PhD Fellowships in Chemistry

Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen; Radom; On-site; PLN 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious university is inviting applications for two PhD stipends in chemistry, available for projects in various chemistry fields. Candidates must possess a relevant MSc or BSc and demonstrate excellent academic performance. Responsibilities include conducting independent research, completing courses, and engaging in teaching activities. The application deadline is 1 February 2026, with a start date of 1 August 2026. Interested individuals are encouraged to apply online and provide necessary documentation.

Qualifications

• Candidates must have strong academic performance at BSc and MSc levels.
• Good research proposal required.
• Relevant prior experience in chemistry is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct an independent research project under supervision.
• Complete PhD courses encompassing about 30 ECTS.
• Engage in teaching and knowledge dissemination activities.

Skills

Fluent in written and spoken English

Curious mindset with strong interest in thematic areas

Education

Master's degree in Chemistry or related field

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or related field

Job description

Morten Meldal PhD Fellowships in Chemistry

The Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen invites excellent, ingenious, and creative applicants for two PhD stipends in chemistry.

Application date for the stipends: 1 February 2026. Start date: 1 August 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The PhD stipends will be available for projects in all areas of experimental and theoretical chemistry at the Faculty of Science, including organic, inorganic, physical, nanochemistry, materials, food, chemical biology, biological chemistry, quantum, sustainable, environmental, and analytical chemistry.

Who are we looking for?

Strong candidates with a MSc or BSc related to one or more areas above, excellent results, and good English skills. If you expect to obtain a MSc before August 2026 and do not have it at the deadline, you must apply for the integrated PhD program (Option B).

Assessment Criteria

• Excellence of the candidate based on former performance at BSc and MSc level.
• Academic originality and expected impact of the proposed project.
• Implementation: relevance of the supervisor host environment and feasibility of the PhD project plan.

To support a proposal at the Faculty of Science, you must first agree with a supervisor from one of the listed departments and include a letter of confirmation in your application.

Our Faculty and Research

The Faculty of Science consists of 12 departments. Five have strong research groups in chemistry.

Relevant Departments:

• Department of Chemistry (CHEM)
• Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences (PLEN)
• Department of Food Science (FOOD)
• Department of Biology (BIO)
• Niels Bohr Institute (NBI)

Contact the Deputy Head of Department for Research if needed:

• CHEM – Mogens Brøndsted Nielsen
• PLEN – Kristian Holst Laursen
• FOOD – Nanna Viereck
• BIO – Michael Poulsen
• NBI – Charlotte Fløe Kristjansen

The PhD Programme

Depending on your education level you can undertake the PhD programme as either:

Option A: Three‑year full‑time study (regular PhD programme)

Applicable if you already have, or will obtain, a master’s‑equivalent degree by 1 July 2026. The PhD fellowship lasts up to 3 years.

Qualifications for the Regular Programme

You must have completed a degree equivalent to a Danish master’s degree (180 ECTS BSc + 120 ECTS MSc) related to chemistry.

Terms of Employment (Regular Programme)

Full‑time PhD fellow, maximum of 3 years. Conditional upon successful enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD School.

Option B: Up to five‑year full‑time study (integrated MSc + PhD programme)

Applicable if you do not have a master’s‑equivalent but have a bachelor’s‑equivalent degree.

Qualifications for the Integrated MSc + PhD Programme

You must be enrolled in a faculty master programme related to chemistry or be eligible to enroll.

Terms of the Integrated Programme

• Integrated programme duration: up to 5 years, depending on passed credits.
• While MSc not yet obtained: partial funding (48 state education grant portions + salary for teaching, supervision, etc.) covering 150 working hours per year (2025 rate: DKK 7.086 pre‑tax).
• After MSc: transfer to salary‑earning part for 2 years under standard employment terms.

Responsibilities and Tasks In Both PhD Programmes

• Conduct an independent research project under supervision.
• Complete PhD courses (≈30 ECTS / ½ FTE).
• Participate in active research environments, including a stay at another research institution or private company.
• Engage in teaching and knowledge dissemination activities.
• Write scientific papers for peer‑reviewed journals.
• Write and defend a PhD thesis.

Additional Responsibilities (Integrated MSc + PhD Programme)

• Complete and pass the MSc programme according to its curriculum.

Qualifications We Are Looking For

• Professional and excellent qualifications relevant to the PhD project.
• Curious mindset with strong interest in the thematic areas.
• Fluent in written and spoken English.

Application and Assessment Procedure

Your application, including all attachments, must be in English and submitted electronically.

Please Include

• Cover letter (max. one page) describing motivation.
• Brief research proposal (max. 5500 characters, no figures or references).
• Curriculum vitae with education, experience, language skills, and relevant skills.
• Original diplomas and transcripts (or certified copies) in the original language with authorized English translation if needed.
• Publication list (if possible).
• Reference letters (if available).
• Letter of confirmation from a potential supervisor.

Application Deadline

1 February 2026, 23:59 GMT + 2. No application after the deadline will be considered.

The Further Process

After the deadline, shortlisted candidates will undergo academic assessment by an internal unbiased expert committee.

Applicants will be notified of shortlisting and assessment outcome. If qualified, candidates will be offered Model A or Model B. Candidates may comment on their assessment. Interviews with top qualified candidates are expected in weeks 15‑17.

Questions

For specific information about the PhD fellowship, contact the Deputy Head of the relevant department listed above.

General information about PhD study at the Faculty of Science is available at the PhD School’s website: https://www.science.ku.dk/phd/.

The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the surrounding community and invites all, regardless of personal background, to apply for the position.

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Important Information

• Application deadline: 01‑02‑2026
• Employment start: 01‑08‑2026
• Working hours: Full time
• Department/Location: Faculty of Science