Doctoral students in Organic Chemistry

Subject description

Design and synthesis of novel antimicrobial agents

One to three PhD positions are available at the Center for Analysis and Synthesis at the department of Chemistry at Lund University. These positions offer advanced training in organic synthesis, with a focus on developing new and innovative antibiotics, as well as the design of novel terpenoid-peptide bioconjugates. The research will involve the development of innovative synthetic methodologies and their application in the creation of biologically significant molecules and advanced chemical tools.

Work duties

The work duties primarily involve organic synthesis and molecular design, along with purification and characterization using chromatography and spectroscopic techniques such as LCMS and NMR. You will be responsible for documenting experimental work, analyzing data, and assisting in the preparation of scientific manuscripts. Additionally, the role includes planning experiments and presenting research findings at group meetings and seminars.

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties will also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

Admission requirements

A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if the applicant:

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

A person meets the specific admission requirements for third cycle studies in chemistry if the applicant has:

At least 120 credits of chemistry courses, of which at least 30 credits must be a second-cycle degree project in the chosen specialisation or closely related specialisations.

The special qualification may also have been obtained through other equivalent education, which is assessed in each individual case.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Knowledge of intermediate and advanced organic synthesis.
• Proficiency in structural determination using 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy

Assessment criteria

Selection for third-cycle studies is based on the student’s potential to profit from such studies. The assessment of potential is made primarily on the basis of academic results from the first and second cycle. Special attention is paid to the following:

1. Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of study.
2. An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems.
3. Written and oral communication skills.
4. Other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, e.g. professional experience.

Other assessment criteria:

• Work experience in organic and/or medicinal chemistry, outside of the scope of a master’s degree, is considered a valuable qualification.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through his or her experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme.

Terms of employment

Only those admitted to third cycle studies may be employed as doctoral students. The duration of the doctoral studies is four years for full-time studies. In the case of teaching and other departmental work, the employment is extended correspondingly, but for a maximum of 5 years (i.e. a maximum of 20%). Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

Instructions on how to apply

Applications shall be written in English and include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background. The application must also contain a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.).