MSU Research Foundation Launches Statewide Jobs Board for Startup Talent
New platform showcases the growth of the Foundation’s startup portfolio, provides a curated path into Michigan’s innovation ecosystem, and supports long-term talent retention across the state.
EAST LANSING, Mich. (May 20, 2025) — The MSU Research Foundation has launched a new jobs board designed to connect talent with high-impact career opportunities at startups across its venture portfolios. The platform aggregates current openings from over 175 high-growth companies and makes them easily searchable in one central location.
As Michigan’s startup ecosystem continues to grow, so does the demand for talent—from interns and early-career professionals to experienced operators and startup executives. The need is especially strong in sectors like CleanTech, mobility, therapeutics, and AgTech. This curated board offers a single point of access to roles that are often hard to find through traditional job sites.
“Startups don’t always have the visibility of larger companies, even when they’re doing groundbreaking work,” said Pete Martin, Director of Portfolio Management at the MSU Research Foundation. “This board puts their hiring needs front and center, and helps more people discover what’s being built right here in Michigan.”
The board features open positions from startups supported by the MSU Research Foundation’s investment funds—Red Cedar Ventures and Michigan Rise—as well as its Conquer Accelerator programs and research parks. Some listings are pulled automatically from company job pages, while others are submitted directly. The site is updated regularly, and all roles link directly to each startup’s application process.
“This platform is a win for startups and a win for talent," said Ben Marchionna, Chief Innovation Ecosystem Officer for the State of Michigan. “Michigan is loudly and proudly building one of the most dynamic innovation economies in the country, and tools like this job board help shine a spotlight on the real career opportunities that exist here. It’s about giving our startups an edge in finding the right people, and giving more people a reason to stay, build, and thrive while they Make it in Michigan.”
This new resource also supports the Foundation’s broader mission to strengthen Michigan’s innovation economy by making it easier for MSU graduates, skilled professionals, and entrepreneurial-minded job seekers to discover local opportunities with long-term potential. It reflects a growing commitment to talent retention and economic development tied to Michigan State University’s network of researchers, alumni, and industry partners.
To explore current openings or learn more about the companies hiring, visit: jobs.msufoundation.org.
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About the Michigan State University Research Foundation
The MSU Research Foundation supports the Michigan State University ecosystem with resources that increase the impact of research and innovation. The Foundation achieves its mission through grant programs that contribute over $15 million annually to the University, entrepreneurial programming and early-stage investments that accelerate technology transfer and startup growth throughout Michigan, and environments where startup businesses and collaborators can thrive. The Foundation's work is made possible through its stewardship of a flexible and sustainable endowment, nourished by over 50 years of licensing revenues and investment returns. Learn more about the MSU Research Foundation and its impact at msufoundation.org.
Media Contact:
Doug Snitgen
Director of Communications
MSU Research Foundation
dsnitgen@msufoundation.org