PhD fellows in organic synthesis

Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science at University of Copenhagen is offering three PhD scholarships in organic synthesis commencing 01.05.2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Description of the scientific environment

The research group of Prof. Mogens Brøndsted at Department of Chemistry is seeking three creative PhD students with a strong background in organic synthesis chemistry. The group focuses on how to design, synthesize, and study functional molecules, in particular π-conjugated molecules. All activities are rooted in organic synthesis. We offer a creative, international and strongly interdisciplinary work environment.

Project description

The synthesis-driven projects focus on functional pi-conjugated molecules (with photoresponsive and/or redox-active behaviors), and specifically dihydroazulene molecular photoswitches or redox-active cycloparaphenylene molecules will be targeted. Stepwise synthesis protocols for constructing elaborate target molecules need to be developed. The properties of the molecules will be studied by various methods, such as absorption spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry.

Principal supervisor is Professor Mogens Brøndsted Nielsen, Department of Chemistry, E-mail: mbn@chem.ku.dk , Direct Phone: + 45 5170 0144.

Job description

The positions are available for a 3-year period and the key tasks as a PhD student at SCIENCE are

• To manage and carry through your research project
• Attend PhD courses

• Write scientific articles and your PhD thesis
• Teach and disseminate your research
• To stay at an external research institution for a few months, preferably abroad
• Work for the department

Formal requirements

Applicants should either hold an MSc degree in chemistry or graduate with a MSc degree before July 1st, 2026, with good results and good English skills. Previous experience with organic synthesis chemistry is a requirement as is some experience on how to study the properties of pi-conjugated molecules.  

Terms of employment

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.

Application Procedure

The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include

• Cover Letter
• CV
• Diploma and transcripts of records (BSc and MSc)
• Acceptance Letter for the relevant MSc Programme at SCIENCE, if any
• Other information for consideration, e.g. list of publications (if any)

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

The deadline for applications is 10 February 2026, 23:59 GMT +1. 

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee. Afterwards an assessment committee will be appointed to evaluate the selected applications. The applicants will be notified of the composition of the committee and the final selection of a successful candidate will be made by the Head of Department, based on the recommendations of the assessment committee and the interview committee.

The main criterion for selection will be the research potential of the applicant and the above mentioned skills. The successful candidate will then be requested to formally apply for enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD school of Science. You can read more about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.

Questions

For specific information about the PhD scholarships, please contact the principal supervisor Professor Mogens Brøndsted Nielsen, Department of Chemistry, E-mail: mbn@chem.ku.dk , Direct Phone:

 + 45 5170 0144

General information about PhD programmes at SCIENCE is available at https://www.science.ku.dk/phd.