Postdoc in Supramolecular Chemistry – DTU Chemistry

Postdoc @Technical University of Denmark posted 4 days ago

Job Description

A post-doctoral fellowship in supramolecular and biomolecular chemistry is available at the Technical University of Denmark. Join the research group of Professor Sophie Beeren to explore new ways of exploiting enzymes for carbohydrate synthesis, as part of the ERC Project ENZYME-DCC Enzyme-mediated dynamic combinatorial chemistry.

Responsibilities and qualifications
The project will explore the use of enzyme-catalysed reactions in templated dynamic covalent synthesis – combining supramolecular chemistry and enzymology in a biotechnological approach to oligosaccharide synthesis. This methodology will be used towards the synthesis of novel oligosaccharide-based macrocycles, foldamers, receptors and mechanically-interlocked molecules.

Your work could include:

the design, organic synthesis and characterisation of molecular building blocks and templates;
enzymatic synthesis and analysis of dynamic systems of oligosaccharides;
biophysical studies using spectroscopy (NMR, UV-Vis, fluorescence and CD spectroscopy) and ITC to investigate binding phenomena and self-assembly;
protein expression, purification and characterization of enzyme activity.

Active dissemination of the obtained results, in scientific articles and through participation in national and international conferences, is an integral part of the job. You will also be expected to take some responsibility for guiding and training students in the group and engage in some teaching.

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree in supramolecular chemistry, organic chemistry or carbohydrate enzymology (or equivalent).

If you have an organic chemistry background, extensive experience working with spectroscopy (NMR and optical), chromatographic analysis (HPLC, LC-MS), mass spectrometry and/or organic synthesis is essential, and knowledge within the field of biochemistry could be an advantage. If you have a more biochemistry background, expertise in protein expression and purification is essential and experience using spectroscopy and chromatography to explore enzyme reactivity is expected. Knowledge within the field of systems chemistry would be valuable. Most importantly, you should be highly motivated, able to work both independently and collaboratively, and should have excellent written and spoken English. You strive towards scientific excellence, are ambitious and hard-working. Only applicants who seek to be among the brightest in their field and conduct scientific research at the highest international level will be considered.

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and terms of employment
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.

The period of employment is for 2 years starting from August 1st, or as soon as possible thereafter.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Requests for further information about the project should be directed to Professor Sophie Beeren, sopbee@kemi.dtu.dk.

You can read more about DTU Chemistry at www.kemi.dtu.dk/english

Information about the research team can be found at www.kemi.dtu.dk/sophiebeeren

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark.

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 30 June 2025 (23:59 Danish time).

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link “Apply now”, fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

Application (cover letter)
CV
Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD – in English)
List of publications
1-page summary of your previous research
Contact details for two academic references

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.