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Research Associate Jobs in Muskegon, MI (NOW HIRING)

Vibration Research

Technical Sales Associate

Jenison, MI · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Vibration Research is looking for a Technical Sales Associate to help with our customer focused, innovative company! This position will help resolve customer issues and help our team to continually ...

Danaher

R&D Internships

Allendale, MI · On-site

About R&D Roles at Danaher Are you driven by curiosity, discovery, and a desire to contribute to ... associates can thrive. Join us to grow your skills and be part of a mission that matters.

Danaher

R&D Internships

Allendale, MI · On-site

About R&D Roles at Danaher Are you driven by curiosity, discovery, and a desire to contribute to ... associates can thrive. Join us to grow your skills and be part of a mission that matters.

Howmet

Operations Research Scientist

Whitehall, MI · On-site

Role Overview The Operations Research Scientist will design and implement optimization engines and digital twin models with integration of predictive machine learning (ML) components to enable ...

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Research Associate information

See Muskegon, MI salary details

$14

$29

$42

How much do research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for research associate in Muskegon, MI is $29.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.65 and $33.46 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a research associate?

Research Associates are professionals who support research projects in academic, scientific, or business settings. They assist with designing studies, collecting and analyzing data, and preparing reports or publications. Research Associates often work under the supervision of principal investigators or senior researchers, contributing their expertise to advance the goals of the project. Their responsibilities can vary depending on the field, but typically involve both administrative and hands-on research tasks.

What does a research associate do?

As a research associate, you conduct research and analysis as directed by a senior researcher or project manager. Researchers work in a number of fields, including medical science, the social sciences, natural sciences, finance, management, and academia. Your specific duties and responsibilities differ depending on the field in which you work, but some features of your work are similar across industries. You typically do primary and secondary source research, organize and process data, analyze said data, and report on your findings to lead researchers or clinicians.

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

To thrive as a Research Associate, you need a strong background in research methodology, data analysis, and subject-specific knowledge, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with statistical software (such as SPSS, R, or Python), laboratory equipment, and research databases is often essential. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and clear written and verbal communication skills set outstanding Research Associates apart. These skills ensure accurate data collection, effective collaboration, and the production of reliable, impactful research outcomes.

What are some typical challenges a research associate might face when managing multiple research projects simultaneously?

As a Research Associate, juggling multiple projects often requires strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks effectively. You might encounter challenges such as balancing deadlines, coordinating with various team members, and adapting to shifting project goals or data requirements. Effective communication and proactive time management are essential to ensure each project progresses smoothly and meets its milestones. Many teams use project management tools and regular check-ins to help mitigate these challenges and support collaboration.

What is the difference between Research Associate vs Research Scientist?

AspectResearch AssociateResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's degree in relevant fieldMaster's or PhD in relevant field
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research institutions, universitiesLaboratories, research institutions, industry settings
Employer & Industry UsageAcademic, government, non-profitAcademic, industry, biotech, pharma
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Research Associate and a Research Scientist lies in their educational requirements and level of experience. Research Associates typically hold a bachelor's or master's degree and assist in research projects, while Research Scientists usually have a PhD and lead research efforts. Both roles work in similar environments like labs and research institutions, but Research Scientists often have more independence and responsibility.

What qualifications do you need to be a research associate?

Research associates typically need a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as science, engineering, or social sciences. Many positions prefer or require a master's degree or higher, along with strong analytical skills, proficiency with research tools, and experience in data collection and analysis.
More about Research Associate jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Research jobs in Muskegon, MI?

The most popular types of Research jobs in Muskegon, MI are:

What cities near Muskegon, MI are hiring for Research Associate jobs?

Cities near Muskegon, MI with the most Research Associate job openings:

Research Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Associate job openings in Muskegon, MI as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 54% Full Time, 42% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,147 per year, or $29.4 per hour.

Technical Sales Associate

Vibration Research

Jenison, MI • On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Other

Re-posted 8 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Respond to customer emails and phone calls to address technical issues.

  • Manage and document customer service requests, ensuring timely resolution and follow-up.

  • Collaborate with the sales team to provide technical answers, relay customer information, and support sales activities.

Job description

Do you enjoy solving problems, technically minded, enjoy helping others, and customer service?  Do you have a goal to be in sales but want to understand the product first?  Vibration Research is looking for a Technical Sales Associate to help with our customer focused, innovative company! This position will help resolve customer issues and help our team to continually make our products better.  It is a perfect opportunity to further develop your customer service skills along with gaining in depth knowledge of our products.


Vibration Research designs and manufactures leading edge vibration control systems for electrodynamic and servohydraulic shakers, as well as portable dynamic signal analyzers.


Since 1995, Vibration Research has become the leader and innovator in the field of vibration control. Our success is based on reliable, user friendly software packages for vibration control. Having built a reputation for quality and superior performance, we continue to focus on this objective as the foundation of everything we do. Vibration Research is a global, family-owned corporation based right here in West Michigan.  We work out of a new, modern location in Jenison and treat our team of talented and passionate employees very generously. 


As a Technical Sales Associate, your goal is to efficiently resolve customer questions and issues through effective troubleshooting techniques.  To accomplish this, you will be responsible for:

  • Responding quickly to customer emails/phone calls to address technical issues
  • Ensuring customer satisfaction through end-to-end management of each service request by maintaining service status, periodic review of calls with reference to escalation timeframe and timely closure. Ensure follow-up with the customer until issue is resolved.
  • Assist to provide customers with proposals, cost estimates and quotes
  • Work with our sales team to anticipate future customer needs/desires and translate those needs/desires to the VR team
  • Tracking and reporting out customer requests and complaints on VR product features (both hardware and software) to help us as we remain dedicated to innovation
  • Maintaining historical records by documenting hardware and software issues as they relate to specific hardware and software products and revisions.
  • Relaying pertinent customer information and opportunities to the sales team
  • Collaborating with the sales team to provide answers to technical questions
  • Grow into sales support for our application engineers on weekly calls to existing and future customer sites across the country

A successful Technical Sales Associate will have:

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Sales, Marketing, IT, or Engineering - preferred
  • At least 1 year of Customer Service experience
  • Engineering, IT or Similar technical background - strongly preferred
  • Experience in Salesforce or similar CRM – preferred
  • A strong interest in the technical aspects of our products with the desire and aptitude to learn how to use them in various environments - required
  • Ability to act decisively and take ownership of open issues
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Ability to present technical information
  • Desire to develop and improve processes
  • Ability to identify and document software issues
  • Exceptional communication skills – in addition to basic verbal and written, must also have exceptional listening skills
  • Strong self-awareness – must have ability to communicate in a way that is empathic, engaging and professional
  • Patience, patience, and more patience
  • Computer literacy - specifically with Excel, PowerPoint and Salesforce


If you believe you have the capabilities and competencies to help our customers maximize their use of our products, we want to talk to you.  Please submit a resume today!  For more information on Vibration Research, please visit us at https://vibrationresearch.com/