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Postdoctoral Research Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Research and Development Division's Postdoctoral Research Fellow Program The company's Research ... Capacity to apply scientific and engineering expertise creatively and independently to solve ...

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... engineering, applied mathematics, or related fields. All Scientists must have evidence of research productivity and independence. * 2 years of relevant experience postdoctoral research training and ...

... engineering, applied mathematics, or related fields. All Scientists must have evidence of research productivity and independence. * 2 years of relevant experience postdoctoral research training and ...

Lead and conduct independent and collaborative research projects focused on musculoskeletal tissue ... clinical and engineering teams to integrate multi-scale biological and computational data.

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Postdoctoral Research Engineer information

What is a postdoctoral research engineer?

A Postdoctoral Research Engineer is a researcher who has recently completed their Ph.D. and is engaged in advanced research and development activities, typically in an academic, governmental, or industrial setting. Their work often involves designing and conducting experiments, developing prototypes, analyzing data, and publishing scientific papers. They collaborate with other scientists and engineers to push the boundaries of knowledge in their field. This position is usually temporary and serves as a bridge between completing a doctorate and securing a permanent research or faculty role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a postdoctoral research engineer?

To thrive as a Postdoctoral Research Engineer, you need an advanced degree (typically a PhD) in engineering or a closely related field, along with strong analytical and experimental research skills. Proficiency with specialized software (such as MATLAB, Python, or CAD tools), laboratory instrumentation, and data analysis platforms is often required. Excellent problem-solving abilities, collaboration, and effective scientific communication are vital soft skills for success in this role. These competencies enable impactful research contributions, innovation, and effective teamwork in advancing engineering projects and publications.

What are some common challenges postdoctoral research engineers face when transitioning from academia to industry-focused research environments?

Postdoctoral Research Engineers often encounter challenges adjusting to the faster pace and results-driven nature of industry compared to academia. In industry-focused research, there is typically a stronger emphasis on project deadlines, cross-functional collaboration, and aligning research objectives with business goals. Navigating intellectual property concerns and balancing innovation with practical application also require new skills. Adapting to these changes involves effective communication, time management, and openness to interdisciplinary teamwork.

What is the difference between Postdoctoral Research Engineer vs Postdoctoral Research Engineer?

AspectPostdoctoral Research Engineer

Since the question compares the same job title, there is no difference between a Postdoctoral Research Engineer and itself. Typically, a Postdoctoral Research Engineer holds a doctoral degree, conducts research in industry or academia, and works under the supervision of senior researchers. They often work in labs or research facilities, focusing on applied or fundamental research projects. The role emphasizes technical expertise, research skills, and collaboration within a team. Overall, the position is designed for individuals seeking to deepen their research experience before pursuing permanent roles in industry or academia.

Do you need a PhD to be a postdoctoral research engineer?

Yes, a PhD is typically required to become a postdoctoral research engineer, as it demonstrates advanced expertise in a specific field and is often necessary for independent research roles. Some positions may accept candidates with a master's degree if they have significant research experience, but a PhD is generally standard. Additional skills such as proficiency in research tools and publications can also be important.
Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Research Engineer job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Associate Scientist, Postdoctoral Fellow - Device Development & Technology

On-site

Merck
Pharmaceutical Product Wholesalers • 10K+ employees

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Merck rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 52 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job Description

Postdoctoral Research Scientist – Device Development & Technology

Join the Legacy: Research and Development Division's Postdoctoral Research Fellow Program

The company's Research Laboratories Postdoctoral Research Fellow Program is a premier industrial postdoctoral initiative that combines academic rigor with the resources and expertise of a leading pharmaceutical company. The program enables postdoctoral researchers to advance breakthrough research and discovery in a collaborative, innovation-driven environment.

Position Overview:

The Pharmaceutical Sciences & Device Development (PSDD) organization at our company's Research Laboratories translates novel therapeutic agents into patient-centered drug products. Within PSDD, the Device Development & Technology team is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow to conduct research in drug/device combination product development. This position is available immediately.

Responsibilities:

We are especially interested in candidates with experience in formulation and device or combination product development. Preferred areas of expertise include:

  • Analytical and biophysical characterization
  • Mechanical design and testing
  • Formulation-device interface science
  • Sub visible particle analysis

We seek a highly motivated, independent, and responsible postdoctoral researcher who is creative, organized, and able to think critically. The ideal candidate will excel in a challenging, fast-paced, and intellectually engaging environment. Because this work is highly interdisciplinary, we welcome applicants from a broad range of engineering and scientific fields, including mechanical engineering, materials science, biomedical engineering, chemical and biomolecular engineering, and applied physics.

Education Minimum Requirement:  

  • Candidates must hold a PhD or completed within 3 months of hire in
    in mechanical, material, biomedical, chemistry, pharmaceutical or equivalent fields.

Required Experience and Skills:

  • Strong knowledge of formulation development and biologics characterization
  • Hands-on experience with or knowledge of biologics, vaccines, and related formulation development
  • Interest in developing innovative prefilled syringe-based drug delivery technologies
  • Capacity to apply scientific and engineering expertise creatively and independently to solve problems
  • Experience conducting literature searches and reviewing publications and manuscripts
  • Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills, with demonstrated ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams
  • Demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publications in biomedical or healthcare technology development, supported by rigorous modeling and analysis

Preferred Experience and Skills:

  • Ability to conduct mechanical testing and perform statistical analysis of feasibility study data

postdoctoralopportunities

PDA

Required Skills:

Academic Research, Analytical Chemistry, Biomedical Sciences, Biophysical Techniques, Chemistry, Device Design, Drug Delivery, Drug Formulations, Formulation Chemistry, Particle Size Analysis, Scientific Writing

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.

As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.  As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.  For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:

EEOC Know Your Rights

EEOC GINA Supplement​

We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively.

Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts

San Francisco Residents Only:  We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Los Angeles Residents Only:  We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully 
Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company.  No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails. 

Employee Status:

Regular

Relocation:

Domestic

VISA Sponsorship:

Yes

Travel Requirements:

10%

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Hybrid

Shift:

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

n/a

Job Posting End Date:

09/28/2026

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE  the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.


Requisition ID: R


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