Postdoc position focusing on pathogenic lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases as inhibitor targets Department of Chemistry

Postdoc position focusing on pathogenic lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases as inhibitor targets

Department of Chemistry
Faculty of SCIENCE

University of Copenhagen

The Organic Chemistry and the Biological Chemistry sections at the Department of Chemistry invites applicants for an externally funded Postdoctoral fellowship focusing on developing inhibitors for lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases, particularly from plant pathogens. The project is part of a larger collaborative research project financed by the Independent Research Fund Denmark, involving both Danish and international partners

Start date is 1 October 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is limited to 24 months.

The project

The postdoctoral researcher will focus on design and synthesis of potential inhibitors of lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs). LPMOs are copper-containing carbohydrate active enzymes receiving much attention in the latter decade, initially for their biotechnological potential in biofuel production, but now also because of their prominence in pathogens, particularly plant pathogens. The postdoctoral project involves two tasks including supervision of students: 1) Design of inhibitors based on known structures of different LPMOs, which will involve computational inhibitor design and 2) Synthesis and characterization of the inhibitors.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for a candidate with a broad knowledge in organic synthesis and a creative mindset. Good experience in purification techniques and analytical techniques (NMR and MS) is required. Hands-on experience in molecular docking and organophosphorous chemistry is an advantage. The project involves close collaboration with national and international scientists so good collaboration skills is a must.

Our group and research- and what do we offer?

The project is a collaboration between PIs the Biological and Organic Chemistry Sections at the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. The sections combine expertise in various biophysical techniques, protein chemistry and synthetic chemistry to understand various aspects of Biological Chemistry. We are located in Copenhagen.

We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic and international research environment.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance  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

• Carry through an independent research project under supervision

• Participate in active research environments
• Teaching and knowledge dissemination activities
• Write high quality scientific papers

We are looking for the following qualifications:

• Professional qualifications relevant to the Postdoctoral project
• Relevant publications/manuscripts
• Relevant work experience
• Other relevant professional activities
• Curious mind-set with a strong interest for the basic properties and applications of enzymes
• An ability to learn new skills
• An ability to interact professionally with other scientists with different scientific and personal background
• 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 diploma for a PhD-degree 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 possible).
5. Reference letters (if available)

Application deadline:

The deadline for applications is 18 June 2026, 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 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 in week 33.

Questions
For specific information about the Postdoctoral fellowship, please contact the Associate Prof. Jørn B. Christensen, Department of Chemistry, jbc@chem.ku.dk

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