PhD position in Time-Resolved Crystallography of Enzymes (STRIDE project) — synchrotron-based studies of esterases at MicroMAX

The Biological Chemistry section at the Department of Chemistry invites applicants for an externally funded, three-year PhD fellowship within structural enzymology and time-resolved crystallography. The project, STRIDE (Synchrotron-based Time-Resolved crystallographic Investigations of Dynamic states in Esterase catalysis via novel analogues), is funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation as a MicroMAX Collaborative Research Grant, in collaboration with the University of Gothenburg and Chalmers University of Technology.

Start date is (expected to be) 1 January 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The project

STRIDE aims to develop new methods for time-resolved serial-synchrotron crystallography (TR-SSX) at the MicroMAX beamline (MAX IV Laboratory) to study esterases of the α/β hydrolase superfamily, a major enzyme class with applications in industrial biotechnology and drug development. The main model system is bacterial glucuronoyl esterases, which cleave ester bonds linking lignin and carbohydrates in plant biomass, and have been exensively studied by the project group.

The PhD student will be based at UCPH and supervised by Prof. Leila Lo Leggio. The project has two closely connected strands: 1) synthesis and evaluation and of novel substrate analogues for esterases, including slowly cleavable and photoswitchable compounds; and 2) static single-crystal and serial-synchrotron crystallography of these enzymes in complex with the new analogues, progressing to time-resolved SSX experiments at MicroMAX. The work will involve close collaboration with coworkers at UCPH and secondments to the University of Gothenburg/Chalmers University of Tcehnology.

The student will gain experience across the structural enzymology pipeline, from substrate design to cutting-edge time-resolved crystallography, and will contribute to dissemination activities.

Who are we looking for?

Experience in macromolecular crystallography (crystallisation, X-ray data collection and structure determination) is essential . Experience in biochemical characterisation of enzymes (e.g. activity/kinetics assays) is very desirable . Experience in organic synthesis is an advantage but not strictly required. Applicants can have a background from biochemistry, chemistry, structural biology or related subjects, but it is essential that they have a solid, hands-on experimental track record and a strong interest in protein chemistry and enzymology. The project will require one or more stays at the collaborating partners in Gothenburg of a few weeks to a few months, and close collaboration with both UCPH-based and visiting PhD students and postdocs.

Our group and research – and what do we offer?

The group is part of the Biological Chemistry Section at the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. The section combines expertise in biophysical techniques, protein chemistry and synthetic chemistry. The group studies the structure and function of enzymes acting on plant biomass, using crystallography as its main technique, and is an active user of the MicroMAX beamline at MAX IV. We are located in Copenhagen, and offer creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic, international research environment.

Principal supervisor is Prof. Leila Lo Leggio, Department of Chemistry, Se e-mailadresse på jobportal.ku.dk

The PhD programme

For this position, you can undertake the PhD programme as a three year full-time study within the framework of the regular PhD programme (5+3 scheme). You need already to have an education equivalent to a relevant Danish master's degree.

Qualifications needed for the regular programme

To be eligible for the regular PhD programme, you must have completed a degree programme equivalent to a Danish master's degree (180 ECTS/3 FTE BSc + 120 ECTS/2 FTE MSc) related to the subject areas of the project, e.g. Biochemistry, Chemistry, Structural Biology. For information on eligibility of completed programmes, see General assessments for specific countries and the Assessment database.

Terms of employment in the regular programme

Employment as PhD fellow is full time and for maximum 3 years.

Employment is conditional upon your successful enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD School at the Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. This requires submission and acceptance of an application for the specific project formulated by the applicant.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State. The position is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure.

Responsibilities and tasks

• Carry through an independent research project under supervision
• Complete PhD courses corresponding to approx. 30 ECTS / ½ FTE
• Participate in active research environments, including a stay at another research institution abroad
• Teaching and knowledge dissemination activities
• Write high quality scientific papers
• Write and defend a PhD thesis on the basis of your project

We are looking for the following qualifications:

• Macromolecular crystallography experience (essential)
• Biochemical characterisation of enzymes (very desirable)
• Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD project
• Relevant publications/manuscripts
• Relevant work experience
• Other relevant professional activities
• Curious mind-set with a strong interest in enzyme structure and function
• An ability to learn new skills
• An ability to interact professionally with other scientists with different scientific and personal background
• Good language skills

Application and Assessment Procedure

Your application including all attachments must be in English and submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include:

• Motivated letter of application (max. one page)
• Curriculum vitae including information about your education, experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position
• Original diplomas for Bachelor of Science or Master of Science and transcript of records (with an authorized English translation if issued in another language than English or Danish; a certified copy or written statement is accepted if not yet completed)
• Publication list (if possible)
• Reference letters (if available)

Application deadline:

The deadline for applications is 15 August 2026, 23:59 GMT +2.

We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.

The further process

After deadline, a number of applicants will be selected for academic assessment by an unbiased expert assessor. You are notified whether you will be passed for assessment. You can read about the recruitment process at

Interviews with selected candidates are expected to be held in late September 2026.

Questions

For specific information about the PhD fellowship, please contact the principal supervisor. Please do not send applications to the principal supervisor directly, nor expect advise on how to write your applications, but do feel free to get in touch for informations on PhD studies at UCPH, at the Department or the specific research project. Contacting the supervisor directly if you have no pertinent questions does not give you an advantage in the evaluation process.

General information about PhD study at the Faculty of SCIENCE is available at the PhD School's website:

The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the surrounding community and invites all regardless of personal background to apply for the position.