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Postdoc Research Associate Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Lead and conduct independent and collaborative research projects focused on musculoskeletal tissue ... junior postdoctoral fellows, and research staff , fostering an inclusive, productive, and ...

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Postdoc Research Associate information

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$9

$17

$28

How much do postdoc research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for postdoc research associate in Michigan is $17.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.98 and $18.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical collaboration opportunities for a Postdoc Research Associate within a research institution?

As a Postdoc Research Associate, you will frequently collaborate with principal investigators, graduate students, and fellow postdocs both within your department and across interdisciplinary teams. These collaborations often involve co-authoring research papers, designing experiments, and sharing specialized expertise or equipment. Many institutions also encourage postdocs to participate in seminars, lab meetings, and grant-writing sessions, which foster networking and skill development. Such teamwork not only enriches your research but also broadens your professional network, which can be crucial for future career advancement.

What is the difference between Postdoc Research Associate vs Research Scientist?

AspectPostdoc Research AssociateResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsDoctoral degree (Ph.D.) in relevant fieldMaster's or Ph.D., often with more experience
Work EnvironmentAcademic or research institutions, labsUniversities, research centers, industry R&D
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily academia and government researchAcademia, industry, biotech, pharma
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Postdoc Research Associate and a Research Scientist lies in experience level and career stage. Postdoc Research Associates are typically early-career researchers with a Ph.D. working on specific projects, often aiming for academic careers. Research Scientists usually have more experience, may hold advanced degrees, and work on broader research initiatives in academia or industry. Both roles require strong research skills and doctoral credentials, but their responsibilities and career paths differ.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Postdoc Research Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Postdoc Research Associate, you need a doctoral degree in a relevant field, robust research experience, and advanced analytical skills. Familiarity with specialized laboratory equipment, data analysis software, and scientific publishing platforms is typically required. Strong communication, problem-solving abilities, and collaboration are essential soft skills for presenting findings and working within research teams. These skills ensure high-quality research output, effective teamwork, and successful advancement of scientific knowledge.

What is a Postdoc Research Associate?

A Postdoc Research Associate is an individual who has completed their doctoral studies (PhD or equivalent) and is engaged in advanced academic or scientific research, usually on a temporary contract. Postdocs work under the supervision of a principal investigator or faculty member, contributing to ongoing research projects and often leading their own studies. Their main goal is to gain further research experience, publish findings, and develop skills needed for academic or industry careers. Postdoc positions are common in universities, research institutes, and some private sector organizations.
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Postdoc Research Associate jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Postdoc Research Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Postdoc Research Associate job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,020 per year, or $17.3 per hour.
Research Associate - Department of Physical Medicine & Rehab

Research Associate - Department of Physical Medicine & Rehab

Wayne State University

Detroit, MI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 12 hours ago


Wayne State University rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

253rd of 555 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Research Associate - Department of Physical Medicine & Rehab
Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Research Associate - Department of Physical Medicine & Rehab 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):
Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, provide scientific and technical assistance to complete laboratory based, clinical or population science research. May assist in writing research protocols and in manuscript preparation. Design and perform research protocols independently or as directed through training in more difficult or specialized procedures to meet the needs of the research protocol.
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 studies with clinical populations such as traumatic braininjury. Design and perform experiments, recruit participants forstudies by developing surveys and interviewing candidates.Participate in implementing research objectives, ensuringcompliance with all legal, regulatory and protocol guidelines.Assist staff with experiments /research protocols as required.Communicate with principal investigator and Postdoctoralscholars/fellows on the status of research.Collect and log data, clinical outcomes and/or survey data.Evaluate and perform data analysis using graphs, charts or tablesto highlight the key points of the research results collected inaccordance with the research protocols as stipulated. Proofreadand edit research data and documents to ensure accuracy.Prepare and present presentations regarding research results forprofessional, scientific and academic conferences. Summarizeand organize data results for submittal to academic andscholarly, peer-reviewed journals. Write scientific manuscriptsand other documents for publication. Fact-check, proofread, andedit research documents to ensure accuracy.Assist with planning and design of experiments.Conduct the experiments and data analysis.Prepare manuscripts and assist in grant writing.Present data in lab meeting, local and national conferences.Assist in training of students.Other related duties as assigned.
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:
Ability to work independently, analyze, summarize and interpretresearch findings in reports and communicate results. Knowledgeof scientific integrity principles. Excellent time management andorganization skills. Excellent interpersonal skills anddemonstrated ability to work with others in a collaborativeenvironment. Microsoft office software skills.MD and/or PhD degree(s) in psychology or medicine, but M.S. orM.A. also acceptable.Experience performing basic research techniques, preferred.Computer skills, including word processing, excel, power point,redcap, etc.Previous interdisciplinary research experience, excellentcommunication/writing skills and strong publication record arepreferred.Highly self-motivated candidates with passion to such researchare encouraged to apply.
School/College/Division:
H06 - School of Medicine
Primary department:
H0627 - Physical Medicine & Rehab
Employment type:
  • Regular Employee
  • Job type: Fractional Time
  • Job category: Research
Funding/salary information:
  • Compensation type: Annual Salary
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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