The Center for Evolutionary Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry at the University of Copenhagen is offering a fully funded PhD scholarship starting August 1^st 2015 or as soon as possible hereafter. The center is led by Professor Morten Meldal and study advanced organic synthesis applied in development of molecular properties through evolutionary principles known from biology. The center works in an interdisciplinary setting which includes chemistry, biology and technology.

In this project the candidate will apply organic chemistry and polymer chemistry to obtain functional polymers for chemical biology applications including monitoring and inducing activity changes inside living cells. The main goal of the project is to develop organic nano beads which change optical properties as a result of changes in the local environment by either physical or chemical processes. The beads will be generated by elaboration on organic nano particles by traditional organic synthesis or/and by controlled inverse radical polymerization. By these means biocompatible beads for cell biology as well as for optical encoding will be available. The beads will be further functionalized by attaching cell membrane penetrating molecules, responsive fluorophores and/or biological active compounds, in order to tailor the sensing and other properties of the beads. Alternatively, the sensing molecules may be integrated into the monomers applied in the polymerization, e.g. to generate temperature or pH responsive NIPAM beads. The applications of the beads will be evaluated by optical methods using custom made bead sorting and decoding instruments/software, as well as microscopes and UV/VIS spectrometry.

The project will include classic organic chemistry, polymer chemistry, solid-phase chemistry, microscopy and analytical equipment development. The project is highly interdisciplinary and will be conducted in collaboration with a team of biologists, chemists and engineers.

The key challenges for PhD students at Department of Chemistry are:

·         Research - the research project will take up most of your time

·         Writing results into articles and the PhD thesis

·         Teaching and dissemination

·         Participation in PhD courses

·         A project related secondment at a research institution abroad

·         A master's degree within organic chemistry, polymer chemistry or nanotechnology

·         Professional qualifications relevant to synthesis and characterization of organic molecules

·         Qualifications within analytical instrumentation, computer programming, polymer chemistry and nanotechnology

·         Any previous publications

·         Relevant work experience

·         Other professional activities

·         Language and writing skills

·         Interpersonal skills

·         Marks obtained during the first year of study on the master program (only relevant for applicants applying for a 4-year scholarship)

More information and application