PhD fellowship in NanoGeoBiolgy Full-time

PhD Fellowship In Tautomeric Proton Transfer In DNA Base Pairs

The Geobiology section invites applicants for a PhD fellowship in “Tautomeric proton transfer in DNA base pairs”. The project is part of a collaborative initiative between partners in China and in Denmark financed by the Sino Danish Center in Beijing.

Start date is 1 January 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The primary goal of the project will be to image the hydrogen bonds in Watson-Crick AT and GC base pairs at the single hydrogen bond level, and measure their geometry using highly advanced STM/AFM techniques that have been developed at the Nano-Science in Beijing. This will create the foundation for the secondary goal, using the hydrogen bond geometry measurements along side spectroscopic methods to look for evidence of tautomeric proton transfer in GC pairs.

We are looking for candidates within the field(s) of Nano-science. Applicants can have a background from Nano-Science, experimental physics, organic analytical chemistry. Over the three-year period, the candidate will spend approximately one year in China (in one or more stays), conducting research and teaching.

We are a small interdisciplinary group with backgrounds in Geology, Nanoscience, and Physics, working on the question of the origin of life. Our goal is to approach this question from both a top-down and a bottom-up perspective. In the top-down approach, we analyze the oldest known remains of life to understand how the earliest organisms evolved. In the bottom-up approach, we test hypotheses about the origin of life through laboratory experiments. In both cases, we use the same set of instruments to analyze products from the bottom-up experiments as well as trace amounts of carbonaceous material found in ancient rocks.

The group is a part of Globe institute, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Copenhagen. We are located in Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories.

Principal supervisor is Professor Tue Hassenkam, Globe institute, tue.hassenkam@sund.ku.dk, Direct phone: +4526552030

A three year full-time study within the framework of the regular PhD programme if you already have an education equivalent to a relevant Danish master's degree.

To be eligible for the regular PhD programme, you must have completed a degree programme, equivalent to a Danish master's degree (180 ECTS/3 FTE BSc + 120 ECTS/2 FTE MSc) related to the subject area of the project, e.g. [relevant educations]. For information of eligibility of completed programmes, see General assessments for specific countries and Assessment database.

Employment as PhD fellow is full time and for maximum 3 years.

Employment is conditional upon your successful enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD School at the Faculty for Health and Medicine, University of Copenhagen. This requires submission and acceptance of an application for the specific project formulated by the applicant.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State. The position is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure.

You can read more about salary levels in the state sector www.loenoverblik.dk (in Danish).

Carry through an independent research project under supervision

Complete PhD courses corresponding to approx. 30 ECTS / ½ FTE

Participate in active research environments, both in Copenhagen and Beijing in China

Teaching and knowledge dissemination activities

Write scientific papers aimed at high-impact journals

Write and defend a PhD thesis on the basis of your project

Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD project

Relevant publications

Relevant work experience

Other relevant professional activities

Curious mind-set with a strong interest in nano-Science

Good language skills

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

Motivated letter of application (max. one page)

Curriculum vitae including information about your education, experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position

Original diplomas for Bachelor or Master and transcript of records in the original language, including an authorized English translation if issued in another language than English or Danish. If not completed, a certified/signed copy of a recent transcript of records or a written statement from the institution or supervisor is accepted.

Publication list (if possible)

Reference letters (if available)

The deadline for applications is 7 October 2026, 23:59 CEST.

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