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.
Application deadline: 10/23/2025
For more information and to apply visit https://candidate.hr-manager.net/ApplicationInit.aspx/?cid=1307&departmentId=18975&ProjectId=165018&MediaId=5&SkipAdvertisement=false
