Postdoc in medicinal chemistry

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We are looking for a highly motivated, dynamic and ambitious postdoc for a 2-year postdoc position to commence June 1st or shortly thereafter. The position is funded by the Independent Research fund Denmark and focuses on the development of chemical probes for a brain relevant kinase. The successful candidate will join the Frølund group, and the position offers a dynamic and multi-disciplinary project in a team focused on medicinal chemistry research related to small molecule modulators of brain activity.

The primary task will be to identify and validate covalent allosteric modulators for CaMKIIb and will involve computational and organic chemistry, biophysics and structural biology. The project will be in collaboration with the Gehringer lab, University of Tübingen.

Information on the department can be found at: ?url=www.drug.ku.dk&module=jobs&id=4392" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">?url=www.drug.ku.dk&module=jobs&id=4392" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.drug.ku.dk

Our research
The Frølund Group is highly international and includes postdocs, PhD candidates, and master students. The overall goal of the research is to develop molecular probes and novel methodologies to obtain insight into identity, localization, function, therapeutic potential of target receptors/transporters/enzymes with neuroprotection in focus. All the projects are interdisciplinary, building on international and national collaborations. With a platform in medicinal chemistry, our projects bridges with molecular pharmacology, computational and biostructural chemistry. The lab has made significant contributions within the GABAAR and CaMKII research areas and offers the opportunity to work in a highly interdisciplinary research environment. In the group we offer and value social interaction, openness, and teamwork, with room for ambition and scientific excitement.

Your job
As a postdoctoral researcher, you will work at the interface of medicinal chemistry and structural biology This will be pursued by development of small molecule enabling covalent linking to selective modulate CaMKIIb in dysregulated states. Your tasks will involve structure-based design, organic synthesis, and biochemical assessment. This entails a curiosity for science and an ability to interact with both internal and external collaborators. In addition to doing research, it is expected that you supervise students and engage in departmental teaching according to existing norms (currently 80h/year).

Profile
We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic scientist with the following competencies and experience:

• Aa a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree in medicinal chemistry or organic chemistry awarded maximum four years before the application deadline.
• A strong theoretical and experimental background in organic chemistry
• A documented track record and extensive hands-on experience with multi-step organic synthesis, compound purification/characterization and computational chemistry.
• Proficient communication skills and ability to work in interdisciplinary teams
• Excellent English skills written and spoken
• An ambitious, independent, and critical mind-set
• Previous supervisor and teaching experience

Place of employment

The place of employment is at the Department of Drug design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories and core facilities.

Terms of employment
The average weekly working hours are 37 hours per week.

The position is a fixed-term position limited to a period of 2 year. The starting date is 1 June or shortly thereafter.

Salary, pension and other conditions of employment are set in accordance with the Agreement between the Ministry of Taxation and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations) or other relevant organisation. Currently, the monthly salary starts at 39,200 DKK/approx. 5,240 EUR (November 2025 level). Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated. The employer will pay an additional 18,07 % to your pension fund.

Foreign and Danish applicants may be eligible for tax reductions, if they hold a PhD degree and have not lived in Denmark the last 10 years.

The position is covered by the Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities 2025.

Questions
For further information please contact Professor Bente Frølund bfrsund.ku.dk.

Foreign applicants may find this link useful: ?url=www.ism.ku.dk&module=jobs&id=4392" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">?url=www.ism.ku.dk&module=jobs&id=4392" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.ism.ku.dk (International Staff Mobility).

Application procedure
Your online application must be submitted in English by clicking ’Apply for position’ below. Furthermore, your application must include the following documents/attachments - all in PDF format:

1. Motivated letter of application (max. one page).
2. CV incl. education, work/research experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position.
3. A certified/signed copy of a) PhD certificate and b) Master of Science certificate. If the PhD is not completed, a written statement from the supervisor will do.
4. List of publications.

Deadline for applications: 31 March 2026, 23.59pm CET

We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.

The further process
After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the hiring committee. All applicants are then immediately notified whether their application has been passed for assessment by an unbiased assessor. Once the assessment work has been completed each applicant has the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that relates to the applicant him/herself.

You can read about the recruitment process at ?url=https%3A%2F%2Femployment.ku.dk%2Ffaculty%2Frecruitment-process%2F&module=jobs&id=4392" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">?url=https%3A%2F%2Femployment.ku.dk%2Ffaculty%2Frecruitment-process%2F&module=jobs&id=4392" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/­recruitment-process/

The applicant will be assessed according to the Ministerial Order no. 242 of 13 March 2012 on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.

Interviews are expected to be held in week 17.

The University of Copenhagen wish to reflect the diversity of society and encourage all qualified candidates to apply regardless of personal background.

Part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), and among Europe’s top-ranking universities, the University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. Rich in tradition and modern in outlook, the University gives students and staff the opportunity to cultivate their talent in an ambitious and informal environment. An effective organisation - with good working conditions and a collaborative work culture - creates the ideal framework for a successful academic career.

Contact

Bente Frølund
E-mail: mvh628ku.dk

Info

Application deadline: 31-03-2026

Employment start: 01-06-2026

Working hours: Full time

Department/Location: Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology

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