Postdoc of Enzymology and carbohydrate chemistry/biochemistry

Postdoctoral Position in Enzymatic Modification of Pectin for Biomedical Applications
Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Section of Plant Glycobiology
Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen

The Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Section of Plant Glycobiology, at the University of Copenhagen invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher position for a period of 2 years. The position is part of the EU-funded project GreenNanoBone, a collaborative initiative involving 18 partners across Europe.

The successful candidate will contribute to the development of enzymatically modified pectin for medical applications. The GreenNanoBone project aims to design and validate sustainable, biocompatible, bioactive, and antimicrobial 4D materials to support bone and tissue regeneration. These materials will be used in a novel strategy to prevent and treat medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). The materials are intended to be injectable or printable scaffolds for use in minimally invasive surgical procedures.

The postdoc will join the research group Cell Wall Biology and Bioengineering, which conducts both fundamental research on cell wall polysaccharide biosynthesis and applied research as utilisation of agricultural sides for bioinspired materials and for medical use. The lab is located at the Frederiksberg Campus of the University of Copenhagen and is equipped with a specialized glycobiology analytical platform. The department also offers access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure.

Start Date: October 1, 2025, or as soon as possible.

Qualifications and Experience: Applicants should hold a PhD in biotechnology, biochemistry, chemical engineering, biomedicine or a related field. Experience in the following areas will be considered advantageous:

• Enzymology and carbohydrate chemistry/biochemistry
• Plant or mammalian cell biology

Responsibilities

• Conduct research within the scope of the GreenNanoBone project
• Collaborate with international project partners
• Contribute to teaching and supervision activities
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant scientific discipline
• Excellent communication skills in English
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills

Selection Criteria

• Relevant academic and professional qualifications
• Publication record
• Relevant research experience
• Language proficiency
• Creativity and problem-solving abilities

Living in Copenhagen
Copenhagen is consistently ranked among the most liveable cities in the world. The University of Copenhagen’s International Staff Mobility Centre (ISM- https://ism.ku.dk/ ) offers comprehensive support to assist international researchers and their families with relocation and settling in.

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

For more information contact Associate professor Bodil Jørgensen, boj@plen.ku.dk.

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 Finance 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 up to 3 relevant papers

The deadline for applications is 23 July 2025 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 https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.

Interviews will be held on 2nd half of August 2025.