Scientist Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Michigan
Michigan's scientist job market draws heavily from its life sciences corridor, anchored by employers like the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Pfizer's Kalamazoo operations, and auto-adjacent research firms in the Detroit metro. Ann Arbor, Kalamazoo, and East Lansing are the primary hiring hubs for research scientists seeking visa sponsorship in the state.
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Position Summary
The Ion Source Group Leader Scientist will contribute to ion beam development projects and the advancement of new capabilities for the 28 GHz Superconducting ECR ion source, while also supporting beam delivery from multiple ECR ion sources to meet the needs of the nuclear science program.
MAJOR DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
- Research, test and develop beam production technique to extend the range of ions available for the FRIB science program
- Lead projects aimed at improving the ion source performances to support the facility power ramp up
- Lead the development of new ion sources for the FRIB accelerator and the Single Event Effect project, including their design, construction, assembly, and commissioning
- Develop and strengthen a preventive maintenance program for the ECR ion source and related equipment
- Responsible for the delivery of ion beams from two ECR ion sources to support FRIB mission with high availability and high reliability
- Collaborate, participate in conferences and publish results in peer review journals
- Lead development and operation of ECR ion source for the Single Event Effect Program
- Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties in this job classification
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES
- Knowledge and experience with high vacuum environment, high voltage, high magnetic field, superconducting magnet technology, RF power, mechanical engineering and thermal analysis
- Knowledge and experience in designing ion source or accelerator components and working in an accelerator environment are preferred
- Experienced in operating accelerator components
- Ability to comply with Environment, Safety and Health (ES&H) and QA requirements
- Excellent communication skills to communicate effectively and credibly, both verbally and in writing with all audiences
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suites
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
REQUIRED DEGREE
Doctorate - Physics or Chemistry
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
PhD with 5-7 years minimum experience with ion source, plasma physics, atomic physics, accelerator physics, and technology or related field
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Demonstrated experience in designing and operating ion source, plasma devices or accelerator components
- 10+ years prior experience in accelerator physics and/or accelerator technology
- Nationally recognized leader in the field of expertise
- Record of publications in conference or peer reviewed journal related to ion source or accelerator technology
REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS
- CV
- Cover Letter
- Contact information for three references
REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS BEGINS ON
10/13/2025
MSU STATEMENT
Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.

Position Summary
The Ion Source Group Leader Scientist will contribute to ion beam development projects and the advancement of new capabilities for the 28 GHz Superconducting ECR ion source, while also supporting beam delivery from multiple ECR ion sources to meet the needs of the nuclear science program.
MAJOR DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
- Research, test and develop beam production technique to extend the range of ions available for the FRIB science program
- Lead projects aimed at improving the ion source performances to support the facility power ramp up
- Lead the development of new ion sources for the FRIB accelerator and the Single Event Effect project, including their design, construction, assembly, and commissioning
- Develop and strengthen a preventive maintenance program for the ECR ion source and related equipment
- Responsible for the delivery of ion beams from two ECR ion sources to support FRIB mission with high availability and high reliability
- Collaborate, participate in conferences and publish results in peer review journals
- Lead development and operation of ECR ion source for the Single Event Effect Program
- Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties in this job classification
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES
- Knowledge and experience with high vacuum environment, high voltage, high magnetic field, superconducting magnet technology, RF power, mechanical engineering and thermal analysis
- Knowledge and experience in designing ion source or accelerator components and working in an accelerator environment are preferred
- Experienced in operating accelerator components
- Ability to comply with Environment, Safety and Health (ES&H) and QA requirements
- Excellent communication skills to communicate effectively and credibly, both verbally and in writing with all audiences
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suites
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
REQUIRED DEGREE
Doctorate - Physics or Chemistry
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
PhD with 5-7 years minimum experience with ion source, plasma physics, atomic physics, accelerator physics, and technology or related field
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Demonstrated experience in designing and operating ion source, plasma devices or accelerator components
- 10+ years prior experience in accelerator physics and/or accelerator technology
- Nationally recognized leader in the field of expertise
- Record of publications in conference or peer reviewed journal related to ion source or accelerator technology
REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS
- CV
- Cover Letter
- Contact information for three references
REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS BEGINS ON
10/13/2025
MSU STATEMENT
Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.
Scientist Job Roles in Michigan
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Search Scientist Jobs in MichiganScientist Jobs in Michigan: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for scientists in Michigan?
Michigan's largest visa sponsors for scientist roles include the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Pfizer (Kalamazoo), Dow Chemical (Midland), and Stryker (Kalamazoo). Major health systems like Henry Ford Health and Corewell Health also sponsor research scientists. University and pharmaceutical employers tend to have established H-1B sponsorship processes and sponsor consistently year over year.
Which visa types are most common for scientist roles in Michigan?
The H-1B is the most common visa for scientist positions in Michigan, covering research scientists, analytical chemists, biologists, and materials scientists in specialty occupation roles. University-affiliated scientists may also qualify through cap-exempt H-1B filings, bypassing the annual lottery. Scientists with exceptional records may pursue O-1A visas, and those with qualifying degrees from certain countries may explore other nonimmigrant categories.
How to find scientist visa sponsorship jobs in Michigan?
Migrate Mate filters scientist roles specifically by visa sponsorship history and state, making it easier to identify Michigan employers who have sponsored before. Rather than sorting through thousands of unfiltered postings, you can browse scientist openings in Ann Arbor, Kalamazoo, and the Detroit metro with sponsorship context already surfaced. Creating a profile on Migrate Mate lets you track new Michigan scientist roles as they're posted.
Which cities in Michigan have the most scientist sponsorship jobs?
Ann Arbor leads Michigan for scientist sponsorship, driven by the University of Michigan and a dense cluster of life sciences and tech research firms. Kalamazoo is a strong second, anchored by Pfizer and Stryker's R&D operations. East Lansing sees demand through Michigan State University, and Midland hosts Dow's chemical research division. Detroit's broader metro also has openings across automotive research and health system labs.
Are there any Michigan-specific factors scientists should know when seeking visa sponsorship?
Michigan's concentration of university and pharmaceutical employers matters for scientists because both sectors have relatively mature sponsorship infrastructure. Cap-exempt H-1B filings are available to scientists employed directly by universities or affiliated nonprofit research institutions, which is relevant given Michigan's large public university system. Prevailing wage requirements apply to all H-1B roles, and Michigan's Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity publishes regional wage data that employers use when filing Labor Condition Applications.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored scientist 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.
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