PhD fellowship in molecular nanomaterials

PhD fellowship in molecular nanomaterials

The Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science at University of Copenhagen invites applicants for a PhD fellowship in the area of molecular nanomaterials and low-dimensional materials.

The start date is November 1st, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter.

The project

KU- SCIENCE - CHEM og MATH og NBI-HCØ develops new organic conjugated molecules and nanomaterials. These include fluorescent and electroactive molecules with potential applications in imaging, sensing, and energy materials.

Who are we looking for?

KU- SCIENCE - CHEM og MATH og NBI-HCØ seeks a candidate with a background in chemistry, physics, or material science and a great passion for research. Experience in the following areas is an advantage: fluorescence, TCSPC, time-resolved spectroscopy, molecular materials, low-dimensional materials, nanoparticles, and bio-conjugation. Proficiency in both written and spoken English is a requirement.

The research group and its offerings

In the research group of Prof. Bo Wegge Laursen at the Nano-Science Center and Department of Chemistry, a major research topic is the design and synthesis of new fluorescent dyes and materials. KU- SCIENCE - CHEM og MATH og NBI-HCØ's research projects aim both at the development of new dyes to improve KU- SCIENCE - CHEM og MATH og NBI-HCØ's fundamental understanding of the relationship between molecular structure and fluorescent properties, as well as to develop dyes for specific applications such as improved cell imaging and diagnostic assays.

Much of KU- SCIENCE - CHEM og MATH og NBI-HCØ's activities are centered on cationic dyes of the triangulenium and rhodamine families. In the group, KU- SCIENCE - CHEM og MATH og NBI-HCØ comprises a mix of organic synthetic chemists and spectroscopists, and KU- SCIENCE - CHEM og MATH og NBI-HCØ collaborates with a wide range of research groups using KU- SCIENCE - CHEM og MATH og NBI-HCØ's fluorescent dyes. More information about the research group is available at: https://chem.ku.dk/research_sections/nanochem/nanochemistry/

The group is a part of the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. KU- SCIENCE - CHEM og MATH og NBI-HCØ is located in Copenhagen.

KU- SCIENCE - CHEM og MATH og NBI-HCØ offers creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic and international research environment.

The principal supervisor is Professor Bo W. Laursen, Department of Chemistry. Email: bwl@nano.ku.dk

The PhD programme

This is a three-year full-time study within the framework of the regular PhD programme (5+3 scheme), if you already 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, applicants 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 area of the project, e.g., chemistry. For information on the eligibility of completed programmes, please see the General assessments for specific countries and the Assessment database.

Terms of employment in the regular programme

Employment as a PhD fellow is full-time and for a maximum of three years.

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

Terms of appointment and payment accord with 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 in the PhD programme

• Carry out 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, preferably abroad.
• Engage in teaching and knowledge dissemination activities.
• Write scientific papers aimed at high-impact journals.
• Write and defend a PhD thesis based on the project.

KU- SCIENCE - CHEM og MATH og NBI-HCØ is looking for the following qualifications:

• Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD project.
• Relevant publications.
• Relevant work experience.
• Other relevant professional activities.
• A curious mindset with a strong interest in chemistry.
• Good language skills.

Application and Assessment Procedure

Your application, including all attachments, must be in English and submitted electronically.

Please include the following:

1. A motivated letter of application (maximum one page).
2. Curriculum vitae, including information about education, experience, language skills, and other skills relevant for the position.
3. Original diplomas for Bachelor of Science or Master of Science degrees and transcripts of records in the original language. This should include an authorized English translation if issued in a language other than English or Danish. If not yet completed, a certified/signed copy of a recent transcript of records or a written statement from the institution or supervisor is accepted.
4. Publication list (if possible).
5. Reference letters (if available).

Application deadline

The deadline for applications is August 16, 2026.

KU- SCIENCE - CHEM og MATH og NBI-HCØ reserves the right not to consider material received after the deadline and not to consider applications that do not meet the above-mentioned requirements.

The further process

After the deadline, a number of applicants will be selected for academic assessment by an unbiased expert assessor. Applicants will be notified whether they will be passed for assessment.

The assessor will assess the qualifications and experience of the shortlisted applicants with respect to the above-mentioned research area, techniques, skills, and other requirements. The assessor will conclude whether each applicant is qualified and, if so, for which of the two models. The assessed applicants will have the opportunity to comment on their assessment. Applicants can read about the recruitment process at http://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.

Questions

For specific information about the PhD fellowship, please contact the principal supervisor.

General information about PhD studies at the Faculty of SCIENCE is available on the PhD School’s website: https://www.science.ku.dk/phd/.

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