About the Project
A 3-year PhD scholarship in supramolecular and bioorganic chemistry is available starting from October 1 2018. The project will be supervised by Assistant Professor Sophie Beeren and is funded by the VILLUM Foundation Young Investigator Programme. The successful candidate will join a young and ambitious, international research team, which is a part of the Organic and Inorganic Chemistry section at DTU Chemistry.
Research in the group is focused on supramolecular chemistry and its application to problems in chemical biology. We aim to understand how non-covalent interactions allow molecules interact, to recognise each other, to fold and assemble into larger, multi-component systems. We take inspiration from biology to build new and complex chemical architectures, host-gest systems and adaptive materials.
The PhD project will explore the use of enzyme-catalysed reactions in templated dynamic covalent synthesis – combining supramolecular chemistry and enzymology to lay the foundations for a new biotechnological approach to oligosaccharide synthesis. This methodology will be used towards the synthesis of carbohydrate-based receptors and stimuli-responsive materials. The work will include the design, organic synthesis and characterization of molecular building blocks and templates, enzymatic synthesis and analysis of dynamic oligosaccharide mixtures and physical studies using spectroscopy (most importantly NMR, but also UV-Vis, fluorescence and CD spectroscopy) to investigate conformation, binding phenomenon and self-assembly. Active dissemination of the obtained results, in scientific articles and through participation in international conferences, is an integral part of the job.
Qualifications
The successful candidate should have a Master’s or Honours degree in chemistry with a focus on synthetic organic chemistry. Experience working with spectroscopy (NMR, UV-Vis, fluorescence, CD) and chromatography analysis (HPLC, LC-MS) is an advantage. Most importantly, the candidate should be highly motivated, able to work independently and should be confident in both written and spoken English. The applicant should strive towards scientific excellence, be ambitious and hard working. Only applicants who seek to be amongst the brightest in their field and do science at the highest international level will be considered.
Approval and Enrolment
The scholarships for the PhD degree are subject to academic approval, and the candidates will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes of DTU. For information about the general requirements for enrolment and the general planning of the scholarship studies, please see the DTU PhD Guide: http://www.dtu.dk/english/Education/PhD/Rules/PhDguide
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 appointment terms
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 3 years.
You can read more about career paths at DTU here: http://www.dtu.dk/english/about/job-and-career/working-at-dtu/career-paths
Further information
Further questions about the project and position should be directed to Assistant Professor Sophie Beeren, email: [Email Address Removed] or Head of Organic and Inorganic Chemistry Section, Professor Jens Ø. Duus, email: [Email Address Removed]
Please do not send applications to this e-mail address, instead apply online as described below.
Application
Please submit your online application no later than 17 August 2018. Apply at www.career.dtu.dk
Applications must be submitted as one pdf file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply online," fill in the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one pdf file. The file must include:
• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma
• Contact details for at least two academic referees
• Excel sheet with translation of grades to the Danish grading system (see guidelines and Excel spreadsheet here: http://www.dtu.dk/english/Education/phd/Applicant/Pre_acceptance-1-)
Candidates may apply prior to obtaining their master's degree, but cannot begin before having received it.
All interested candidates, irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background, are encouraged to apply.
DTU is a technical university providing internationally leading research, education, innovation and scientific advice. Our staff of 6,000 advance science and technology to create innovative solutions that meet the demands of society, and our 11,200 students are being educated to address the technological challenges of the future. DTU is an independent academic university collaborating globally with business, industry, government and public agencies.
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