Department of Biological Chemistry

Decoding the Molecular Mechanisms of Life and Health for Over a Century

Join the ranks of leading scientific researchers in a diverse quest to understand biological phenomena in molecular detail.

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United on a Journey of Discovery

The Department of Biological Chemistry is dedicated to advancing the molecular understanding of biological processes. We do that through cutting-edge research, in tandem with teaching and training undergraduate, graduate, post-graduate, and medical students. The most innovative and impactful discoveries are made when we use our unique perspectives to tackle challenges together. 

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Contact Us

Department of Biological Chemistry
5301 MSRB III
1150 W. Medical Center Dr.
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0600
Phone: 734-647-6180

About Us

Read about our department’s history pioneering the study of life, health, and disease at a molecular level.

Education

Learn about our PhD and Master's programs, and about opportunities for postdoctoral fellows and undergraduates.

Research

Explore our interdisciplinary research projects addressing important biomedical questions.

People

Access our directory of faculty, staff, students, and postdoctoral fellows.

Events

View our upcoming seminars and events.

Giving

Partner with us to move molecular science and medicine forward.

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Biological Chemistry Newsletter

Find out about our accomplishments and the progress we’re making in our mission.

  • View Our 2025 Newsletter
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    Spotlight On

    Faculty positions in the Department of Biological Chemistry

    Apply by November 20, 2026.

    These are challenging times, but the potential and need for progress in fundamental science have never been greater.

    Department of Biological Chemistry Chair
    Chair Phyllis Hanson seated and smiling in a laboratory

    Upcoming Events

    View all events
    10 27 2026 12:00 pm 10 27 2026 - 1:00 pm

    Dr. Katherine Susa, University of California, San Francisco

    Join the Department of Biological Chemistry for a seminar presented by Dr. Katherine Susa from the University of California, San Francisco.
    11 4 2026 10:00 am 11 4 2026 - 11:00 am

    Dissertation Seminar - Stephen Gonzalez

    The Department of Biological Chemistry hosts a dissertation seminar by PhD candidate Stephen Gonzalez.
    11 10 2026 12:00 pm 11 10 2026 - 1:00 pm

    Dr. Edward Lyman, University of Delaware

    Join the Department of Biological Chemistry for a seminar presented by Dr. Edward Lyman from University of Delaware.
    11 17 2026 12:00 pm 11 17 2026 - 1:00 pm

    Dr. Andrea Pauli, Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP)

    Join the Department of Biological Chemistry for a seminar presented by Dr. Andrea Pauli from the Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP).
    12 1 2026 12:00 pm 12 1 2026 - 1:00 pm

    Dr. Nicholas Guydosh, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease (NIDDK)

    Join the Department of Biological Chemistry for a seminar presented by Dr. Nicholas Guydosh from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease (NIDDK).
    12 8 2026 12:00 pm 12 8 2026 - 1:00 pm

    Dr. Yunsun Nam, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

    Join the Department of Biological Chemistry for a seminar presented by Dr. Yunsun Nam of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.
    1 19 2027 12:00 pm 1 19 2027 - 1:00 pm

    Dr. Keriann Backus, University of California, Los Angeles

    Join the Department of Biological Chemistry for a seminar presented by Dr. Keriann Backus from the University of California, Los Angeles.

    Biological Chemistry News & Stories

    See more news
    headshot of Xin Li
    Department News

    Congratulations to Xin Li, PhD

    U-M Biological Chemistry PhD student Xin Li of the Zhang lab defends his doctoral dissertation.
    headshot of Sophia Miller
    Department News

    Sophia Miller chosen for a position in the TRAIN Program

    U-M Biological Chemistry PhD student Sophia Miller has been awarded a position in the TRAIN Program.
    headshots of 2026 trainee award winners
    Department News

    Winners of the 2026 Biological Chemistry Awards for Trainees

    Winners of U-M Biological Chemistry trainee awards for 2026 have been announced.
    Cutaway view of the cryo-EM map of a loaded bacterial encapsulin
    Department News

    The Giessen lab publishes a research article in Nature Communications

    The Giessen lab from U-M Biological Chemistry publishes a research article in Nature Communications.
    headshot of Jay Schneekloth in a chemical laboratory
    Department News

    Welcome to new Biological Chemistry faculty member John Schneekloth, PhD

    Dr. John (Jay) Schneekloth joined U-M at the beginning of September as Professor of Biological Chemistry, Research Professor in the Life Sciences Institute, and Co-Director of the Program in Chemical Biology.
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    Department News

    Katherine McCombs receives Master's Program Award

    Katherine McCombs has received a U-M Biological Chemistry Master's Program Award.
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    Giving back to BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY

    Every dollar donated helps us to continue making breakthroughs as a national leader in biochemical research. There are so many ways your financial gifts help to support our work, from bringing world-class lectures to campus to enabling graduate student innovation and providing resources that take our faculty research programs to the next level. Donated funds are an essential foundation of our mission and community.

    Make a difference

    LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT

    The University of Michigan is located on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe people. In 1817, the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Bodewadmi Nations made the largest single land transfer to the University of Michigan, offered ceremonially through the Treaty at the Foot of the Rapids, with the intent that their children might be educated. We acknowledge their contemporary and ancestral ties to the land and this integral contribution to the University.