Biochemical Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Position Information
Position Information
Posting Number
F-1050
Position Title
Synthesis and Chemical Biology of Mycobacterial Glycolipids Postdoctoral Research Fellow
College/Unit
College of Science and Engineering
Home Department
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Employee Group
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Employment Status
Full-Time
Position Type
12 month
Position Classification
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Position Begin Date
09/01/2026
Position End Date
08/31/2027
Position Summary
One postdoctoral research fellow position focused on the synthesis and chemical biology of mycobacterial glycolipids is available starting September 1, 2026, in the laboratory of Dr. Ben Swarts in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Central Michigan University. The initial appointment for this position is one year, with the expectation of renewal, contingent upon funding and satisfactory performance.
We are looking for an enthusiastic chemist to work on the synthesis, characterization, and chemical biology of structurally complex, virulence-associated glycolipids from the cell envelope of mycobacterial pathogens, such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis. We are seeking talented individuals with demonstrated experience in the chemical synthesis and chemical biology of complex carbohydrates, lipids, and conjugates thereof. Candidates should have strong written and oral communication skills with a track record of publication and presentation of research results.
Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry or Biochemistry, or a closely related field (received within the last six years). ABD candidates will be considered, provided the degree is conferred by the start date of the appointment.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Record of publication and presentation of research results.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the synthesis and chemical biology of carbohydrates and/or lipids.

Message to Applicants
Central Michigan University is dedicated to fostering an environment that is reflective of the communities we serve. We are especially interested in highly qualified candidates who will advance and promote CMU's mission, vision, and leadership standards.
You must submit an online application in order to be considered as an applicant for this position.
Cover letters should be addressed directly to Dr. Ben Swarts, and any questions can be addressed to ben.swarts@cmich.edu.
It is also recommended that applicants provide a concise personal statement addressing their research interests, suitability for the position, and career objectives.
About the Department
The CMU Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers degrees at the BS and MS level in chemistry and biochemistry. Interdisciplinary PhD degrees are offered with other CMU departments. For more information, please visit our department website.
Posting Begins
07/17/2026
Posting Ends
Open Until Filled
Yes
Type of Recruitment
External
About CMU
Central Michigan University has a more than 125-year legacy of preparing students to become leaders and changemakers in their communities and in their personal and professional lives.
We serve nearly 15,500 students on our Mount Pleasant campus, in satellite locations around the state and throughout the country, and through flexible online programs. Many of our approximately 300 undergraduate, master's, specialist and doctoral programs in the arts, media, business, education, human services, health professions, liberal arts, social sciences, medicine, science and engineering are nationally ranked for excellence.
CMU leads the nation in leadership development programming through our Sarah R. Opperman Leadership Institute, and we are proud to be among only 5% of U.S. universities in the top two Carnegie research classifications. Our faculty work with graduate and undergraduate students in areas such as Great Lakes research, medical innovation, engineering technology and more.
Central is home to 17 men's and women's Division 1 sports including football, basketball, gymnastics, baseball, wrestling and more. Our student-athletes achieve great success in competition and in the classroom, capturing Mid-American Conference championships and maintaining an average cumulative GPA of 3.17.
CMU is located in Mount Pleasant, a community that blends the best of small-town living with big-city amenities. It's part of the culturally varied and vibrant Great Lakes Bay Region that also includes Saginaw, Bay City, Midland and the state's largest Native American community, centered on the Saginaw Chippewa Isabella Reservation in Mount Pleasant.
Area residents enjoy the mix of outdoor activities, cultural events, shopping and dining options, and family attractions. Other major Michigan destinations and attractions - Lansing, Grand Rapids, Detroit, Traverse City, wineries, beaches, golf and ski resorts, and many more - are within easy reach of the city's central location in Michigan's Lower Peninsula.
CMU employees enjoy access to a nationally recognized wellness program along with health care and benefits that exceed regional, state and national norms.
EEO Statement
CMU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and institution. CMU does not discriminate against persons based on age, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, height, marital status, national origin, political persuasion, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, race, religion, sex, sex-based stereotypes, sexual orientation, transgender status, veteran status, or weight.
If you wish to see "Know Your Rights " posters, please click here.
CMU does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, including admission and employment, and is required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 not to discriminate in such a matter.
Inquiries about the application of Title IX can be made to CMU's Title IX Coordinator, the US Department of Education's Assistant Secretary, or both.
CMU's Title IX Coordinator can be reached at:
Phone: 989-774-3253
Office: 103 E. Preston St.
Bovee University Center, suite 306
Mount Pleasant, MI 48858
Email: titleix@cmich.edu