PhD scholarship in Organic Chemistry and Homogeneous Photocatalysis - DTU Chemistry

A fully-funded 3-year PhD position in organic chemistry, photocatalysis, C-H functionalization, and homogeneous enantioselective metal catalysis under the supervision of Associate Professor Søren Kramer is available at the Technical University of Denmark. The project will be performed in the Organic Chemistry Section at DTU Chemistry.

The start date of the position is set to September 1, 2025, but it can be earlier if circumstances allow it.

Research in the Kramer group is focused on development of novel methods involving organic chemistry, transition-metal catalysis, photocatalysis, enantioselective catalysis, and C-H functionalization as well as reaction mechanism elucidation. The research group is young and highly ambitious.

Responsibilities and qualifications
We are looking for a very motivated and ambitious candidate for a project within the field of photoinduced transition-metal catalysis for enantioselective C-H functionalizations. The focus will be on methodology development of novel reactions within this field. The work will include organic synthesis of starting materials and reagents, development and optimization of novel organic reactions, as well as substrate scope investigation including isolation and characterization of products.

You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.

You should have a degree in chemistry or chemical engineering and a very strong background in experimental organic chemistry.

Experience with method development and catalysis is an advantage, but not a requirement.

You must be able to work independently, but also participate in collaborations. Good communication skills in written and spoken English are required.

Most importantly, you should strive toward scientific excellence, be highly motivated, ambitious, and hard-working. Only applicants who seek to be among the brightest in their field and to conduct science at the highest international level will be considered.

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 made by Associate Professor Søren Kramer (DTU).

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.

The start date of the position is set to September 1, 2025, but it can be earlier if circumstances allow it.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here http://www.dtu.dk/english/about/job-and-career/working-at-dtu/career-paths.

Further information
Questions about the position should be directed to Associate Professor Søren Kramer, email: [email protected].

You can read more about DTU Chemistry at www.kemi.dtu.dk/en and more about the research group at www.sorenkramer.com

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 15 January 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:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae 
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale
• 2 recommendation letters or full contact information of 2 academic references
• List of publications and presentations

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 Chemistry is a leading chemistry department with 28 faculty, 30 postdocs, and 55 PhD students. The Organic Chemistry Section consists of 9 research groups spanning from methodology development and chemical biology to NMR spectroscopy. Research is performed in laboratories built in 2015 and with access to state-of-the-art equipment.

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.