Research Assistant position in Supramolecular Polymer Chemistry for Whole-Cell Catalysis at SDU in Odense

The Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU), Odense, invites applications for a Research Assistant position in the field of supramolecular polymer-based bacterial coating for biocatalysis. The position is available in the research group of Dr Changzhu Wu (www.wugroup.sdu.dk).

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 aim of developing industrially relevant biocatalytic systems. The position is connected to the project “SupraBAC: Coating Bacteria with Supramolecular Polymers for New Catalysis”, which aims to develop supramolecular polymer coatings on E. coli cells to improve whole-cell catalysis. The project is funded by the Carlsberg Foundation under the Semper Ardens – Accelerate – framework.

The Wu group offers strong expertise in polymer synthesis, bacterial coating, and biocatalysis, and works closely with national and international collaborators. The group interacts with relevant SDU research environments and platforms and collaborates with international partners on polymer design and biocatalytic concepts.

Tasks and responsibilities

The successful candidate will contribute to the project primarily through work on:

• Design and synthesis of functional or supramolecular polymers
• Development of covalent and non-covalent systems for bacterial surface modification
• Development of controlled polymerization methods for bacterial coating
• Construction and evaluation of coated bacterial systems for environmental and catalytic applications
• Documentation of results and contribution to manuscripts, reports, and project meetings

Qualifications

We are seeking an enthusiastic, ambitious, and independent candidate with a strong background relevant to the project. The ideal candidate has:

• A Master’s degree in Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Supramolecular Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, or a closely related discipline
• Strong practical experience in both biocatalysis and bacterial surface modification
• Practical experience in organic synthesis and/or polymer synthesis and design
• A documented publication record relevant to the field, commensurate with career stage
• Good interpersonal and communication skills in English, and the ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary team

Employment details

• Starting date: As soon as possible
• Duration: Up to 17 months (extension may be possible subject to funding and mutual agreement)
• Application deadline: 30 September 2026

For further information about the position, please contact:
Dr Changzhu Wu
Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark
E-mail: [email protected]

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.

Shortlisting may be used in the assessment process.