PhD fellowship in Organic Synthesis and Supramolecular Chemistry

The Department of Chemistry at the University of Copenhagen invites applicants for a PhD fellowship in Organic chemistry with a particular focus on supramolecular chemistry. The project is part of the research project “frustrated water in molecular recognition”, which is financed by the Novo Nordisk Foundation through the NERD initiative.

Start date is expected to be February 15 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The project

The ability to achieve strong and selective molecular recognition in water is fundamental to chemical science and to applications of chemistry in biology and medicine. Devising general strategies for the molecular recognition of any molecule or ion is a dream that would open many scientific avenues, and this is the key objective of this proposal. In recent years, a small number of non-natural supramolecular systems with binding affinities surpassing those observed for the strongest naturally occurring host-guest systems (typically between proteins and ligands) have been discovered. Common for these exceptional systems are, that the host molecules have hydrophobic barrel-shaped binding pockets that are solvated by water molecules in non-ideal environment, so-called frustrated water molecules. Upon binding a guest molecule, the frustrated water molecules are released to the bulk water resulting in a very large enthalpic binding energy. In this research program, this effect will be explored to create strongly binding host-guest systems. We will prepare a range of barrel-shaped hydrophobic host molecules, where the diameter and the length can be systematically varied to map out the role of frustrated water molecules in molecular recognition.

Who are we looking for?

Applicants should hold an MSc degree in Chemistry with specialization in organic chemistry and/or organic synthesis. The candidate should be highly confident in written and spoken English. The candidates should be able to work independently and strive towards scientific excellence, be driven and self-motivated. The candidates should have excellent skills in organic synthesis with significant laboratory experiences. Experience with synthetic chemistry or physical organic chemistry is an advantage. The candidate is expected to participate and present in group meetings and seminars and generally be a contributing member of the research group, cooperating within and across projects, and participating in lab activities and outreach programs. There is also the expectation of presenting the project often at local, national and international meetings and conferences. As a PhD student at the department of chemistry, teaching duties apply.

Our group and research- and what do we offer?

The group is located at the Department of Chemistry, Organic Chemistry section, Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. The group is also part of the Center for Medicinal Chemistry and the Nanoscience Center at UCPH. We are a dynamic and international research group of about 10-15 members between BSc level, MSc level, PhD level and postdoc level. Our students and staff members come from different academic backgrounds, and have in common a deep curiosity and eagerness to do research in organic chemistry, methodology and organic synthesis. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions. A PhD student will gain skills in diverse fields of chemical science, including organic, inorganic and organometallic chemistry, polymer chemistry, materials science and catalysis.

Principal supervisor is Professor Michael Pittelkw, Department of Chemistry, pittel@chem.ku.dk, Direct Phone: 30545509.

The PhD programme

A three year full-time study within the framework of the regular PhD programme (5+3 scheme), if you already have an education equivalent to a relevant Danish master’s degree. Candidates without such qualifications will not be considered.

Qualifications needed for the programme
To be eligible for the regular PhD programme, you must have completed a degree programme, equivalent to a Danish master’s degree (180 ECTS/3 FTE BSc + 120 ECTS/2 FTE MSc) related to the subject area of the project, e.g. Organic Chemistry. For information of eligibility of completed programmes, see General assessments for specific countries and Assessment database.

Terms of employment in the regular programme
Employment as PhD fellow is full time and for maximum 3 years.

Employment is conditional upon your successful enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD School at the Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. This requires submission and acceptance of an application for the specific project formulated by the applicant.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State. The position is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure.

Responsibilities and tasks in the PhD programme

• Carry through an independent research project under supervision

• Complete PhD courses corresponding to approx. 30 ECTS / ½ FTE
• Participate in active research environments, including a stay at another research institution, preferably abroad in collaborative programs
• Teaching and knowledge dissemination activities
• Write scientific papers aimed at high-impact journals
• Write and defend a PhD thesis on the basis of your project

We are looking for the following qualifications:

• Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD project
• Relevant publications
• Relevant work experience
• Other relevant professional activities
• Curious mind-set with a strong interest in organic chemistry and peptides
• Good language skills

Application and Assessment Procedure

 Your application including all attachments must be in English and submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include: 

1. Motivated letter of application (max. one page).
2. Curriculum vitae including information about your education, experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position
3. Original diplomas for Bachelor of Science or Master of Science and transcript of records in the original language, including an authorized English translation if issued in another language than English or Danish. If not completed, a certified/signed copy of a recent transcript of records or a written statement from the institution or supervisor is accepted.
4. Publication list (if available)
5. List of Scientific references

Application deadline:

The deadline for applications is October 23 2025, 23:59 GMT +1.

We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.

The further process
After deadline, a number of applicants will be selected for academic assessment by an unbiased expert assessor. You are notified whether you will be passed for assessment.

The assessor will assess the qualifications and experience of the shortlisted applicants with respect to the above mentioned research area, techniques, skills and other requirements. The assessor will conclude whether each applicant is qualified and, if so, for which of the two models. The assessed applicants will have the opportunity to comment on their assessment. You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.

Interviews with selected candidates are expected to be held during by the end of November 2025.

Questions
For specific information about the PhD position, please contact the principal supervisor (Professor Michael Pittelkow, Department of Chemistry).

General information about PhD study at the Faculty of SCIENCE is available at the PhD School’s website: https://www.science.ku.dk/phd/.

The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the surrounding community and invites all regardless of personal background to apply for the position.