Job Description

The Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU), Odense, invites applications for a postdoctoral position in organic chemistry, polymer chemistry, supramolecular chemistry, or biocatalysis. The position is available in the research group of Dr Changzhu Wu ( www.wugroup.sdu.dk).

This is an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated researcher to join an interdisciplinary project at the interface of synthetic chemistry, polymer science, supramolecular design, and enzyme catalysis, with strong potential for both fundamental discoveries and industrial relevance.

About the research group and project

The Wu group conducts interdisciplinary research at the interface of polymer chemistry, supramolecular chemistry, enzyme catalysis, and synthetic chemistry, with the goal of developing innovative and industrially relevant biocatalytic systems.

The position is part of the project “SupraBAC: Coating bacteria with supramolecular polymers for new catalysis”, funded by the Carlsberg Foundation under the Semper Ardens – Accelerate framework. The project aims to develop supramolecular polymer coatings on E. coli cells to enhance whole-cell catalysis and open new possibilities in biocatalytic transformations.

The Wu group offers strong expertise in polymer synthesis, bacterial coating, and biocatalysis, and works in close collaboration with national and international partners. The group is embedded in SDU’s vibrant research environment and interacts actively with relevant interdisciplinary platforms and collaborators working on polymer design and biocatalytic concepts.

Tasks and responsibilities

The successful candidate will contribute to the project through research in several of the following areas:

• Design and synthesis of functional and supramolecular polymers
• Development of ATRP-based methods for coating E. coli
• Construction and evaluation of coated bacterial systems for catalytic reactions
• Polymer synthesis and molecular design
• Organic molecular synthesis
• Documentation of results and contribution to manuscripts, reports, and project meetings

Qualifications

We are looking for an enthusiastic, ambitious, and independent candidate with a strong scientific background relevant to the project. The ideal applicant should have:

• A PhD in Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Supramolecular Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biocatalysis, or a closely related field
• Strong hands-on experience in organic synthesis and/or polymer synthesis and design
• Experience in biocatalysis, supramolecular systems, or chemical modification of bacterial/cell surface is an advantage
• A solid publication record appropriate to career stage
• Good communication skills in English and the ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary and international research environment

Employment details

• Starting date: As soon as possible and latest 1 August or September 2026
• Duration: 18 months (extension may be possible, subject to funding and mutual agreement)

Further information

For further information about the position, please contact:

Dr Changzhu Wu

Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy

University of Southern Denmark

E-mail: wu@sdu.dk

Natural Science Research – Interdisciplinary Strength
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 about our vision here

Application, salary etc.

The successful applicant will be employed in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations). Please check links for more information on salary (only available in Danish) and taxation

The application must include the following:

• A curriculum vitae including information on previous employment with start and end dates
• A full list of publications stating the scientific publications on which the applicant wishes to rely
• Copy of PhD diploma, if Phd diploma has not yet been received, please include statement from your supervisor

Shortlisting may be used in the assessment process. Incomplete applications and applications received after the deadline will neither be considered nor evaluated.

To qualify you must have passed a PhD or equivalent. Applications will be assessed by an expert assessor/committee. Applicants will be informed of their assessment by the university.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Applications must be submitted electronically using the link " Apply now". Attached files must be in Adobe PDF format. We strongly recommend that you read How to apply for a position at SDU before you apply.

If you experience technical problems, please contact hcm-support@sdu.dk

Further information for international applicants about entering and working in Denmark.

About SDU

The University of Southern Denmark was established to create value for and with society. Whether our contributions come in the form of excellent research, innovative solutions, education or learning, we must make a positive difference to society and contribute to a sustainable future. We do this by cultivating talents and creating the best environments for research and learning. It is therefore crucial that SDU retains, develops and recruits talent. At the same time, we need to ensure consistently high quality in all our activities – and we can only do that with the right people. The University’s researchers, lecturers, students, managers and technical/administrative staff are the foundation of our success.