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Principal Research Associate Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

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Principal Research Associate information

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$14

$28

$40

How much do principal research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for principal research associate in Michigan is $28.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.84 and $32.26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a principal research associate?

A Principal Research Associate is a senior-level research professional who leads and manages scientific research projects within an organization, often in academia, biotechnology, or pharmaceuticals. They are responsible for designing experiments, analyzing data, supervising junior staff, and ensuring that the research meets regulatory and quality standards. Principal Research Associates often collaborate with cross-functional teams, contribute to publications, and may be involved in grant writing or project proposals. This role requires significant experience in the field, strong leadership skills, and a deep understanding of research methodologies.

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

To thrive as a Principal Research Associate, you typically need an advanced degree in a scientific discipline, strong expertise in experimental design, and significant hands-on laboratory experience. Proficiency with specialized lab equipment, data analysis software (such as GraphPad Prism or FlowJo), and familiarity with regulatory standards like GLP or GMP are often required. Outstanding analytical thinking, attention to detail, and leadership abilities help you excel in managing projects and mentoring junior staff. These skills and qualifications are crucial for generating reliable research results, ensuring compliance, and driving scientific innovation within the organization.

How does a principal research associate typically collaborate with cross-functional teams in a research setting?

As a Principal Research Associate, you will frequently work alongside scientists, project managers, and other research professionals to advance complex studies. Collaboration often involves coordinating experimental design, sharing data, and troubleshooting protocols with team members from different specialties, such as analytical chemistry, biology, or clinical operations. Clear communication and the ability to translate technical findings for non-specialist colleagues are key. This collaborative environment not only accelerates project milestones but also provides opportunities to learn from diverse experts and contribute to multidisciplinary solutions.

What is the difference between Principal Research Associate vs Senior Research Associate?

AspectPrincipal Research AssociateSenior Research Associate
Required CredentialsMaster's or PhD, relevant research experienceMaster's degree, significant research experience
Work EnvironmentLead research projects, mentor junior staffConduct research, support project goals
Employer & Industry UsagePharmaceuticals, biotech, academiaSimilar industries, often overlapping roles

The Principal Research Associate typically holds a higher level of responsibility, leading projects and mentoring others, whereas the Senior Research Associate focuses on executing research tasks and supporting project objectives. Both roles require advanced degrees and research experience, but the Principal Research Associate is more involved in strategic planning and leadership within research teams.

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Principal Research Associate jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Principal Research Associate job openings:

Principal Research Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Research Associate job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,994 per year, or $28.4 per hour.

Research Associate

Kalamazoo, MI • On-site

Western Michigan University
Education • 1 - 5K employees

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

493rd of 627 rated colleges and universities

People enjoy working here

Recommended by students

Respectful managers

Learn more about Western Michigan Universityexternal

$57K - $60K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

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

Job description

Position Details
Posting Summary
College
College Of Engineering/App Sci
Executive Area
Provost & VP Academic Affairs
Department
Electrical & Computer Engr
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
S1701P
Job Type
Full Time, Regular
Pay Type
Exempt/Salaried
Pay Grade
R4E
Campus Location
WMU-Kalamazoo - Main Campus
Salary Range
Pay is commensurate with qualifications and experience, combined with an excellent benefits package.
Number of Vacancies
1
General Summary
Contributes to and conducts research or scholarship on assigned projects in the field of power electronics, electric drives, and controls for transportation electrification applications.
Major Duties
  • Implements research projects as specified in the project plan.
  • Collects data in accordance with ethical and technical principles.
  • Applies appropriate quantitative, statistical, and/or qualitative methods for analysis and interpretation of data.
  • Writes peer reviewed papers and manuscripts for submission to professional and/or scientific journals or reports to the sponsoring agency and presents them at meetings and conferences.
  • Writes research grant proposals and completes project administration.
  • Collaborates with researchers, scholars and other stakeholders as relevant to the project.
  • May contribute to applications for external funding as a co-principal investigator.
  • May present at professional conferences and meetings in the relevant field.
  • May have lead responsibility for discrete components of a larger project under the general direction of a senior or principal investigator.
  • Leads the system design, optimization, and integration activities of the project under the supervision of the principal investigator.
  • Mentors graduate students.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Doctoral or terminal degree in electrical engineering with a power electronics emphasis from an accredited institution or ABD with a graduation date of October 15, 2026.
  • Some relevant experience.
  • Knowledge of the research or scholarship process, data collection, analytical and statistical methods.
  • Clinical, laboratory, training or field skills appropriate to the grant or contract.
  • Demonstrated ability to conduct research or scholarship independently or in a team.
  • Research experience in power electronic system design, development, fabrication, integration and control.
  • Electromechanical energy conversion system control experience.
  • Nonlinear control system experience.
  • Grid connected energy conversion system experience.
  • Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.
  • Proficient office software skills, including word-processing, spreadsheets, and presentations.

Desired Qualifications
  • Research experience in power electronic system design, development, fabrication, integration and control.
  • Ability to simulate power electronic systems using PSpice, MATLAB Simulink, PSCAD and/or PLECS.
  • Ability to independently develop code on embedded platforms for power electronic systems.
  • Hands-on experience with wide band-gap devices and/or high frequency magnetics.

Special Instructions to Applicants
  • In the cover letter submitted, discuss how your background aligns with the required and desired qualifications for this position.
  • External applicants should use the WMU - Application.
  • Internal applicants should use the WMU - Internal Application.

Additional Position Information
  • This is a terminal position that will end June 30 2027 with the possibility to renew until June 24, 2028.
  • Grant funded position with a salary range of $57,178 - $60,000.
  • Research Staff pay grades and rates are available at: https://wmich.edu/hr/research-associate
  • Western Michigan University offers generous benefits to its employees including health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, retirement, and tuition discount for the employee and tuition remission for eligible dependents. To access information about the specific benefits available for this position, go to:https://wmich.edu/hr/benefits-research

Physical requirements and working conditions
  • Office or other indoor work with minimal physical demands such as occasionally lifting/moving materials less than 25 pounds.
  • Work is generally performed in a well lit, temperature-controlled indoor environment with occasional exposure to the outdoors and/or any number of elements.
  • Works with high voltage systems in confined spaces such as electric vehicle chassis.
  • Works in dynamometers that generate noise during testing.
  • Works with test vehicles.

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