PhD Position in Organic and Supramolecular Chemistry in University of Southern Denmark

Summary

The Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy at the University of Southern Denmark is offering a 3-year (5+3) or 4-year (4+4) PhD position in Organic and Supramolecular Chemistry. Located in Odense, Denmark, the position is funded by the Independent Research Fund Denmark – Natural Sciences. The research focuses on designing electroactive molecular machines capable of converting redox-induced molecular motion into mechanical force for covalent cargo release. Eligible candidates must hold a Bachelor's or Master's degree in chemistry or a closely related discipline, with strong practical experience in synthetic organic chemistry. Key duties include compound synthesis, characterization, supervising students, and disseminating research. The application deadline is November 30, 2026.

Key Facts

Department	Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy
Position Type	PhD
Discipline	Chemistry
Research Area	Organic and Supramolecular Chemistry
Degree Required	Master's degree (for 5+3 programme) or Bachelor's degree (for 4+4 programme) in chemistry or a closely related field
Experience	Strong background and practical experience in synthetic organic chemistry. Experience with standard analytical and spectroscopic characterization techniques.
Funding	DFF-Research Project 1 grant from the Independent Research Fund Denmark – Natural Sciences
Contract Duration	3 years or 4 years
Language	English
Deadline	2026-11-30
Required Documents	Motivation letter, Curriculum Vitae with list of publications, Copies of diplomas and academic transcripts, Names and contact details of at least two referees
Employer Address	Campusvej 55, Odense M, 5230, Denmark
Employer Contact	[email protected]

About the Project

The project focuses on designing and synthesizing electroactive molecular machines, specifically [2]rotaxanes, that convert electrically controlled molecular motion into mechanical force. Upon electrochemical oxidation, macrocycle shuttling along the axle is hypothesized to generate mechanical force sufficient to trigger a retro-Diels-Alder reaction, releasing covalently attached cargo molecules. The work involves synthetic organic chemistry, compound characterization, and electrochemical and mechanical investigations.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and synthesis of [2]rotaxanes and related molecular machines.
• Characterization of compounds and investigation of electrochemical properties.
• Contribution to fundamental understanding of force transduction in artificial molecular machines.
• Supervision of Bachelor's and Master's students.
• Dissemination of results in scientific publications and at conferences.

Required Skills

• Strong background and practical experience in synthetic organic chemistry.
• Strong interest in supramolecular chemistry, molecular machines, mechanically interlocked molecules.
• Experience with standard analytical and spectroscopic characterization techniques.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Excellent communication skills and proficiency in written and spoken English.

Who Should Apply

Candidates with a Bachelor's or Master's degree in chemistry or a closely related field who possess a strong practical background in synthetic organic chemistry and an interest in supramolecular chemistry and molecular machines. Applicants must be proficient in English and capable of working independently and collaboratively.

About the Employer

The Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy (FKF) is part of the Faculty of Science at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) located in Odense, Denmark.

Frequently Asked Questions

What degree is required for this position?

Applicants require a Master's degree for the 3-year (5+3) programme or a Bachelor's degree for the 4-year (4+4) programme in chemistry or a closely related field.

What is the application deadline?

The application deadline is November 30, 2026 at 23:59 local Danish time.

What documents must be submitted?

Applicants must submit a motivation letter (max two pages), CV with publication list, copies of diplomas and academic transcripts, and contact details of at least two referees.

Who can I contact for further information?

You can contact Professor Jan O. Jeppesen at [email protected].