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Research Programmer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking a Research Engineer who willbringexpertiseinAI and ML andisinterestedinbuilding data-driven capabilities that transform the way legal, accounting, and government professionals work ...

Lead Research Engineer

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site +1

$100K - $132K/yr

We are seeking a Lead Research Engineer who will bring expertise in AI and ML and is interested in building data-driven capabilities that transform the way legal, accounting, and government ...

Senior Research Engineer

Ann Arbor, MI · Hybrid

$102K - $140K/yr

We are seeking a Senior Research Engineer who willbringexpertiseinAI and ML andisinterestedinbuilding data-driven capabilities that transform the way legal, accounting, and government professionals ...

Senior Research Engineer/Advanced Engineering

Troy, MI · On-site

$99K - $136K/yr

The Senior Research Engineer/Advanced Engineering will work on technology projects within the Corporate R&D Advanced Body Domain, supporting the technical evaluation and due diligence of new ...

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Research Programmer information

See Michigan salary details

$9.6K

$98.3K

$112.4K

How much do research programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for research programmer in Michigan is $98,315.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,900.00 and $112,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paid software developer?

Senior software developers, especially those with expertise in specialized fields like artificial intelligence, machine learning, or cybersecurity, tend to be among the highest paid in the industry, with salaries reaching over $150,000 annually in many regions. Highly experienced developers working in leadership roles or at large tech companies can earn significantly more, often exceeding $200,000 or more with bonuses and stock options.

What are research programmers?

Research programmers are professionals who develop software, algorithms, and computational tools to support academic or scientific research projects. They work closely with researchers to design, implement, and optimize code for data analysis, simulations, and experiments. Their role often involves adapting existing software or creating new applications to solve specific research problems, ensuring that the software meets the requirements of the research team. Research programmers may also contribute to writing technical documentation and publishing results.

What is the difference between Research Programmer vs Data Analyst?

AspectResearch ProgrammerData Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Computer Science, Data Science, or related fields; programming skillsBachelor's or Master's in Statistics, Data Science, or related fields; analytical skills
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academic institutions, tech companiesBusiness, healthcare, finance, or marketing sectors
Employer & Industry UsageResearch projects, academic research, R&D departmentsData interpretation, reporting, and decision support in organizations

Research Programmers focus on developing software and tools for research purposes, often working in academic or research settings. Data Analysts interpret data to provide insights for business decisions. While both roles require strong technical skills, Research Programmers emphasize programming and software development, whereas Data Analysts focus on data interpretation and visualization.

How do Research Programmers typically collaborate with researchers and other team members during a project?

Research Programmers often work closely with principal investigators, data scientists, and subject matter experts to develop, test, and optimize software solutions tailored to research needs. Collaboration is highly iterative and may involve regular meetings to align on project goals, troubleshoot technical challenges, and adapt code to evolving research requirements. Effective communication and a flexible approach are key, as programmers frequently translate complex research concepts into functional code and may also assist with data analysis or visualization tasks.

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

To thrive as a Research Programmer, you need a strong background in computer science, programming languages (such as Python, Java, or C++), and a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with scientific computing tools, version control systems (like Git), and data analysis platforms is typically required. Analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with research teams and translate complex requirements into code. These skills enable you to develop robust software solutions that advance research goals and ensure project success.

How much does a programmer analyst make in the US?

A programmer analyst in the US typically earns between $70,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. They often require proficiency in programming languages, systems analysis, and problem-solving skills, with salaries increasing with certifications and specialized expertise.

What are the highest paying jobs in research?

Research programmers working in specialized fields such as data science, artificial intelligence, or bioinformatics often earn high salaries, especially with advanced skills in programming languages like Python or R and experience with large datasets. Senior roles, such as research scientists or lead data engineers, tend to have higher compensation, particularly in industries like technology, pharmaceuticals, and finance.

What do research software engineers do?

Research software engineers develop, test, and maintain software tools and applications used in scientific research. They often collaborate with researchers to create data analysis pipelines, implement algorithms, and optimize code for high-performance computing environments, utilizing programming languages like Python, C++, or Java. Their work supports data collection, analysis, and visualization to advance scientific discoveries.
Infographic showing various Research Programmer job openings in Michigan as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,315 per year, or $47.3 per hour.
Research Programmer I Full time -Research Design & Analysis

Research Programmer I Full time -Research Design & Analysis

Henry Ford Health

Detroit, MI • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Henry Ford Health rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 544 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

403rd of 872 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Job Summary:
Henry Ford Health is a healthcare organization seeking a Research Programmer I. The role involves designing, coding, testing, documenting, and supporting research data collection and analysis systems under the direction of senior staff.
Responsibilities:
• At the direction of the Project Manager, Principal Investigator, or senior technical staff, designs, codes, tests, documents, and supports research data collection, tracking, analysis, and reporting systems.
• Responsibilities vary by project, and may require the use of multiple programming languages, relational database systems, and operating systems.
Qualifications:
Required:
• Associates degree in Computer Science, Programming, Database Development, Web Development, or similar technical program.
• One to two (1-2) years of relevant programming experience preferred.
• Experience with human subjects research, healthcare administrative data, pharmaceutical industry drug/device trials, epidemiology, or statistical analysis preferred.
• Familiar with techniques to gather and analyze unstructured data.
• Basic understanding of applications for interoperability and health information exchange.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, organizational, and customer-service skills with the ability to interact effectively with colleagues with different levels of technical and scientific knowledge.
• Desire and willingness to learn and develop new skills.
Preferred:
• Demonstrated familiarity (or working experience) with the Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership (OMOP) Common Data Model (CDM).
Company:
*Job seekers: please be aware of fraudulent job postings and phishing scams via LinkedIn. Founded in 1915, the company is headquartered in Detroit, USA, with a team of 10001+ employees. The company is currently Late Stage.

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About Henry Ford Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Henry Ford Health provides a full continuum of services from Primary and Preventative care, to Complex and Cpecialty care, Health Insurance, a full suite of home health offerings, Virtual care, Pharmacy, Eye care and other Healthcare retail. It is one of the Nation’s leading Academic Medical Centers, recognized for Clinical excellence in Cancer care, Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery, Neurology and Neurosurgery, Orthopedics and Sports medicine, and Multi organ transplants. Consistently ranked among the top five NIH funded institutions in Michigan, Henry Ford Health engages in more than 2,000 research projects annually. Equally committed to educating the next generation of Health Professionals, Henry Ford Health trains more than 4,000 Medical students, Residents and fellows every year across 50+ accredited programs. With more than 33,000 valued team members, Henry Ford Health is also among Michigan’s largest and most Diverse employers, including nearly 6,000 physicians and researchers from the Henry Ford Medical Group, Henry Ford Physician Network and Jackson Health Network.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Detroit, MI, US

Year founded

1915