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
Preferred Qualifications
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.
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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.
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