211-0755/26-2E, Associate Professor of Bioorganic and Systems Chemistry (164895)

Associate Professor of Bioorganic and Systems Chemistry
Department of Chemistry
Faculty of Science
University of Copenhagen

The Department of Chemistry invites applications for a three year position as associate professor in bioorganic and systems chemistry.

Required qualifications
The position requires an Associate Professor with expertise at the interface of bioorganic chemistry and systems chemistry to develop chemically regulated molecular assemblies aimed at advancing our understanding of the chemical basis of life and driving the transformative development of new materials. The candidate should be able to develop new metabolism-like reaction cycles or reaction cascades to kinetically control the generation of non-equilibrium molecular assemblies which can utilize and dissipate chemical energy utilization and dissipation. Particular emphasis will be placed on expertise in bioorganic synthesis, thiol-based reaction cycles, and cascades such as thioesterification/hydrolysis reaction cycles, non-equilibrium molecular self-assembly, and chemical principles relevant to the origin and mechanisms of life. The candidate is expected to bridge traditional bioorganic chemistry with systems chemistry to construct life-like complex chemical systems. The position also requires engagement in research-based teaching, knowledge sharing with society, and translation of high-level science into tangible societal impact.

Applicants are required to have university level teaching experience, documented teaching competencies and must be able to explain and reflect upon own teaching practice and portfolio. Formal pedagogical training or supervision equivalent to the University of Copenhagen teacher training programme for assistant professors is required.

Duties include the applicant’s own research, development of the field, assessment tasks, grant applications, and research management such as supervision and training of research fellows and other staff. The successful applicant must also teach, supervise, prepare and participate in examinations, and fulfill other tasks requested by the Department.

Assessment of applicants will primarily consider their level of documented, original scientific production at an international level, including contributions to developments in their field, as well as their documented teaching qualifications. Managerial and out-reach qualifications of applicants including ability to attract external funding will also be considered.

General criteria apply to the appointment of associate professors at the University of Copenhagen.
The criteria (research, teaching, Innovation & societal impact, organizational contribution and leadership) are considered as a framework for an overall assessment of the applicant. In addition, each applicant will be assessed according to the specific requirements listed in this advertisement. Please read more here

Applicants are encouraged to read the University of Copenhagen's Guidance on the merit criterion Innovation and Societal Impact here

The position will be part of the Biological Chemistry Section at Department of Chemistry. Further information on the Department is linked at https://chem.ku.dk/. Inquiries about the position can be made to Head of Section Professor Morten J. Bjerrum or Head of Department Professor Pernille Harris.

The position is open from January 1st, 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter. Regardless of starting date, the end date for the position is 28 February 2030.

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

Terms of employment
The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State. Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.
The application including all attachments must be in English and submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include
- Curriculum vitae including information about external funding
- Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
- Research plan – description of current and future research plans
- Description and documentation of teaching experience and qualifications according to university guidelines
- Complete publication list
- Separate reprints of 5 particularly relevant papers

The deadline for applications is Sunday 26 July 2026, 23:59 GMT +2.

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.
You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.
Interviews/trial lectures will be held on 18 November 2026
Please refer to the following no. in future communication in this case: 211-0755/26-2E, Opslag 164895 Associate Professor of Bioorganic and Systems Chemistry