Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, invites applications for a position as PhD in peptide chemistry from 01.09.2025. The position as PhD is limited to a period of 3 years.

Description of the PhD project
Antimicrobial drug resistance is an increasing issue; thus it is crucial to build an increasing understanding of how we can treat future infections. This project will employ methods like recombinant protein expression, chemical peptide synthesis, and biophysical characterization of peptide aggregation with the intent to understand how these molecules can be used to kill microbes. By focusing on the catalytic aspect of protein aggregates the project hope to elucidate new and innovative therapeutic approaches. The ideal candidate for the project has a MSc in molecular biology, chemistry, biotechnology, or soft matter physics. The candidate needs hands on experience in solid phase peptide synthesis, synthesis of peptides and peptiomimetic compounds on cellulose support in addition to general microbiological working routines. The applicant should also have practical experience with analytical methods like LC-MS, NMR and small angle X-ray scattering.
The position is available in the Research Group of Bioactive peptides lead by Professor Håvard Jenssen. The research group is specialized in peptide and peptidomimetic research, development of novel drug molecules and characterization of their biological and biophysical properties. We apply cutting-edge chemistry and molecular-/microbiology and collaborate with national and international researchers both in microbiology, molecular biology and immunology. Principal supervisor is Professor Håvard Jenssen.

The Doctoral School
You will be enrolled as a PhD student at the Doctoral School of Science and Environment.

The successful candidate will be enrolled in the Doctoral School of Science and Environment in accordance with the rules issued by the Ministry of Technology and Science and additional regulations issued by Roskilde University. The PhD student will be employed in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and AC (the Danish confederation of Professional Associations). The Doctoral School of Science and Environment is an international graduate school that covers a broad range of research topics within the areas of science and environment.
Read more here https://ruc.dk/doctoral-school-science-and-environment

The Department of Science and Environment
Department of Science and Environment is one of four departments at Roskilde University. The Department conducts basic and applied research within chemistry, physics, medical biology, molecular biology, environmental sciences and mathematics. Bachelor programs are offered within these areas, as are interdisciplinary Master programs. The Department’s laboratories are equipped with modern infrastructure and shared state-of-the art instrumentation. This includes recently acquired NMR, mass spectrometry (LC- and GC-MS, including high-resolution measurements and proteomics), and microscopy (AFM, confocal and fluorescence) instruments, microscope with cold stage, rate freezer and climate cabinets, GMO class 2 labs, flow cytometry, NGS, Q-PCR facilities together with calorimetry (ITC and DSC), chromatography (HPLC), and scattering (DLS, SAXS) instruments. For environmental science research is TOC, AAS, FTIR, ICP MS, GC MS, HPLC, CHNS elemental analyzer, ion chromatograph, FIA and electronic particle counters i.e., Coulter counters available.
Read more here https://ruc.dk/en/department-science-and-environment

As a PhD student you will be associated with the research area, molecular- and medical biology; https://ruc.dk/en/research-group/molecular-and-medical-biology

Responsibilities and tasks
The PhD position is an educational position and the main tasks are in accordance with chapter 3, Ministerial Order on the PhD Programme at the Universities and Certain Higher Artistic Educational Institutions (https://ufm.dk/en/legislation/prevailing-laws-and-regulations/education/files/engelsk-ph-d-bekendtgorelse.pdf).

The ideal candidate is expected to:

• Responsible for conducting PhD project in the research group as a team member
• Teach and supervisor bachelor/ master students
• Follow courses relevant for the project
• Design and perform experimental work

Qualifications
You must hold an integrated master’s degree in molecular biology, chemistry, biotechnology, or soft matter physics. Qualifications within the following areas are required

• A MSc degree in molecular biology, chemistry, biotechnology, or soft matter physics, or related field with excellent results. Applicants expecting to obtain the MSc degree in the near future are also encouraged to apply.
• The candidate needs experience in solid phase peptide synthesis both on resin and cellulose support.
• The candidate needs experience in cloning and expression of recombinant proteins.
• The candidate needs hand on experience with protein and peptide purification, in addition to LC-MS.
• Technical experience in analytical methods like NMR and Small angle X-ray scattering are preferred.
• General knowledge and experience in microbiological working routines.
• An independent, rational and creative mindset promoting teamwork and solutions.
• Be organized and systematic, many samples and results need to be kept in order
• Self-motivated and highly organized personality with a strong drive and scientific curiosity.
• Excellent communication skills in both spoken and written English.

We also emphasize the following qualifications:

• Write scientific articles and your PhD thesis
• Teach and disseminate your research
• Participate in active research environments including a stay at another research team (possibly at the Molecular Foundry, Lawrence Berkeley National Labs, California)
• Take part in activities and teaching at the department

You are required to be enterprising, to possess good communication skills, and to be a visible, involved participant in the department’s daily activities and in the INM PhD network, in addition to being willing to engage in disciplinary and interdisciplinary collaboration across the department.

Assessment
In the assessment, regarding employment consideration will be given to:

• Relevant Master’s degree or equivalent (according to Danish Qualifications Framework for Higher Education: https://ufm.dk/en/education/recognition-and-transparency/transparency-tools/qualifications-frameworks/other-qualifications-frameworks/danish-qf-for-higher-education?set_language=en&cl=en).
• Any additional academic requirements stated in the job advertisement.

In the assessment, regarding enrollment consideration will also be given to the following criteria:

• Educational skills and any further professional qualifications
• Grades at Master’s program or equivalent
• Quality and relevance of the project description
  • Your project description shall be no more than 5 pages
• Quality and relevance of the methodical and theoretical choices
• Consistency and coherence between the problem and the choice of method and theory
• If the PhD project seem realistic and feasible
• Ability to complete the PhD project
• Relevance of the project to the profile of the Doctoral School

Questions
For further information about the position, please contact project manager Håvard Jenssen on tel. (+45) 4674 2877 or Susanne Sørensen on tel. (+45) 4674 2111.

Terms of employment
The employment is on full time, 37 hours per week and you will refer to Dean Susanne Sørensen.

The position will be filled according to the Agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC) and Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities.

Application procedure

After the deadline for applications the Dean will shortlist applicants for assessment with assistance from the recruitment committee including the chairperson of the assessment committee.

Shortly after the application deadline all applicants will be notified whether or not their application has been selected for assessment.

The shortlisted applicants will be informed about the composition of the assessment committee, and each applicant will be given the opportunity to comment on the composition of the committee and - later on - their assessment.

Once the recruitment process is completed, all applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application.

Application

To apply for the position go to www.ruc.dk/en/job/

Only applications in English are accepted.

Applications must include:

1. Cover letter

2. CV

3. Documentation of education including grades from Master’s programme or equivalent

4. Your description of the PhD project

5. Your time schedule of the PhD project

6. If applicable: Documentation for any research experience, work experience or publications.

Please submit your application no later than 6th of June 2025.

Material received after this date will not be taken into consideration.

Roskilde University wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.