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University of Copenhagen

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PhD Fellowship in Chemical Methods for Half-Life Extension of Therapeutic Peptides University of Copenhagen in Denmark

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Chemistry

Funding

PhD fellowship at the University of Copenhagen, full-time for up to 3 years under the regular PhD programme (5+3 scheme) for candidates with a relevant master's degree. The post is employment-based and salary terms follow Danish academic agreements; no stipend amount is stated. For the integrated route, the MSc phase transitions to a salary-earning part of the scholarship for two years after obtaining the MSc degree.

Deadline

Sep 20, 2026

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Country

Denmark

University

University of Copenhagen

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Keywords

Chemistry
Biomedical Engineering
Biophysics
Biology
Chemical Synthesis
Chemical Biology
Medical Science
Pharmacy
Pharmaceutical Chemistry
Biomolecules
Bioconjugation

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About this position

PhD fellowship at the Department of Chemistry, University of Copenhagen in the Section for Chemical Biology, focused on chemical methods for half-life extension of therapeutic peptides. The project is part of the research initiative “New strategies for half-life extension of peptide therapeutics”, funded by a Distinguished Innovator Grant from the Novo Nordisk Foundation.

The research aims to develop new ways to chemically modify peptide therapeutics so they last longer and work better in the body. Two main directions are highlighted: designing cleavable linkages that activate the peptide when the bond is broken, and creating methods to locally modify native peptides so they become more resistant to enzymatic breakdown.

Relevant academic keywords include chemical biology, synthetic organic chemistry, peptide science, medicinal chemistry, bioconjugation, biophysics, and biomolecular chemistry. The group works at the interface of synthetic chemistry, biology, and biophysics, with research spanning peptide, oligonucleotide, and carbohydrate chemical biology as well as nanoscience.

The group has about 10 members and is located at the Frederiksberg Campus, Copenhagen. Facilities include modern laboratories plus NMR and mass spectrometry resources. The principal supervisor is Professor Knud J. Jensen ([email protected]).

Eligibility: applicants should have a degree equivalent to a Danish master’s degree in a relevant field. Strongly relevant backgrounds include chemical biology, synthetic organic chemistry, peptide science, and medicinal chemistry. Preferred experience includes synthetic bioorganic chemistry with peptides/proteins, chemo-selective conjugation chemistry, medicinal chemistry of biopharmaceuticals, bioconjugate synthesis/characterization, HPLC, and mass spectrometry. Good language skills, relevant publications, work experience, and other professional activities are also mentioned.

Funding/employment: this is a full-time PhD fellowship for up to 3 years under the regular PhD programme (5+3 scheme). The post is employment-based and salary terms follow Danish academic agreements; no specific stipend amount is stated. For the integrated route, the MSc phase transitions to a salary-earning part of the scholarship after the MSc is obtained.

Deadline: 20 September 2026, 23:59 GMT+2. Interviews are expected in week 43. Start date is expected to be 1 January 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Funding details

PhD fellowship at the University of Copenhagen, full-time for up to 3 years under the regular PhD programme (5+3 scheme) for candidates with a relevant master's degree. The post is employment-based and salary terms follow Danish academic agreements; no stipend amount is stated. For the integrated route, the MSc phase transitions to a salary-earning part of the scholarship for two years after obtaining the MSc degree.

What's required

Applicants should have a degree equivalent to a Danish master's degree in a subject related to the project. Relevant backgrounds include chemical biology, synthetic organic chemistry, peptide science, and medicinal chemistry. Preferred qualifications include experience in synthetic bioorganic chemistry with peptides and proteins, chemo-selective conjugation chemistry, medicinal chemistry of biopharmaceuticals, synthesis and characterization of bioconjugates, and HPLC and mass spectrometry. Relevant publications, work experience, other professional activities, curiosity, strong interest in medicinal chemistry/synthetic organic chemistry/chemical biology of biomolecules, and good language skills are also requested.

How to apply

Prepare an English application and submit it electronically via the APPLY button on the job portal. Include a motivation letter, CV, diplomas and transcripts, publication list if possible, and reference letters if available. Apply before the deadline and ensure all attachments meet the stated requirements.

More information can be found here

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