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Cancer Research Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

... research. The laboratory has established a track record of impactful publications in leading ... D. (or equivalent) in cancer biology, molecular biology, immunology, metabolism, or a closely ...

Intern

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

At The Cancer & Hematology Centers we are dedicated to help, healing and hope for cancer patients and their families. We provide our patients with advanced treatments, innovative research and, above ...

Intern

Grand Rapids, MI

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

At The Cancer & Hematology Centers we are dedicated to help, healing and hope for cancer patients and their families. We provide our patients with advanced treatments, innovative research and, above ...

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Showing results 1-20

Cancer Research information

See Michigan salary details

$22.4K

$76.8K

$162.5K

How much do cancer research jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for cancer research in Michigan is $76,768.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,299.00 and $96,599.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Cancer Research vs Cancer Biologist?

AspectCancer ResearchCancer Biologist
Required CredentialsTypically requires a PhD or Master's in biology, biochemistry, or related fieldsUsually holds a PhD in biology, biochemistry, or molecular biology
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research institutions, pharmaceutical companiesLaboratories, academic institutions, research centers
Employer & Industry UsageResearch organizations, biotech firms, universitiesAcademic labs, research institutes, biotech companies
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared with Cancer Biologist due to overlapping roles in research

While both Cancer Researchers and Cancer Biologists work in laboratory settings focusing on cancer, Cancer Researchers often have broader roles including clinical trials and drug development, whereas Cancer Biologists primarily focus on understanding the biological mechanisms of cancer at the cellular and molecular levels.

How much do cancer researchers get paid?

Cancer researchers' salaries vary based on experience, education, and location, but typically range from $50,000 to $100,000 annually. Entry-level positions often start around $50,000, while experienced researchers with advanced degrees can earn over $100,000, especially in research institutions or pharmaceutical companies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cancer Researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cancer Researcher, you need a strong background in biomedical sciences, laboratory techniques, and often a PhD or relevant graduate degree. Familiarity with molecular biology tools, statistical analysis software, and laboratory information management systems is typically required. Critical thinking, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help researchers design studies, analyze data, and collaborate effectively. These skills are vital for advancing cancer understanding, developing new treatments, and contributing to impactful scientific progress.

How do you become a cancer researcher?

To become a cancer researcher, typically one needs a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as biology or chemistry, followed by a master's or Ph.D. in cancer biology, molecular biology, or a related discipline. Gaining laboratory experience, developing skills in data analysis, and staying current with scientific literature are also important for advancing in this field.

What are typical collaboration opportunities for professionals working in cancer research?

Professionals in cancer research frequently collaborate with multidisciplinary teams that include clinicians, pathologists, bioinformaticians, and laboratory technicians. These collaborations are essential for translating laboratory findings into clinical applications, designing effective studies, and analyzing complex data sets. Team meetings, joint grant proposals, and co-authored publications are common, providing valuable opportunities for professional growth and learning from experts in related fields. This collaborative environment also allows researchers to contribute to larger projects and stay updated with the latest advancements in oncology.

What careers are in cancer research?

Careers in cancer research include roles such as research scientist, clinical researcher, laboratory technician, and data analyst. These positions often require knowledge of biology, chemistry, or medicine, and may involve working in laboratories, hospitals, or research institutions to develop treatments and understand cancer mechanisms.

Can you do cancer research without a PhD?

Cancer research roles often require at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as biology or chemistry, but many positions, especially laboratory technician or research assistant roles, do not require a PhD. These roles typically involve supporting experiments, data collection, and analysis, and may require specific technical skills or certifications. Advanced research positions, such as principal investigator or senior scientist, usually require a PhD.

What is cancer research?

Cancer research is the scientific study of cancer, including its causes, development, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Researchers in this field work to understand how cancer cells grow and spread, and they develop new methods for detecting and treating different types of cancer. This work can involve laboratory experiments, clinical trials, and the analysis of patient data. The ultimate goal of cancer research is to improve patient outcomes and find cures or more effective therapies for cancer.
What are the most commonly searched types of Cancer Research jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Cancer Research jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Cancer Research jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Cancer Research job openings:
Infographic showing various Cancer Research job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,768 per year, or $36.9 per hour.

Research Associate - Department of Oncology

Wayne State University

Detroit, MI • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


Wayne State University rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

284th of 613 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Research Associate - Department of Oncology
Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Research Associate - Department of Oncology 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.
Essential functions (job duties):
Perform laboratory based scientific techniques or clinical/population science (human subjects) research. Design and perform experiments, recruit participants for studies by developing surveys and interviewing candidates. Participate in implementing research objectives, ensuring compliance with all legal, regulatory and protocol guidelines. Assist staff with experiments /research protocols as required. Communicate with principal investigator and Postdoctoral scholars/fellows on the status of research.
Collect and log laboratory results, clinical outcomes and/or survey data. Evaluate and perform data analysis using graphs, charts or tables to highlight the key points of the research results collected in accordance with the research protocols as stipulated. Proofread and edit research data and documents to ensure accuracy.
Prepare and present presentations regarding research results for professional, scientific and academic conferences. Summarize and organize data results for submittal to academic and scholarly, peer-reviewed journals. Write scientific manuscripts and other documents for publication. Fact-check, proofread, and edit research documents to ensure accuracy.
Maintain the laboratory work areas including routine maintenance on laboratory equipment as required. Order and organize required research supplies and records. Maintain cleanliness and organization of work station.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Unique duties:
Perform statistical and/or bioinformatics analysis and prepare reports based on plans devised by faculty members. - Assist in preparing manuscripts and abstracts, as well as proofreading accepted manuscripts prior to publication. - Stay up-to-date with statistical/bioinformatics and programming methodologies relevant to cancer research. - Implement assignments with excellence and work collaboratively with staff and faculty. - Compile information from clinical studies and report to ClinicalTrials.gov. - If required, participate in biostatistics/ bioinformatics educational activities related to cancer research for investigators, fellows, residents, and graduate students.
Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor's degree
Bachelor's degree in a related field of study, preferred. Requires advanced knowledge, predominantly intellectual in character, in a field of science or learning acquired by a prolonged course of specialized intellectual instruction.
Experience: Experienced (minimum 2 years of job-related experience)
Experience performing basic research techniques, preferred.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Ability to work independently. Ability to analyze, summarize and interpret research findings in reports and communicate results. Knowledge of scientific integrity principles. Excellent time management and organization skills. Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work with others in a collaborative environment. Microsoft office software skills.
Preferred qualifications:
Master's degree in Biostatistics, Statistics, Biomedical Informatics, Artificial Intelligence, Machine learning, or closely related discipline preferred. - At least 2 years of work experience with R programming, demonstrating excellent proficiency. Any work experience gained during the completion of an MS/PhD degree will be considered as part of this requirement. Statistical and/or bioinformatics work experience in collaborative medical research highly desirable. The candidate must be able to support cancer research across a wide range of biostatistical/bioinformatics domains, provide methodological guidance as needed, and assist with requests received through the Core. A strong desire to learn new statistical/bioinformatics methods is highly expected, given the evolving analytical needs of cancer research. Experience with causal inference, particularly using structural equation modeling, is considered a plus.
School/College/Division:
H06 - School of Medicine
Primary department:
H0632 - Oncology
Employment type:
  • Regular Employee
  • Job type: Full Time
  • Job category: Research
Funding/salary information:
  • Compensation type: Annual Salary
  • Hourly rate:
  • Salary minimum:
  • Salary hire maximum:
Working conditions:
Typical work environment may include a laboratory and/ or office environment. May require working non-standard business hours including evenings and weekends. May be required to travel to scientific conferences.
Job openings:
  • Number of openings: 1
  • Reposted position: No
  • Reposted reason: None (New Requisition)
  • Prior posting/requisition number:
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.

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