The University of Michigan (UM), located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, stands as one of the world's premier public research universities. Founded in 1817, it has grown into a powerhouse with over 50,000 students across its Ann Arbor, Dearborn, and Flint campuses, though the Ann Arbor flagship drives most academic jobs. Jobs at University of Michigan span faculty positions, research roles, administrative opportunities, and support staff, attracting top talent globally. With annual research expenditures exceeding $1.7 billion, UM offers roles that contribute to groundbreaking work in medicine, engineering, social sciences, and more. Whether you're eyeing tenure-track professor jobs or research assistant positions, understanding the landscape here equips you to pursue these competitive opportunities effectively.
Ann Arbor's vibrant college town setting enhances these jobs, blending intellectual rigor with Midwestern charm. Proximity to natural beauty like the Huron River and cultural hubs makes it ideal for academics balancing work and life. AcademicJobs.com lists current openings, helping connect professionals to this esteemed institution.
Established before Michigan achieved statehood, University of Michigan began as a one-room schoolhouse in Detroit and relocated to Ann Arbor in 1837. Today, it ranks among the top public universities, often #3 in U.S. News & World Report's public category and top 25 overall. Its 19 colleges and schools, including the renowned Ross School of Business, Law School, and College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA), host world-class programs.
This legacy influences jobs at University of Michigan, where hires join alumni like U.S. Presidents Gerald Ford and eight Nobel laureates. The university's motto, "Ars longa, vita brevis" (Art is long, life is short), underscores commitment to enduring scholarship, shaping expectations for faculty and researchers to produce lasting impact.
Jobs at University of Michigan diversify across academic, research, and operational roles. Faculty positions include tenure-track professors, clinical professors, and lecturers. Research jobs encompass postdoctoral fellows, research associates, and lab managers. Administrative roles cover department chairs, deans, and HR specialists. For a full breakdown, visit our guide on university job types.
Explore higher-ed faculty jobs or postdoc opportunities for current listings tailored to UM.
To clarify key terms in jobs at University of Michigan:
For faculty and senior research roles, a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) or equivalent terminal degree in the relevant field is mandatory. For example, engineering professors need a PhD in mechanical or electrical engineering. Medical faculty require MD or MD/PhD. Lecturers may hold a master's with exceptional experience.
Junior roles like research assistants often need a bachelor's or master's. Administrative jobs vary: HR roles might require a bachelor's in business, while executive directors need advanced degrees plus leadership experience. UM verifies credentials rigorously, emphasizing accreditation from bodies like the Higher Learning Commission.
UM excels in interdisciplinary research, prioritizing expertise in AI, precision health, climate solutions, and quantum computing. Institutes like the Michigan Institute for Data Science (MIDAS) seek data scientists. Biomedical roles align with the Rogel Cancer Center. Applicants should demonstrate alignment, such as publications in Nature or grants from NIH (National Institutes of Health).
Ann Arbor's ecosystem fosters collaborations with Ford Motor Company and national labs, valuing expertise in automotive tech or materials science.
Preferred experience includes 3+ peer-reviewed publications, federal grant funding (e.g., NSF or NIH awards averaging $500K+), and teaching 2+ courses. For postdocs, prior lab management shines.
Core skills: Grant writing, statistical software (Python, MATLAB), interdisciplinary collaboration, and mentoring. Soft competencies like adaptability and communication are crucial in UM's team-oriented culture. Learn more via how to write a winning academic CV.
Apply through UM's recruitment portal (careers.umich.edu). Steps:
Tips: Customize for UM—reference specific labs or centers. Network at conferences. Use free resume templates from AcademicJobs.com. Deadlines cluster in fall; apply early. For lecturer paths, see become a university lecturer.
UM leads in DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion). The ADVANCE Program funds underrepresented faculty clusters, providing $3M+ for hiring. The Inclusion Agenda targets 20% faculty diversity increase. LSA's faculty mentoring pairs new hires with seniors. Annual bias training and the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion support all employees. These efforts make jobs at University of Michigan welcoming for global talent.
UM promotes balance via 24/36 flexible work, 22 paid holidays, and up to 20 weeks parental leave. Wellness includes free gym access, counseling, and EAP (Employee Assistance Program). Sabbaticals refresh faculty.
Ann Arbor offers biking trails, Kerrytown Market, and Hill Auditorium concerts. Big Ten football unites the community—'Hail to the Victors!' Families enjoy top-ranked schools and hospitals like Michigan Medicine. Remote options exist for some remote higher-ed jobs.
UM invests in growth: Faculty development grants, leadership academies, and promotion paths. Salaries competitive—associate professors average $140K, per AAUP data. Benefits: TIAA retirement (10% match), tuition for dependents (up to 100% at UM).
Check professor salaries and university salaries for benchmarks.
Ready to apply? Browse higher-ed jobs, higher-ed career advice, university jobs, or post a job on AcademicJobs.com. For research paths, see postdoctoral success. UM's employer branding draws elite talent—employer branding secrets apply here.
