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Phd Graduate Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Strong verbal and written communication skills New Phd Graduate, 1-3 years experience, individual contributor Technical Expertise: * Strong foundation in heat transfer, fluid dynamics, refrigeration ...

Strong verbal and written communication skills New Phd Graduate, 1-3 years experience, individual contributor • Technical Expertise: * Strong foundation in heat transfer, fluid dynamics ...

$100K/yr

Graduate Engineer/Completed Bachelor's: $83,200.00/per year Graduate Engineer/Completed Master's: $91,000.00/per year Graduate Engineer/Completed PhD: $100,100.00/per year Your salary will be ...

$100K/yr

Graduate Engineer/Completed Bachelor's: $83,200.00/per year Graduate Engineer/Completed Master's: $91,000.00/per year Graduate Engineer/Completed PhD: $100,100.00/per year Your salary will be ...

$100K/yr

Graduate Engineer/Completed Bachelor's: $83,200.00/per year Graduate Engineer/Completed Master's: $91,000.00/per year Graduate Engineer/Completed PhD: $100,100.00/per year Your salary will be ...

$100K/yr

Graduate Engineer/Completed Bachelor's: $83,200.00/per year Graduate Engineer/Completed Master's: $91,000.00/per year Graduate Engineer/Completed PhD: $100,100.00/per year Your salary will be ...

$100K/yr

Graduate Engineer/Completed Bachelor's: $83,200.00/per year Graduate Engineer/Completed Master's: $91,000.00/per year Graduate Engineer/Completed PhD: $100,100.00/per year Your salary will be ...

$100K/yr

Graduate Engineer/Completed Bachelor's: $83,200.00/per year Graduate Engineer/Completed Master's: $91,000.00/per year Graduate Engineer/Completed PhD: $100,100.00/per year Your salary will be ...

$100K/yr

Graduate Engineer/Completed Bachelor's: $83,200.00/per year Graduate Engineer/Completed Master's: $91,000.00/per year Graduate Engineer/Completed PhD: $100,100.00/per year Your salary will be ...

$100K/yr

Graduate Engineer/Completed Bachelor's: $83,200.00/per year Graduate Engineer/Completed Master's: $91,000.00/per year Graduate Engineer/Completed PhD: $100,100.00/per year Your salary will be ...

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Phd Graduate information

What are PhD graduates?

PhD graduates are individuals who have completed a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree, which is the highest academic degree awarded by universities in most fields. They have demonstrated advanced knowledge and original research in their area of study, often culminating in a dissertation or thesis. PhD graduates are qualified for careers in academia, research, industry, and leadership roles that require critical thinking and specialized expertise.

What jobs can a PhD student do?

A PhD graduate can pursue roles such as research scientist, university professor, data analyst, policy advisor, or industry researcher, depending on their field of study. These positions often require advanced analytical skills, research experience, and expertise in specialized tools or methodologies.

What jobs can I get with a doctoral degree?

A PhD graduate can pursue careers in academia as professors or researchers, or work in industry as data scientists, research scientists, or policy analysts. These roles often require advanced research skills, critical thinking, and expertise in a specific field, and may involve publishing, grant writing, or project management.

How much do PhD grads make?

PhD graduates often earn higher starting salaries than those with only a master's or bachelor's degree, with median annual pay ranging from $70,000 to over $100,000 depending on the field and industry. Salaries can vary significantly based on specialization, experience, and location, especially in research, academia, or industry roles requiring advanced expertise.

What types of career paths are available to recent PhD graduates outside academia?

Recent PhD graduates have a wide range of career options beyond traditional academic roles. Common paths include research and development positions in industry, data science, consulting, policy analysis, and roles in government or non-profit organizations. Many companies value the analytical, project management, and problem-solving skills developed during doctoral studies. Networking, internships, and leveraging transferable skills are key strategies for transitioning into these sectors.

What is the difference between Phd Graduate vs Research Scientist?

AspectPhd GraduateResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsPhD degree, specialized research experienceTypically PhD, with additional experience in specific research areas
Work EnvironmentAcademic institutions, research labs, universitiesCorporate R&D labs, industry research teams
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, government agencies, research institutesPrivate companies, biotech, tech firms, pharmaceuticals
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

While both Phd Graduates and Research Scientists hold advanced research credentials, Phd Graduates often focus on academic or early-career research roles, whereas Research Scientists typically work in industry settings with more applied research responsibilities. The transition from Phd Graduate to Research Scientist involves gaining industry experience and applying research skills in commercial environments.

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

To thrive as a PhD Graduate, you need advanced research skills, subject-matter expertise, and a doctoral degree in your field. Familiarity with data analysis software, academic publishing platforms, and citation management systems is typically required. Strong critical thinking, perseverance, and effective communication help distinguish successful graduates in academic or industry roles. These skills are essential for contributing original knowledge, solving complex problems, and collaborating effectively in research and professional environments.

What jobs can I get after a PhD?

A PhD graduate can pursue careers in academia as a university professor or researcher, or work in industry as a data scientist, research scientist, or specialized engineer. They often find roles in government agencies, think tanks, or as consultants, leveraging advanced research skills, critical thinking, and subject matter expertise.
What are popular job titles related to Phd Graduate jobs in Michigan? For Phd Graduate jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Phd Graduate jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Phd Graduate job openings:
Infographic showing various Phd Graduate job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution.
Thermal Systems Researcher

Thermal Systems Researcher

General Motors

Warren, MI • Hybrid

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago


General Motors rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

General Motors

Based on 304 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Automakers average

Based on 6,256 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job Description

Advanced (PhD) degree in science/engineering disciplines.
New PhD grad up to 1-3 years work experience. Individual Contributor. Generate innovative ideas, suggest new project areas, and establish technical plans. Conduct research and/or experiments to collect required data and validate research ideas in developing. Write timely and high-quality research reports, external publications, and records of invention to document new ideas and research results in your area of research.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry and technical developments to grow core technical skills and competencies.
Establish relationships and develop partners with divisional staffs to meet project objectives
Observe and ensure support personnel proper safety practices and ensure personal protective equipment is in working order. Communicate laboratory hazards appropriately.
Execute technical and special assignments.
Assist lab management in identifying mega-trends in technology and business strategies in the automotive sector.
Contribute responses to threats and opportunities.
Represent GM effectively to the external technical and business communities.
Participate in technical discussions and reviews as an expert in your field.
Grow and diversify personal skills and competency base.
In-depth knowledge of the state-of-the-art research in specialized areas.
Consistently demonstrate innovative thinking and strong partnership.
Strong verbal and written communication skills

New Phd Graduate, 1-3 years experience, individual contributor

Technical Expertise:

  • Strong foundation in heat transfer, fluid dynamics, refrigeration systems, and related engineering domains.
  • Knowledge of vehicle thermal loops, propulsion and vehicle thermal systems, and heat exchanger design principles.
  • Knowledge of propulsion components (e.g. batteries, engines, motors), their thermal requirements and cooling techniques.
  • Hands on experience with thermal and fluid measurement instrumentation and data acquisition.
  • Understanding of vehicle aerodynamics and its interaction with thermal systems.
  • Experience with design optimization workflows using CFD and CAE methods.
  • Proficient in CFD tools, such as StarCCM+, PowerFlow, Fluent.
  • Proficiency with 1D system modeling tools such as GTISE, and familiarity with model reduction techniques.
  • Working knowledge of AI/ML frameworks and methods, including regression, classification, deep learning, use of digital twins, reinforcement learning.
  • Strong background in physicsbased modeling of continuous and discrete systems using firstprinciples approaches.
  • Experience with multidisciplinary optimization (modelbased and datadriven).

Professional Skills:

  • Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across diverse teams.
  • Demonstrated ability to innovate and operate effectively in environments with ambiguity or evolving requirements.
  • Selfmotivated, proactive, and capable of driving independent work.

Additional Information: This position may be eligible for relocation benefits.

GM does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. Do not apply for this role if you will need GM immigration sponsorship now or in the future. This includes direct company sponsorship, entry of GM as the immigration employer of record on a government form, and any work authorization requiring a written submission or other immigration support from the company (e.g., H1-B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc). This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location at least 3 times a week {or other frequency dictated by their manager}. This job may be eligible for relocation benefits.

About GM

Our vision is a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion and we embrace the responsibility to lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable for all.

Why Join Us

We believe we all must make a choice every day - individually and collectively - to drive meaningful change through our words, our deeds and our culture. Every day, we want every employee to feel they belong to one General Motors team.

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General Motors is committed to being a workplace that is not only free of unlawful discrimination, but one that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. We strongly believe that providing an inclusive workplace creates an environment in which our employees can thrive and develop better products for our customers.

All employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, disability, pregnancy or maternity status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran or protected veteran, or any other similarly protected status in accordance with federal, state and local laws.

We encourage interested candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications for each role and apply for any positions that match their skills and capabilities. Applicants in the recruitment process may be required, where applicable, to successfully complete a role-related assessment(s) and/or a pre-employment screening prior to beginning employment. To learn more, visit How we Hire.

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About General Motors

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General Motors is a company with global scale and capabilities, headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, with employees around the world. The company employs over 165,000 people, serves six continents, operates across 22 time zones, and has a diverse workforce speaking 75 languages1. GM’s vision is to drive the world forward by pioneering innovations that move and connect people to what matters. The company is working towards an all-electric future with its new Ultium Platform and is pushing transportation options beyond our wildest imaginations with autonomous vehicles. GM is also committed to becoming the most inclusive company in the world.

Industry

Transportation equipment manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Detroit, MI, US

Year founded

1908