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) 

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 deadline: 30 June 2026 at 23:59 hours local Danish time

Please see the full call, including how to apply, on www.sdu.dk