Summary
The Department of Chemistry at the University of Copenhagen (UCPH) is inviting applications for a full-time Postdoctoral Researcher in Chemical Biology. The project focuses on pioneering innovative methods to chemically modify peptide therapeutics to enhance and prolong their therapeutic effects in vivo. Research goals include the development of novel cleavable linkages to trigger peptide activation upon bond cleavage, as well as new strategies for locally modifying native peptides to confer resistance against enzymatic degradation.
Overview
| Feature | Details |
| Position / Designation | Postdoctoral Researcher (Postdoc) |
| Institution | University of Copenhagen (Københavns Universitet) |
| Faculty / Department | Faculty of Science / Department of Chemistry (chem.ku.dk) |
| Research Area | Chemical Biology, Synthetic Organic Chemistry & Peptide Therapeutics |
| Location | Copenhagen, Denmark |
| Employment Type | Full-time |
| Starting Date | January 1, 2027 (or as soon as possible thereafter) |
| Application Deadline | September 20, 2026, at 23:59 GMT +2 |
Designation
- Postdoc of Chemical Biology (Academic Staff)
Research Area
- Chemical Biology
- Synthetic Organic Chemistry on Peptides
- Chemical Modification of Proteins
- Peptide Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Delivery
Location
- Department of Chemistry, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Eligibility & Qualifications
- Academic Degree: A completed PhD degree (or equivalent qualifications) in Chemical Biology, Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, or a closely related discipline.
- Expertise: Demonstrated research competence in peptide synthesis, synthetic organic chemistry, and the chemical modification of biomacromolecules/proteins.
- Language Proficiency: Excellent written and spoken English communication skills.
Job Description & Responsibilities
- Conduct research focused on:
- Developing novel cleavable linkages designed to selectively activate therapeutic peptides upon cleavage.
- Engineering localized chemical modifications on native peptides to prevent rapid enzymatic breakdown.
- Perform synthetic organic chemistry on peptides and carry out protein chemical modification experiments.
- Participate in departmental teaching duties and student mentoring.
- Contribute to collaborative activities and other academic duties within the Department of Chemistry.
Terms of Employment
- Covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.
- Salary, pension, and terms of appointment are set according to the collective agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.
- Negotiation for salary supplements is possible based on experience and merits.
How to Apply
Applications must be written in English and submitted electronically through the official University of Copenhagen job portal by clicking the “APPLY NOW” button on the job announcement page.
Your electronic application must include the following documents in PDF format:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Diplomas / Degree Certificates (Master’s and PhD degree or equivalents)
- Research Plan (detailed description of current and future research interests)
- Complete Publication List
- Reprints of up to three (3) particularly relevant scientific papers
Note: Following the application deadline, the authorized recruitment manager, advised by the Interview Committee, will select candidates for assessment. Interviews are scheduled for weeks 41–42.
Last Date for Application
- September 20, 2026, 23:59 GMT +2
