Synthetic Carbohydrate and/or Lipid Chemistry Research Associate

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A Research Associate position focused on the synthesis and chemical biology of mycobacterial glycolipids is available starting November 2025, in the laboratory of Dr. Ben Swarts of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Central Michigan University. The position is renewable, contingent upon satisfactory performance and continued funding, for up to three years. We are looking for an enthusiastic scientist with experience in complex interdisciplinary research projects in the areas of synthetic chemistry and chemical biology, and additional experience in microbiology is preferred. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in the chemical synthesis, characterization, and biological applications of complex carbohydrates, lipids, and conjugates thereof.

The Research Associate will be directly responsible for independently designing and executing interdisciplinary research projects, contributing to grant proposals that support the Principal Investigator in securing external funding, as well as leading the dissemination of research findings through publication in peer-reviewed journals. In addition, the Research Associate will oversee key aspects of laboratory management, including supervision of graduate researchers, management of laboratory resources, and enforcement of safety protocols to ensure regulatory compliance.

Required Qualifications

PhD in chemistry or biochemistry.
5 years of job-related, post-PhD professional experience.
Strong experience in the chemical synthesis, characterization, and biological applications of complex carbohydrates, lipids, and conjugates thereof.
Experience in interdisciplinary areas of synthetic chemistry and chemical biology.
Demonstrated expertise in research laboratory management.
Demonstrated ability to supervise researchers or students at graduate levels.
Experience in designing independent research projects and preparing research proposals.
Proven track record of publishing high-quality research in peer-reviewed journals.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, demonstrated through publications and presentations.
Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

Preferred Qualifications

Background knowledge and/or research experience in microbiology.
Demonstrated success in contributing to the preparation of research proposals that have led to funded grants.

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 can be addressed 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

11/04/2025

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.

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