PhD scholarship in synthetic organic chemistry and NMR spectroscopy - DTU Chemistry

If you are excited about working in an interdisciplinary setting at the interface between synthetic organic chemistry and NMR spectroscopy, then you might be the candidate that we are looking for. We are in GO struct, working on the development and synthesis of new chiral alignment media that will enable improved NMR-based enantiomer structure elucidation of potential drug scaffolds. The PhD project will be multi- and inter-disciplinary in that you will be working both with both exploiting synthetic organic chemistry, in-dept advanced NMR spectroscopy, and computational calculations. The project will be supervised by Professor Charlotte H. Gotfredsen at DTU and Professor Morten Meldal at UCPH.

Responsibilities and qualifications
As PhD candidate, you will be responsible for the design and synthesis of the new chiral alignment media, which will be based on chiral functionalized graphene oxide coupled with chiral molecules e. g. macrocyclic peptides or carbohydrates as a source of chirality. Furthermore, you will be using advanced NMR spectroscopic methods to evaluate the alignment properties of the new media with the aim of elucidating the stereospecific 3D structure of unknown natural and synthetic drug scaffolds and lead structures. The experimentally derived NMR structural parameters RDC and RCSA will be examined in combination with the calculation of these using Density Functional Theory.

Required qualifications:

• Applicants should hold a two-year Master of Science degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree in Chemistry or a master’s degree that provides a strong basis within synthetic organic and analytical chemistry.
• Prior experience and a thorough interest in synthetic organic chemistry
• Prior experience and a thorough interest in NMR spectroscopy in structure elucidation and method development
• Experience with analytical chemistry workflows
• Excellent written and spoken English, and the ability to communicate scientific areas clearly
• Desire to be part of an interdisciplinary environment as a team player with a proactive attitude

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 .

Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be carried out by Professor Morten Meldal and Professor Charlotte Held Gotfredsen.

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.

This is a full-time position with a starting date of 1 st August 2026 (or according to mutual agreement)

You can read more about career paths at DTU here .

Further information
Further information may be obtained from from Professor Charlotte Held Gotfredsen ( Se e-mailadresse på studerendeonline.dk )

You can read more about DTU Chemistry at

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
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 8 July 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 . The file 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 of at least one reference that DTU may reach out to.
• A short description of any prior practical experience with advanced NMR spectroscopy and advanced organic synthesis.

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.

DTU – For the benefit of society since 1829
DTU is one of Europe's leading elite technical universities. Through research and education at an international top level, we create solutions to the major societal challenges of our time and help secure Europe's global leadership in sustainable technological development. Since Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU almost 200 years ago, our mission has remained the same: We develop and create value through the natural and technical sciences for the benefit of society. DTU has 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students, and 6,500 employees. We work in an international environment and have an inclusive, stimulating, and informal work culture. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.

Location
Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark

Apply Before
2026-07-08T21:59:00+00:00