PhD fellowship in fluorescence spectroscopy

Department of Chemistry
Faculty of SCIENCE
University of Copenhagen

Understanding of the molecular photophysics of fluorescent organic dyes and probes is a fundamental challenge and a prerequisite for their use in advanced bioimaging and diagnostics. Take part in the exciting development of new fluorescent probes and imaging tools.

The Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science at University of Copenhagen invites applicants for a PhD fellowship in organic synthesis.

Start date is 1 April 2023 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The project
We develop new fluorescent dyes for use as probes and labels in bio imaging. In this project you will specifically study the photophysical properties of fluorescent triangulenium dyes with long excited state lifetimes and their interactions with solvent and metabolites (e.g. aminoacids and phosphates), by steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy. By understanding and Photo induced electron transfer (PET) and proton coupled electron transfer (PCET) in the fluorescent dyes we seek to develop new tools for bio-imaging. In the project you will collaborate with other PhD students and PostDocs working within this area on synthesis of new dyes and on applications in bioimaging. The position will also include teaching duties and supervision of project students.

Who are we looking for?
We seek a chemist/spectroscopist with a great passion for research and fluorescence spectroscopy of organic compounds. Substantial experience with UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy is a requirement. Additional experience with e.g.: fluorescent dyes, PET, PCET, bio-conjugation, fluorescence microscopy, TCSPC or FLIM is an advantage. Proficiency in both written and spoken English is a requirement.

Our group and research- and what do we offer?
In the research group of Prof. Bo Wegge Laursen at Nano-Science Center and Department of Chemistry a major research topic is the design and synthesis of new fluorescent dyes. Our research projects both aims at development of new dyes to improve our fundamental understanding of the relationship between molecular structure and fluorescent properties, as well as to develop dyes for specific applications such as improved cell imaging and diagnostic assays. Much of our activities are centered on cationic dyes of the triangulenium and rhodamine families. In the group we are a mix of organic synthetic chemists and spectroscopists, and we collaborate with a wide range of research groups using our fluorescent dye. See more about the research group at: https://chem.ku.dk/research_sections/nanochem/nanochemistry/

The group is a part of the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. We are located in Copenhagen.

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

Principal supervisor isProfessor Bo W. Laursen,Department of Chemistry, E-mail: bwl@nano.ku.dk

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.

Qualifications needed for the regular 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. 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
• 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 chemistry
• 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: 

Application deadline
The deadline for applications is 7 January 2023, 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/ .

Questions
For specific information about the PhD fellowship, please contact the principal supervisor.

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. 

Part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), and among Europe’s top-ranking universities, the University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. Rich in tradition and modern in outlook, the University gives students and staff the opportunity to cultivate their talent in an ambitious and informal environment. An effective organisation – with good working conditions and a collaborative work culture – creates the ideal framework for a successful academic career.