PhD scholarship in Supramolecular Chemistry and Self-Assembly – DTU Chemistry

A 3-year PhD scholarship in supramolecular chemistry and self-assembly is available in the group of Prof. Sophie Beeren at the Technical University of Denmark in collaboration with Prof E. W. Bert Meijer at the Technical University of Eindhoven. Join this team to explore the synthesis and assembly of carbohydrate-based supramolecular polymers. In contrast to traditional polymeric materials built by covalent linking of monomers, supramolecular polymers are dynamic and formed by the self-assembly of monomeric units brought together by non-covalent interactions. The connections between the monomers are reversible, making these polymer materials adaptive, healable, easy to process and recyclable. In this project, you will explore new types of stimuli-responsive supramolecular polymers that employ carbohydrate-based monomers, working towards the synthesis of new ‘smart’, sustainable and biodegradable materials. 

Responsibilities and qualifications

Your work would include:

• the design, organic synthesis and characterisation of monomeric molecular building blocks; 
• enzymatic synthesis and analysis of dynamic systems of oligosaccharides;
• biophysical studies using spectroscopy (NMR, UV-Vis, fluorescence and CD spectroscopy) to investigate conformation, binding phenomena and self-assembly;
• characterization of supramolecular polymers, their assembly, triggered disassembly, structure and properties.

Active dissemination of the results obtained, in scientific articles and through participation in international conferences, is an integral part of the job. 

You must have a two-year master’s degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master’s degree in chemistry with a focus on synthetic organic chemistry. 

Additionally, experience working with spectroscopy (NMR, UV-Vis, fluorescence, CD), chromatographic analysis (HPLC) and mass spectrometry is an advantage. Most importantly, you should be highly motivated, able to work independently, and should be very confident in both written and spoken English. You should strive towards scientific excellence, be ambitious and hard-working.

Approval and Enrolment

Assessment

We offer

Salary and appointment terms 

Preferred starting date is November 15th 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here http://www.dtu.dk/english/about/job-and-career/working-at-dtu/career-paths.

Further information

You can read more about DTU Chemistry at www.kemi.dtu.dk/english.

Information about the research team can be found at www.kemi.dtu.dk/sophiebeeren

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark . Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar ” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU. 

Application procedure 

one PDF file

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae 
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale
• Contact details for at least two academic references. 

You may apply prior to ob­tai­ning your master’s degree but cannot begin before having received it.

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

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