PhD studentship in the organic synthesis of natural product inspired compound collections - DTU Chemistry

A PhD studentship in organic synthesis of natural product-inspired compounds funded by a European Research Council Starting Grant is available at the Department of Chemistry at The Technical University of Denmark (DTU).
A PhD studentship in organic synthesis of natural product-inspired compounds funded by a European Research Council Starting Grant is available at the Department of Chemistry at The Technical University of Denmark (DTU). The project will be under the supervision of Associate Professor Luca Laraia and will start on September 1st, 2024, or as soon as possible thereafter. The successful candidate will join a young and dynamic research team working at the interface of chemistry and biology.

Project Description and responsibilities
One of the main goals of our research group is the identification of bioactive compound collections derived or inspired by natural products, to probe their therapeutic potential. The PhD student will develop synthetic strategies to access natural product-like compounds based on sterols and alkaloids, employing emerging concepts in photo- and electro-chemistry. The project is in close collaboration with other group members including protein biochemists and cell biologists.

Qualifications
The successful candidate should 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 strong focus on organic chemistry. Experience in the synthesis of natural product-inspired or derived compounds, as well as experience in photochemistry, is an advantage. Most importantly, the candidate should be ambitious and highly motivated, able to work independently and should be confident in both written and spoken English.

Approval and Enrolment
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education.

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and appointment terms
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.
The position will start on September 1st, 2024, or as soon as possible thereafter.

Further information
Further questions about the project should be directed to Luca Laraia, email: [email protected] or phone: +45 45252495.

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
Please submit your online application no later than 28 June 2024 (23:59 Danish time). Applications will be assessed on a continuous basis, so please feel free to apply as soon as you are ready. To apply, please open the link "Apply now," fill in the online application form, and attach all your materials in English. The application must include:

• 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 references

Candidates may apply prior to obtaining their MSc, but cannot begin before having received it.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.

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