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Operations Research Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Why Join Us | DuPont Careers The Pilot Plant Engineer is a hands-on, operations-focused engineer ... Translate R&D needs into practical engineering solutions and new pilot capabilities * Design ...

Research Assistant

Fraser, MI · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Support daily research operations, reporting, and performance goals Qualifications * High school diploma or equivalent (required) * 1-3 years of clinical research experience (preferred) * Knowledge ...

Oversee day-to-day clinical research operations, ensuring efficient workflow, timely completion of study-related tasks, and optimal resource utilization. * Collaborate in planning and strategy to ...

Oversee day-to-day clinical research operations, ensuring efficient workflow, timely completion of study-related tasks, and optimal resource utilization. * Collaborate in planning and strategy to ...

Oversee day-to-day clinical research operations, ensuring efficient workflow, timely completion of study-related tasks, and optimal resource utilization. * Collaborate in planning and strategy to ...

The Market Research Analyst designs and fields the customer research that tells the team what ... They will create recommendations for Brand Operations, Product Planning, Dealer Network and Brand ...

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Operations Research information

See Michigan salary details

$33.6K

$81.8K

$131.6K

How much do operations research jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for operations research in Michigan is $81,759.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,000.00 and $100,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Operations Research Analyst, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Operations Research Analyst, you need strong quantitative analysis, mathematical modeling, and problem-solving skills, typically supported by a degree in mathematics, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with programming languages (such as Python or R), advanced Excel, and optimization software like CPLEX or Gurobi is often required. Outstanding communication, critical thinking, and teamwork abilities help translate complex data insights into actionable recommendations for stakeholders. These skills ensure effective analysis, informed decision-making, and successful implementation of solutions in complex organizational environments.

What does an operations researcher do?

An operations researcher analyzes complex systems and processes to improve efficiency and decision-making using mathematical models, statistics, and optimization techniques. They often work with data analysis tools and develop algorithms to solve logistical, scheduling, or resource allocation problems in various industries.

What is operations research?

Operations research is a discipline that uses advanced analytical methods, such as mathematical modeling, statistics, and algorithms, to help organizations solve complex problems and make better decisions. Professionals in this field analyze data and systems to optimize processes, improve efficiency, and reduce costs. Operations research is applied in various industries, including logistics, manufacturing, healthcare, and finance, to support strategic planning and operational improvements.

What is the difference between Operations Research vs Data Analyst?

AspectOperations ResearchData Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's or master's in operations research, industrial engineering, or related fieldsBachelor's or master's in statistics, mathematics, or data science
Work EnvironmentAnalytical teams, consulting firms, manufacturing, logisticsBusiness, finance, marketing, technology sectors
Employer & Industry UsageSupply chain, transportation, manufacturing, governmentRetail, finance, healthcare, tech companies
Common Search & ComparisonOperations Research vs Data Analyst

Operations Research and Data Analysts both analyze data to improve decision-making, but Operations Research focuses on complex optimization and modeling for large systems, while Data Analysts interpret data trends for business insights. Their roles often overlap but serve different strategic purposes in organizations.

What Are the Qualifications to Get a Job in Operations Research?

The qualifications to get a job in operations research typically include a bachelor’s degree and strong technical and mathematical skills. Data science, statistics, applied math, and engineering are all good subjects to study in college. It is also useful to have a working knowledge of the specific industry in which you work, such as logistics and delivery, healthcare, or business. More complex positions often require advanced degrees. In addition to these formal qualifications, programming experience with R or other statistical software and strong analytical skills are essential.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals in Operations Research, and how can they be addressed?

Operations Research professionals often encounter challenges such as working with incomplete or imperfect data, translating complex mathematical models into actionable business solutions, and communicating technical findings to non-technical stakeholders. Successfully addressing these challenges involves collaborating closely with subject matter experts, utilizing robust data validation techniques, and developing strong communication skills to clearly convey results and recommendations. Additionally, staying updated on the latest optimization tools and methodologies can help streamline problem-solving processes.
What are the most commonly searched types of Operations Research jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Operations Research jobs in Michigan are:
What job categories do people searching Operations Research jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Operations Research jobs in Michigan are:
Infographic showing various Operations Research job openings in Michigan as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 7% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,759 per year, or $39.3 per hour.
Survey Research Operations Manager

Survey Research Operations Manager

Wayne State University

Detroit, MI • On-site

$65K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 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

241st of 535 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Survey Research Operations Manager
Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Survey Research Operations Manager 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):
Center for UrbanStudies,a research center located within Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan,seeks an experienced Survey ResearchOperations Manager to oversee the logistics and processes for implementinglarge-scale multi-mode surveys.
Responsibilities:
Center for Urban Studies, a research center located within Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, seeks an experienced Survey Research Operations Manager to oversee the logistics and processes for implementing large-scale multi-mode surveys.
Responsibilities
• This position is responsible to the Center Director and reports to the Center's Managing Director on a day-to-day basis, providing ongoing updates as requested.
• Collaborate with Research Team: Work with researchers to translate study designs into practical data collection plans, including sampling, recruitment, and incentive administration.
• Project Management: Develop/update project workplans, manage timelines, oversee daily activities for data collection efforts.
o Coordinate with state agencies to ensure ADA compliance of survey materials, including non-English versions.
o Coordinate with external partners, including printing/mailing house and directory providers. Provide leadership at printing house to ensure adherence to quality control measures.
o Work with other lead researchers to prepare samples across several surveys, including cohort rebalancing, and creating lists for target remails and for follow-up efforts.
o Coordinate with CATI lab to monitor phone samples on an ongoing basis.
o Manage technology and systems needed for processing data and for tracking/monitoring progress (e.g. SPSS, Excel, Access, SQL, OMR software such as Remark).
o Work with other lead researchers to produce clean survey datasets across all modes, conduct statistical analysis, and produce data summary files and reports and other deliverable documents.
o Provide regular updates to survey team and Center leadership.
• Data Collection Oversight: Manage the deployment and execution of various survey modes (mail, web, phone, in-person) to maximize response rates and to reach diverse populations.
  • Mail Surveys: Oversee printing, mailing logistics, and tracking returns. Work with others to oversee data processing of incoming mail, including rigorous checks, coding, data cleaning, and privacy protection.
  • Web Surveys: Oversee the programming of online platforms such as Qualtrics, managing access, and monitor completion rates.
  • Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI): Work closely with others to set up call center procedures/protocols, including training, monitoring interviewer performance, tracking interviewing hours against numbers of completes, etc.
  • In-Person/Field Interviews: Coordinate field staff, logistics, and data collection methods.

• Quality Assurance and Quality Control: Implement quality control measures.
o Ensure data integrity and compliance with IRB research protocols. Work with others on IRB submissions and amendments.
o Ensure all data collection methods strictly follow the approved research design and methodology.
o Monitor data collection progress, and seek innovative strategies to increase survey response rates.
o Monitor, verify, and correct data quality errors during collection across all modes.
• Staff Management: Assist others in hiring, training, and supervising survey research staff (interviewers, student assistants, support staff) and provide ongoing support and quality control.
• Initiate grant proposals in the areas of survey research and/or program evaluation, including: identifying funding sources and RFPs; conducting literature reviews; developing research question; designing research methods, data analysis plan, and data collection procedures.
• Assist in the preparation of articles for consideration in refereed journals on an ongoing basis.
Unique duties:
Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications
  • A degree in social science research (including political science, public administration, demography, education, geography, psychology, public health, social work, sociology, survey methodology, statistics, and urban studies), especially coursework in research methods, is required. A Master's degree or Ph.D. in progress is highly preferred.
  • 2-5 years of solid experience managing operations of surveys or similar processes, especially in an academic setting.
  • Excellent command of the English language, both written and spoken. Bilingual in Spanish or Arabic is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• A strong working knowledge of social science research methods and experience in managing primary data collection procedures (mail surveys, CATI lab, web-based surveys, in-person interviews, focus groups, etc.) and practicalities of implementation required.
• Ability to manage several projects simultaneously, prioritize and plan work activities while meeting respective deadlines. Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Effectively utilize software necessary to convert and process data (e.g. SAS, SPSS, Excel, Access, Dbase, Remark). Computer programming capability, including CATI programming software, is an advantage. Experience in statistical analyses is a plus.
• Supervision skills and experience, including effective recruitment strategies and performance assessment.
• Flexible and adaptable style; a professional and resourceful style; the ability to work independently and as a team player, to take initiative, and to manage multiple tasks and projects at a time.
• Strong diplomatic skills to present, and answer questions and concerns effectively.
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills
Annual competitive salary range is $65,000 to $85,000 based on training and professional experience. Benefits include health care, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement savings plan, tuition assistance, vacation and illness hours, long-term disability, long-term care insurance, and flexible spending accounts.
Provide: Resume/Vita; writing samples, including survey reports; transcript of highest degree (unofficial is acceptable); 3 to 5 references are required.
Preferred qualifications:
School/College/Division:
H32 - Provost & VP Academic Affairs
Primary department:
H6614 - Center Urban Studies
Employment type:
  • Regular Employee
  • Job type: Full Time
  • Job category: Research
Funding/salary information:
  • Compensation type: Annual Salary
  • Hourly rate:
  • Salary minimum: $65K
  • Salary hire maximum: $85K
Working conditions:
This Position is 100% Grant Funded.
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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