Postdoc Position in Chemistry (University of Copenhagen)

We are looking for a talented postdoctoral researcher to be the driving force of a project initiated through a Novo Nordic Foundation project grant titled Time-resolved studies of the Lytic Polysaccharide MonoOxygenase reactions. Lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases are copper metalloenzymes able to cleave saccharide linkages. Initially discovered due to their biotechnological potential in saccharification of recalcitrant biomass, many biological roles are recognized nowadays. A number of mechanistic questions remain unsolved and in this project we will particularly apply cutting-edge serial crystallography as a main technique, to probe various aspects of the catalytic reaction in a time-resolved fashion and near-atomic resolution. The successful applicant will implement novel methodologies in the group and have a close collaboration with a PhD student also involved in the project, and synchrotron beamlines, particularly Micromax and Biomax in Lund, but also other European facilities. A certain amount of travel to the facilities and/or a longer stay of some months is expected for the successful candidate. The project will be carried out in the group of Prof Lo Leggio (leila@chem.ku.dk) at the Department of Chemistry, who has many years of expertise in the structure and function of carbohydrate modifying enzymes, in particular LPMOs. Here we have for several years focused on a model system where we have applied a number of non-standard advanced crystallographic techniques e.g. in dose-resolved studies. We are looking for a candidate with: Very strong background in macromolecular crystallography, including crystal handling, mounting, data collection and data processing at synchrotrons and/or XFEL, structure determination and refinement. Applicants with insufficient experience in crystallography will not be considered. Competences in structural enzymology (preferably on metalloenzymes or carbohydrate-active enzymes). Ideally, experience in serial crystallography and/or complementary spectroscopy in crystals. Preferably, experience in protein expression, purification and crystallization. Should no applicant fulfil all requirements, some may be levied however applicants with no crystallography experience will not be considered. In this context, please note that experience in crystallization alone is not considered experience in crystallography. Other highly desirable skills: Demonstrated ability to work in interdisciplinary teams and supervise younger students. Experience with shipping crystals and organizing synchrotron trips. Excellent written and oral communication in English. Duties The postdoc’s duties will include research within the above project as well as teaching. We share also a number of lab duties, which in this case will likely include organizing synchrotron trips and shipping for the group. The post may also include performance of other duties. Further information on the Department is available upon request. Inquiries about the position can be made to leila@chem.ku.dk. Employment Details Start date: Preferably 1 January 2026 Duration: Two years Working hours: Full time Department/Location: Faculty of Science The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background. Terms of Employment The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff. Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State. Negotiation for salary supplement is possible. Application Instructions The application, in English, must be submitted electronically. Please include: Motivated letter of application (max. one page). CV including education, work/research experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position. A certified/signed copy of a) PhD certificate and b) Master of Science certificate. If the PhD is not completed, a written statement from the supervisor will do. Note that we will only consider candidates who will have defended their thesis prior to 1 January 2026. Full list of publications. Deadline for Applications 7 October 2025 The Further Process After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the hiring committee. All applicants are then immediately notified whether their application has been passed for assessment by an unbiased assessor. Once the assessment work has been completed, each applicant has the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that relates to the applicant him/herself. The applicant will be assessed according to the Ministerial Order no. 242 of 13 March 2012 on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities. Interviews are expected to be held in weeks 45–46. Contact Leila Lo Leggio Email: leila@chem.ku.dk Application Info Application deadline: 07-10-2025 Employment start: 01-01-2026 Working hours: Full time Department/Location: Faculty of Science If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Academicoxy

We are looking for a talented postdoctoral researcher to be the driving force of a project initiated through a Novo Nordic Foundation project grant titled Time-resolved studies of the Lytic Polysaccharide MonoOxygenase reactions.

Lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases are copper metalloenzymes able to cleave saccharide linkages. Initially discovered due to their biotechnological potential in saccharification of recalcitrant biomass, many biological roles are recognized nowadays. A number of mechanistic questions remain unsolved and in this project we will particularly apply cutting-edge serial crystallography as a main technique, to probe various aspects of the catalytic reaction in a time-resolved fashion and near-atomic resolution.

The successful applicant will implement novel methodologies in the group and have a close collaboration with a PhD student also involved in the project, and synchrotron beamlines, particularly Micromax and Biomax in Lund, but also other European facilities. A certain amount of travel to the facilities and/or a longer stay of some months is expected for the successful candidate.

The project will be carried out in the group of Prof Lo Leggio (leila@chem.ku.dk) at the Department of Chemistry, who has many years of expertise in the structure and function of carbohydrate modifying enzymes, in particular LPMOs. Here we have for several years focused on a model system where we have applied a number of non-standard advanced crystallographic techniques e.g. in dose-resolved studies.

We are looking for a candidate with:

Very strong background in macromolecular crystallography, including crystal handling, mounting, data collection and data processing at synchrotrons and/or XFEL, structure determination and refinement. Applicants with insufficient experience in crystallography will not be considered.
Competences in structural enzymology (preferably on metalloenzymes or carbohydrate-active enzymes).
Ideally, experience in serial crystallography and/or complementary spectroscopy in crystals.
Preferably, experience in protein expression, purification and crystallization.
Should no applicant fulfil all requirements, some may be levied however applicants with no crystallography experience will not be considered. In this context, please note that experience in crystallization alone is not considered experience in crystallography.

Other highly desirable skills:

Demonstrated ability to work in interdisciplinary teams and supervise younger students.
Experience with shipping crystals and organizing synchrotron trips.
Excellent written and oral communication in English.

Duties

The postdoc’s duties will include research within the above project as well as teaching. We share also a number of lab duties, which in this case will likely include organizing synchrotron trips and shipping for the group. The post may also include performance of other duties.

Further information on the Department is available upon request. Inquiries about the position can be made to leila@chem.ku.dk.

Employment Details

Start date: Preferably 1 January 2026
Duration: Two years
Working hours: Full time
Department/Location: Faculty of Science

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Terms of Employment

The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.
Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.
Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

Application Instructions

The application, in English, must be submitted electronically.

Please include:

Motivated letter of application (max. one page).
CV including education, work/research experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position.
A certified/signed copy of a) PhD certificate and b) Master of Science certificate. If the PhD is not completed, a written statement from the supervisor will do. Note that we will only consider candidates who will have defended their thesis prior to 1 January 2026.
Full list of publications.

Deadline for Applications

7 October 2025

The Further Process

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the hiring committee. All applicants are then immediately notified whether their application has been passed for assessment by an unbiased assessor. Once the assessment work has been completed, each applicant has the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that relates to the applicant him/herself.

The applicant will be assessed according to the Ministerial Order no. 242 of 13 March 2012 on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.

Interviews are expected to be held in weeks 45–46.