PhD Scholarship in Chemical Biology

A 3-year PhD scholarship in chemical biology is available starting from October 15, 2021 or as soon as possible thereafter. The project will be supervised by Associate Professor Katrine Qvortrup and is funded by the Independent Research Fund Denmark. 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 Qvortrup group is focused on the use of organic chemistry to solve problems in biology. This includes design and development of new improved drugs, as well as the use of synthetic molecules to systematically investigate the functions of genes, cells and biological pathways in living systems.

Responsibilities and qualifications
Brain drug delivery is a major challenge in treatment of neurological diseases. The PhD project will focus on the design, synthesis, and characterization of novel drug-delivery technologies for selective transport of drugs to the brain. As a proof-of-concept, we will demonstrate the use of the novel strategies in treatment of Alzheimer’s. Together with partners, the PhD will also be involved in testing of conjugates.

The work will include the design, synthesis, and characterization (NMR, IR and MS) of organic building blocks, as well as in-depth structural characterizations of all new conjugates. Active dissemination of the obtained results, in scientific articles and through participation in international conferences, is an integral part of the job. In addition, the PhD will be involved in supervision of young students.

You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) in chemistry with a strong theoretical and experimental background in organic chemistry, or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.

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 among the brightest in their field and do science at the highest international level, will be considered.

Approval and Enrolment
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see the DTU PhD Guide .

Assessment
The assessment of the candidates will be made by Associate Professor Katrine Qvortrup.

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 .

Further information
Further information about the project should be directed Assoc. Prof. Katrine Qvortrup, [email protected].

You can read more about the Department at www.kemi.dtu.dk and more about the research group at www.kemi.dtu.dk/KQ .

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
Please submit your online application no later than 20 September 2021 (Danish time).

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply online", fill out 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
• Excel sheet with translation of grades to the Danish grading system (see guidelines and Excel spreadsheet here )

You may apply prior to ob­tai­ning your 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.

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 vision to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That vision lives on today. DTU has 12,900 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.