PhD in MSCA doctoral network: Hit discovery and structural studies of riboswitch-ligand complexes using NMR and X-ray crystallography - DTU Chemistry

We welcome applicants for a three-year PhD position within the MSCA EU doctoral network TargetRNA. TargetRNA will train a cohort of 16 doctoral candidates (DCs) in an intersectoral, international, and interdisciplinary setting with the aim to advance the field of RNA-ligand design. Here we are welcoming an application for one of the PhD positions that will be hired at the Department of Chemistry, DTU. There are already planned secondments at both Malvern in the UK and CrystalFirst in Germany.

PhD project
This PhD project will focus on using NMR spectroscopy for the characterization of the structure and dynamics of two riboswitches in complex with small molecule ligands. Further, different biophysical screening modalities will be compared for the identification of fragment hits for RNA targets. The PhD student will work in an interdisciplinary environment where NMR spectroscopy is used to address structural and dynamic changes occurring upon ligand binding to RNA. These studies will require isotope-labelled riboswitches for resonance assignment. The PhD will be engaged in preparing both unlabeled and labeled RNA riboswitch NMR samples. You will have opportunities to work with other scientists within and outside the TargetRNA doctoral network (there will be two other PhD student in TargetRNA here at DTU) and to collaborate with and supervise undergraduate students.

Research environment
The laboratory of Assoc. Prof. Charlotte H. Gotfredsen focuses on NMR spectroscopy for multiple uses in chemical biology and biological chemistry. The group carries out projects where NMR spectroscopy is used as the main analytical technique within RNA structure determination, secondary metabolite structure determination, and in situ metabolomic studies, as well as NMR-based FBDD screening. Furthermore, we work with new developments within NMR spectroscopy both software for metabolomic data deconvolution and alignment media enabling the extraction of long-range NMR structural parameters.
You can read more about DTU Chemistry at www.kemi.dtu.dk/english and more about the CHG group and the NMR Center DTU at www.kemi.dtu.dk/chg

Skills/qualifications

• 5-years degree (Master) in Organic/Medicinal Chemistry, or related fields.
• Experience and a thorough interest in NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography in structural biology
• Expertise in experimental techniques (e.g. NMR spectroscopy, NMR data analysis, RNA wet lab work, other biophysical techniques) is an advantage.
• Good level of English proficiency (understood, spoken and written).
• Team spirit and 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 . 

Salary and appointment terms 
The salary includes pension and the appointment will be based on collective agreement between the Danish State and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations, and the allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.

The period of employment is 36 months. Starting date is March 2025-May 2025 (or according to mutual agreement). The position is a full-time position.

Denmark has public health care for all, and work insurance is covered while employed by DTU.

The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) is located in the greater Copenhagen area, which is acknowledged for its excellent standards of living, childcare, and welfare system.

Further information
For more information about the position, please contact Charlotte H. Gotfredsen  – [email protected]  

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 2 April 2025 (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:

• Application (cover letter)
• CV, including a list of publications and contact information for at least two references
• Academic Diplomas and grade transcripts (BSc/MSc – in English)
• Signed Mobility Declaration - link: https://www.uib.no/sites/w3.uib.no/files/attachments/mobility_declaration_targetrna.pdf  

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

The position is open to candidates of any nationality, as long as they fulfil the requirements set for the DCs funded by MSCA which states: “The MSCA is based on the principle of physical mobility. You are therefore required to undertake transnational mobility in order to be eligible for recruitment in a Doctoral Network project. As such, you must not have resided or carried out your main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the recruiting beneficiary for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their recruitment date”. “Researchers who are refugees in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country according to the Geneva Convention are exempted from the mobility rules above if they fulfil the other eligibility conditions”.(Mobility declaration)

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.

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 13,400 students and 5,800 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.