Position Summary
Position:
Department:
Department of Chemistry
Institute:
Denmark Technical University
Country:
Denmark
Research Field:
polymers, materials science, and structural optimization, composite materials
Posted Date:
Mar 26, 2026
Deadline:
May 15, 2026
Offer Period:
2 Years
Offer Start Date:
Aug 01, 2026
Postdoc position in Chemical Biology to combat antimicrobial resistance
Project Description:
- A 24-month postdoctoral position is available in organic synthesis and drug development at the Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark, starting from August 2026. The project will be supervised by Professor Katrine Qvortrup (DTU Chemistry) in collaboration with Asst. Prof. Eli N. Weinstein (DTU Chemistry), and Prof. Tim Tolker-Nielsen (UCPH Immunology & Microbiology), and is funded by a Novo Nordisk Foundation Exploratory Interdisciplinary Synergy grant. The project aims to develop new antibiotic compounds that evade both current and likely future resistance mechanisms.
Your responsibility will be to:
- Guided by initial AI predictions from the Weinstein group and microbiology results from the Tolker-Nielsen Lab, your main responsibilities will be to design, synthesize and optimize chemical compounds. Your work relies heavily on the ability to synthesize complex chemical structures and to investigate and understand chemical-physical and biological properties of chemical structures. You will work closely with computational researchers to gather data, evaluate AI predictions, and design experiments.
- You will work in a team with 7 PhD-students and 4 postdoctoral researchers and collaborate with experts in machine learning, immunology and microbiology. You are expected to work independently and coordinate your research with the other team members. Undergraduate research projects will be integrated in the project, and you are expected to co-supervise those projects.
Required Qualification:
Essential Qualification:
You should have a PhD degree in chemical biology with a strong theoretical and experimental background in organic chemistry. We also imagine that you have:
- A desire to work in an interdisciplinary environment.
- A documented track record in the chemical synthesis of complex organic structures.
- Experience with structure optimization is considered a strong advantage.
- Experience with Python scripting for data analysis is considered valuable.
- A strong commitment to research.
- Enthusiasm for working with research students.
- The ability to work independent and good communication skills.
- Most importantly, you should be highly motivated and be confident in both written and spoken English. The applicant should strive towards scientific excellence, be ambitious and hard working. Only applicants, who seek to be among the brightest in their field and do science at the highest international level, will be considered.
Preferred Qualification:
Not Available
Employment Conditions and Benefits:
Contract duration:
- The period of employment is 24 months. The position is available from August 1st, 2026 or soon thereafter.
Benefits:
- 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.
- 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.
Application Process:
Documents Required:
- A motivation letter (cover letter)
- CV
- Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD – in English)
- List of publications
How to apply:
- Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 15 May 2026 (23:59 Danish time).
- Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file.
- Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
About the Host Lab Group/Institution:
DTU Energy is focused on education, research, and development within functional materials and their application in sustainable energy technologies. In a sustainable energy system, a large part of the energy will be supplied by fluctuating sources such as solar and wind power. This makes it critically important to be able to convert and store the energy as needed. Our research areas include fuel and electrolysis cells, solar cells, and batteries as well as advanced filtration devices. We are ca. 300 employees. Additional information about the department can be found on http://www.energy.dtu.dk. 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.
Explore Other Similar Positions:
You may also be interested in the following postdoc research positions. These opportunities are currently open across universities and research institutes worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who can apply for a postdoctoral position?
Postdoctoral positions are open to candidates who have completed a PhD or will complete their doctoral degree before the start date. Eligibility requirements may vary depending on the funding scheme and host institution.
Can international candidates apply?
Yes. Most postdoctoral positions are open to international applicants. Visa sponsorship and work permit support are usually provided by the host institution, subject to local regulations.
Is prior postdoctoral experience required?
In most cases, prior postdoctoral experience is not mandatory. However, candidates with relevant research experience beyond the PhD may be preferred for certain positions.
What is the typical duration of a postdoctoral contract?
Postdoctoral contracts typically range from six months to three years, with the possibility of extension depending on funding availability and performance.
Are teaching responsibilities included?
Teaching responsibilities vary by institution and position. Some postdoctoral roles are research-only, while others may include limited teaching or supervision duties.
Can I apply for multiple postdoctoral positions?
Yes. Candidates are encouraged to apply for multiple suitable postdoctoral positions to increase their chances of selection.
Disclaimer:
This position is published for informational purposes. Please refer to the official application link for the most accurate and up-to-date details.