Postdoc of Chemistry

In the research group of Prof. Bo Wegge Laursen at Nano-Science Center and Department of Chemistry a major research topic is the design and synthesis of new fluorescent dyes. Our research projects both aims at development of new dyes to improve our fundamental understanding of the relationship between molecular structure and fluorescent properties as well as to develop dyes for specific applications such as improved cell imaging and diagnostic assays.

We seek an experienced synthetic chemist with a great passion for research and the organic laboratory. You will have your own projects aiming at organic synthesis of dye components for the photo thermal teraphy (PTT) reagents to be developed and tested in the project. Beside synthesis the candidate will be doing spectroscopic investigations absorption and emission from PTT reagents. The candidate will also set up an in vitro method for simple evaluation of heating effects (measured by IR) from the developed PTT reagents.

The postdoc’s duties will include research within chemistry as well as teaching. The post may also include performance of other duties.

The candidate should have demonstrated excellent scientific productivity, evidenced by high-quality research publications, be able to conduct independent and creative research, and show good inter-personal and communication skills. 

• The candidates are required to have a PhD degree or equivalent in chemistry with focus on organic synthesis of dyes.
• Documented hands-on experience in designing synthetic routes and performing spectroscopic studies of optical properties of dyes. 
• Excellent scientific track-record, including at least one publication as first author in a high-quality, peer reviewed international journal on a relevant topic.
• The candidate must be fluent in English and have good communication skills, both oral and written. 
• Demonstrate enthusiasm, motivation, and confidence.

The ideal candidate has several of the following qualifications: 

• Experience with synthesis and purification of organic fluorescent dyes
• Experience with synthesis and purification of cyanine dyes
• Experience with PTT and/or PDT
• Hands-on experience with NMR, MS and HPLC 
• Experience as laboratory manager
• Experience with supervision of students in organic synthesis projects
• Experience with UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy

Further information on the Department is linked at www.science.ku.dk/english/about-the-faculty/organisation/  Inquiries about the position can be made to Pernille Harris, phharris@chem.ku.dk

The position is open from 1 October 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is offered for 2 years.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Terms of employment

The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Taxation and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include:

• Curriculum vitae
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Research plan – description of current and future research plans
• Complete publication list
• Separate reprints of 3 particularly relevant papers

The deadline for applications is 5 May 2024, 23:59 GMT+2.

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.

You can read about the recruitment process at employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/