The Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark (SDU) in Odense invites applications for a postdoctoral position embedded in the laboratories of the Section of Chemistry as part of a Novo Nordisk Foundation project on the semi-synthesis of pleuromutilin derivatives as new antibiotics. 

The research group is specialized in the synthesis of antibiotics as well modified nucleic acids and has access to state-of-the-art facilities within synthesis, purification and spectroscopy. Our lab is strongly engaged in on-site collaborations with colleagues from theoretical chemistry, pharmacy and clinical microbiology. 

We are seeking an experienced organic chemist for a one-year postdoctoral position focused on the design and semi-synthesis of novel antibacterial agents. The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary team working to combat multi-resistant Gram-negative infections (CREs and 3GCs) through innovative chemical strategies.

The postdoctoral project is part of our current activities on developing new antibiotics based on pleuromutilins. The goal of this project is to identify a hit compound specifically targeting multi-resistant Gram-negative pathogens by introducing new modifications to the natural product Pleuromutilin. This will involve semi-synthetic approaches to generate derivatives with improved activity and decreased resistance potential. 

The ideal candidate has the following competences and skills:

• A Ph.D. in organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry or related disciplines 

• Strong expertise in synthetic organic chemistry, including multi-step synthesis.

• Good interpersonal and communication skills (English) for effective teamwork across disciplines.

Additional valuable skills:   

• Experience with medicinal chemistry principles.

• Knowledge of structure–activity relationships (SAR) and antibacterial drug design.

• Hands-on experience with purification and analytical techniques.

Starting date: 1 March 2026 or soon thereafter. The position is for 12 months but could be extended. 

For further information please contact Professor Poul Nielsen, Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, e-mail: pouln@sdu.dk. 

The application must include the following:
• A curriculum vitae
• A full list of publications
• Copies of all publications on which the applicant wishes to be evaluated
• A brief survey of the applicant's most important research results

The Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy is one of four departments at the Faculty of Science, SDU and is located in Odense. At the department, we contribute to solving some of society’s greatest challenges within energy, environment, health, and sustainability. We succeed because we build bridges between disciplines and transcend traditional boundaries. Our interdisciplinary mindset is not only a fundamental condition, but also our strength. And it is a strength that ensures our research and education are recognized both nationally and internationally.

Our vision is to create and apply knowledge across the natural sciences. We are unique in housing research within physics, chemistry, and pharmacy under one department, which provides excellent opportunities to explore the intersections between these disciplines.

Read more here: https://www.sdu.dk/en/om-sdu/institutter-centre/fysik_kemi_og_farmaci/ominstituttet

Application deadline:  21 January 2026 at 23:59 hours local Danish time

Please see the full call, including how to apply, on https://fa-eosd-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/da/sites/CX_1001/job/3512/?utm_medium=jobshare