student effort for projects
- Financial monitoring such as journal entries, budget allocations, post award change requests, unfunded agreement processing, initiation sub projects, subcontracts, and monitoring and reconciling purchasing orders in the department purchasing system
- FSRs and other documents to close out sponsored projects
- Organizing meetings and conferences from implementation to completion, including travel arrangements Ensuring that sponsor guidelines for expenses and reporting are being met
- Taking and distributing minutes and following up on action items
- Assisting and drafting ad hoc reports required by faculty, sponsor or Research Administration Senior Manager
OTHER:
- Other duties as assigned
- Coverage for the team as needed, including reimbursements, packages, and schedules
- Assisting with purchasing approvals, as needed
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and work experience
- 7+ years of progressively responsible experience in related position or an accounting background/experience
- Familiarity with university policies and procedures related to sponsored projects
- Demonstrated ability to think through and anticipate departmental needs
- Proven ability to work well with others especially under pressure of deadlines
- Ability to work well independently and in teams
- Demonstrated knowledge of compliance issues particularly having an in-depth knowledge of Uniform Guidance compliance
- Proven ability to analyze data
- Excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills
- Demonstrated initiative identifying and following through on critical tasks
- Ability to make independent decisions
- Experience with financial management and account reconciliation
- Excellent communication skills
Desired Qualifications
- Demonstrated ability to produce, explain, and use reports and spreadsheets
- Ability to multitask and refocus after interruptions
- Demonstrated ability to improve processes, adapt to new conditions and manage change
- Prior experience working with, and understanding policies and procedures of, the following federal agencies NSF, NIH, DOD, and DOE, as well as experience with corporate and industrial sponsors
- RAIN, Navigate certification, or equivalent
- Certified Research Administrator (CRA) is a plus but not required
Why Work at 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 your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:
- Generous time off
- A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
- Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
- Life insurance
- Long-term disability coverage
- Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
- Maternity and Parental Leave
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.
This position is primarily remote, however in person presence is needed for finance meetings and assisting with team coverage, when needed.
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.
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
285337
Working Title
Research Administrator Lead
Job Title
Research Administrator Ld
Work Location
Ann Arbor Campus
Ann Arbor, MI
Modes of Work
Mobile/Remote
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
FLSA Status
Exempt
Organizational Group
College Engineering
Department
CoE EECS - ECE Division
Posting Begin/End Date
11/05/2026 - 11/19/2026
Salary
$100,000.00 - $115,000.00
Career Interest
Research
Lead Researcher Job Roles in Michigan
See all 40+ Lead Researcher Jobs in Michigan
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Search Lead Researcher Jobs in MichiganLead Researcher Jobs in Michigan: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for lead researchers in Michigan?
Major sponsors include the University of Michigan and Michigan State University, which regularly file for research faculty and senior scientists. Life sciences employers such as Pfizer's Michigan operations, Perrigo, and Stryker also sponsor lead researchers. Automotive technology firms including Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis sponsor researchers in materials science, battery technology, and advanced manufacturing fields.
Which visa types realistically fit lead researcher roles in Michigan?
The H-1B visa is the most common path, covering specialty occupations that require a directly related bachelor's degree or higher. The O-1A applies to researchers with demonstrated extraordinary ability. University-affiliated roles may qualify for cap-exempt H-1B petitions. Green card pathways via EB-2 or EB-3 are also viable, with EB-2 NIW available to researchers whose work serves the national interest without requiring employer-driven PERM labor certification.
How to find lead researcher visa sponsorship jobs in Michigan?
Migrate Mate lists Michigan employers with verified visa sponsorship history for research roles, letting you search specifically by location and field. This saves significant time compared to manually reviewing employer filings. Lead researcher positions in Michigan tend to appear at Ann Arbor institutions, Grand Rapids medical device firms, and Detroit-area automotive R&D centers, so filtering by city within Migrate Mate helps narrow results to active sponsors.
Which cities in Michigan have the most lead researcher sponsorship jobs?
Ann Arbor generates the highest concentration, anchored by the University of Michigan's research enterprise and surrounding life sciences spinoffs. Grand Rapids has grown as a medical device and biotech hub, with employers like Stryker and Spectrum Health sponsoring research talent. Detroit and Dearborn offer opportunities in automotive and materials research at Ford, GM, and their supplier networks. East Lansing has sponsorship activity tied to Michigan State University.
Are there state-specific factors that affect visa sponsorship for lead researchers in Michigan?
Michigan's research economy is shaped by two distinct sectors: university-driven life sciences in Ann Arbor and East Lansing, and automotive technology R&D clustered around Detroit. University employers often qualify as cap-exempt H-1B sponsors, which removes lottery uncertainty for researchers at those institutions. The state's strong graduate pipeline through the University of Michigan and Michigan State also means employers are experienced with F-1 OPT and STEM OPT transitions into full sponsorship for research roles.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored lead researcher 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.