PhD Position in Artificial Enzymes

The Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy , University of Southern Denmark (SDU) in Odense invites applications for a PhD position in the field of artificial enzyme from Dr Changzhu Wu group . Wu group is working at enzyme catalysis, in which cutting-edge materials/molecules are designed to improve biocatalyst performance. The group applies interdisciplinary expertise in the field of enzyme catalysis, chemistry, polymer science, engineering, and microbiology to develop industrially relevant biocatalysts for applications.

This PhD project is funded by Independent Research Fund Denmark (DFF) in the framework of DFF Sapere Aude leader . The project intends to develop artificial enzymes by combining enzymes/proteins with organocatalytic polymers. Our group is specialized in the polymer synthesis, molecular catalysis design, and protein modification. Our lab is actively engaged in on-site collaborations with colleagues from Danish Institute for Advanced Study , Biomolecular Nanoscale Engineering Center , and SDU Protein Production and Purification Platform , but also strongly cooperated with groups in polymer design and enzyme catalysis from Germany and China .

We are seeking an enthusiastic, ambitious, and independent candidate with relevant background.

The ideal candidate has the following competences and skills:

• A Master’s degree in organic chemistry, polymer chemistry, supramolecular chemistry, or related disciplines with a strong background in organic synthesis or molecular catalysis design.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills (English) for effective teamwork across disciplines.

A background in organocatalysis, organometallic catalysis, polymer catalysis, supramolecular catalysis, protein-polymer conjugation, or similar is preferred.

Experience with asymmetric catalysis for organic synthesis is highly welcomed.

Starting date: As soon as possible. The position is for up to three years. Application deadline: 31 January 2022.

For further information please contact Dr Changzhu Wu, Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, e-mail: [email protected] .

The Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy is one of four departments at the Faculty of Science, SDU and is located in Odense. The Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy is a department focused on basic research. We are happy to move beyond traditional disciplines and work to develop new technologies and sciences across physics, chemistry, pharmacy, mathematics, computer science and biology. The department’s research thus contributes to new knowledge and solutions with applications in the areas of climate, environment, energy and health.

The department has a strong chemistry programme with leading international researchers within Nucleic Acid Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Biological Chemistry, Materials Chemistry, Nanotechnology, Green Chemistry and Computational Chemistry. In addition to the chemical research programme the department has a strong research profile within Pharmaceutical Technology.

Application, salary etc.
Appointment as a PhD Research Fellow is for three years. Employment stops automatically at the end of the period. The holder of the scholarship is not allowed to have other paid employment during the three-year period.

The successful applicant will be employed in accordance with the agreement on salaried PhD scholars between the Ministry of Finance and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations). Please check links for more information on salary  and taxation .

The successful candidate will be enrolled at this university in accordance with faculty regulations and the Danish Ministerial Order on the PhD Programme at the Universities (PhD order).

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Application must be made in the form of a Declaration of Interest including the following:
• A research proposal/description of your approach to the above project (max one page excluding references)
• A letter stating your specific interest, motivation and qualifications for the project in question (max. two pages) (please attach this under box "Application form")
• Detailed CV, including personal contact information
• Copies of diplomas, Bachelor as well as Master’s degree, including transcript of notes/grades
• At least two signed reference letters. Should your referees wish to send their letters directly to us, please have them use e-mail: [email protected] mentioning your name and the title of the position in the subject line. And please note that these also need to reach us before deadline.

Shortlisting may be used in the assessment process.

Further information about the PhD-study can be found at the homepage of the University .

Applications must be submitted electronically using the link "Apply online". Attached files must be in Adobe PDF or Word format. Each box can only contain a single file of max. 10 Mb. We strongly recommend that you read How to apply before you apply.

Incomplete applications and applications received after the deadline will neither be considered nor evaluated. This also applies to reference letters.

Further information for international applicants about entering and working in Denmark.