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Postdoc Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

The Van Andel Institute (VAI) is seeking to hire a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Burton Laboratory under the direction of Dr. Nick Burton. This role will present the opportunity to take on a leadership ...

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Postdoc information

See Michigan salary details

$21.8K

$51.4K

$72.8K

How much do postdoc jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoc in Michigan is $51,443.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,700.00 and $58,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are postdocs?

Postdocs, or postdoctoral researchers, are individuals who have completed their doctoral studies (PhD or equivalent) and are engaged in a temporary period of mentored research or scholarly training. This position allows them to deepen their expertise in a specialized area, develop new research skills, and prepare for independent careers in academia, industry, or other sectors. Postdoctoral appointments typically last from one to five years and often involve publishing research findings, collaborating with other scientists, and sometimes teaching responsibilities.

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

To thrive as a Postdoc, you need a doctoral degree in a relevant field, strong research skills, and a track record of academic publications. Familiarity with specialized research tools, statistical analysis software, and laboratory techniques (where applicable) is typically required. Exceptional problem-solving abilities, independence, and effective communication skills help postdocs excel in collaborative and interdisciplinary environments. These skills are crucial for advancing research objectives, securing funding, and building a foundation for a successful academic or industry career.

What is the difference between Postdoc vs Research Scientist?

AspectPostdocResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsDoctoral degree (PhD)Master's or PhD, often with more industry experience
Work EnvironmentAcademic or research institutionsIndustry, corporate R&D labs, or research organizations
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, academic research centersPrivate companies, government agencies, industry
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding academic research rolesIndustry research roles and career progression

In summary, a Postdoc is primarily an academic research position focused on gaining specialized research experience after earning a PhD. A Research Scientist typically works in industry or corporate settings, often requiring similar credentials but emphasizing applied research and product development. The choice depends on whether you aim for an academic or industry career path.

What are some common challenges faced by postdocs during their fellowship, and how can they be addressed?

Postdocs often encounter challenges such as balancing independent research with collaborative projects, managing the pressure to publish, and navigating uncertainty around career progression. Building strong communication with mentors, setting clear research goals, and seeking out professional development resources can help address these challenges. Additionally, connecting with peers and participating in interdisciplinary teams can provide support and open up new opportunities for collaboration and skill development.
What are the most commonly searched types of Postdoc jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Postdoc jobs in Michigan are:
What are popular job titles related to Postdoc jobs in Michigan? For Postdoc jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Postdoc jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Postdoc job openings:
Infographic showing various Postdoc job openings in Michigan as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,443 per year, or $24.7 per hour.
Postdoctoral Scholar - Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology

Postdoctoral Scholar - Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology

Wayne State University

Detroit, MI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 15 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

242nd of 537 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Postdoctoral Scholar - Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology
Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Postdoctoral Scholar - Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology 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):
Job Purpose: The purpose of the Postdoctoral Scholar positions is to provide individuals, who have recently (within the past 6 years) completed a doctoral degree, with a full-time program of advanced academic preparation and research training under the guidance of a supervising Faculty Mentor.
Postdoctoral appointments are temporary by nature and are designed to develop the Postdoctoral Scholar/Fellow as an independent scientist and to enhance their professional skills.
Postdoctoral Scholars are considered to be in training for future faculty teaching/ research positions or for a position suited to their desired career outcomes and recognized for their dual status as trainees and employees.
Postdoctoral Scholars provide leadership in the design and management of research programs. They additionally assist their Faculty Mentor(s) in designing protocols as well as training and/or supervising technical research staff to complete research projects. With the assistance of the Faculty Mentor, postdoctoral scholars/fellows write research grants with the goal of obtaining additional research grants. They conduct independent research that is expected to result in scholarly publications and presentations for research funding at scientific meetings.
The postdoctoral scholars complete technical laboratory and/or field experimental procedures. They conduct independent research with grant funding they were responsible for obtaining. Postdoctoral scholars /fellows, with permission and supervision of their mentor(s), may also be involved with the training of undergraduate and graduate students in the laboratory, which is another key aspect towards their preparation for future academic and non-academic positions.
The title of Postdoctoral Scholar applies to those who are paid a salary by WSU. Their salary is usually charged to a grant or contract secured by their faculty mentor. This position is time-limited and typically expires after completing
6 years of research training.
Essential Functions:
Perform scientific techniques or research protocols. Assist the Principal Investigator in designing and performing protocols. Design and perform experiments. Collect and log research data. Participate in implementing research objectives, ensuring compliance with all legal, regulatory and protocol guidelines. Assist other lab members with experiments as required. May mentor research assistants and students
With the assistance of the mentor, find and write research grants with the goal of obtaining additional research grant funding. Responsibilities may also include coordinating correspondence with applicants and grantees, acknowledging receipts of proposals, and maintaining a system to track proposals.
Evaluate and perform preliminary analysis of the data using graphs, charts or tables to highlight the key points of the research results collected in accordance with the research protocols as stipulated.
Prepare and present presentations regarding research project 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:
Conduct research in reproductive sciences involving multi-organ integrative physiologic and immunologic studies using in vitro systems, rodent models, engineered tissues, organoid and organ-on-chip platforms, and neurobehavioral assessments.Analyze experimental data; prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication; assist with development of grant applications and related scientific reports.Bank and catalog biological samples; maintain research databases and project inventories; work independently in conducting research activities; assist in training and mentoring research students and trainees as needed.Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Education: Doctorate degree
Requires advanced knowledge in a field of science or learning, predominantly intellectual in character.
This knowledge is acquired by a prolonged course of specialized intellectual instruction.
Experience: Intermediate (3 to 4 years job-related experience)
Job related experience can include doctorate training. Experience performing basic research techniques,
preferred. Must have distinguished themselves in research. Prior recipient of funding for research based on individual achievements.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Ability to work independently. Ability to secure grants and funding for research. Ability to collect, analyze, summarize and interpret research findings in reports and communicate results to the field. Knowledge of and experience with current 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:
Education: Ph.D. in Developmental Biology, Reproductive Biology, Physiology, Neuroscience, Bioengineering, Molecular Biology, or a closely related field.Preferred Experience: Experience with engineered tissues, organoids, and organ-on-chip models. Experience conducting in vivo studies using rodent models. Experience with neurobehavioral testing and analysis. Experience with molecular and cellular biology techniques. Experience with experimental design and statistical analysis. Experience with manuscript preparation and scientific writing. Experience with grant writing and research proposal development. Experience with developmental, reproductive, pulmonary, or neurodevelopmental biology research.Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Demonstrated organizational and project management skills. Ability to plan, coordinate, and execute complex research studies. Knowledge of neurodevelopment, neuroanatomy, and/or pulmonary development. Proficiency in molecular biology and related laboratory techniques.
School/College/Division:
H06 - School of Medicine
Primary department:
H0610
Employment type:
  • Regular Employee
  • Job type: Full Time
  • Job category: Research
Funding/salary information:
  • Compensation type: Annual Salary
  • Hourly rate:
  • Salary minimum: TBD
  • Salary hire maximum: TBD
Working conditions:
Typical work environment may include a laboratory and/or office environment. May require workingnon-standard business hours including evenings and weekends. May be required to travel to scientificconferences.
Job openings:
  • Number of openings: 2
  • 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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