PhD Position in Pathogen Lytic Polysaccharide Monooxygenases as Inhibitor Targets at University of Copenhagen

PhD Position: Pathogen Lytic Polysaccharide Monooxygenases as Inhibitor Targets

Biochemistry, Structural Biology, and Enzyme Inhibition
University of Copenhagen
Copenhagen, Denmark
Application Deadline: 12 March 2026

Overview

The University of Copenhagen, Department of Chemistry, invites applications for a fully funded PhD fellowship in biological and structural chemistry. The project focuses on developing inhibitors for lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs), with an emphasis on enzymes from plant pathogens. This research is part of a larger collaborative project funded by the Independent Research Fund Denmark, involving international partners.

The PhD position starts on 1 August 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Research Focus

The PhD project has two main tracks:

1. Structure-Based Inhibitor Design
   • Crystallographic fragment screening and ligand-complex studies
   • Inhibition studies and computational design of inhibitors
   • Collaboration with synthetic chemistry groups for compound development
2. Characterization of Novel LPMOs from Plant Pathogens
   • Functional and structural characterization of enzymes
   • Studying interactions with inhibitors
   • Collaboration with international research groups, including INRAE, France

The project emphasizes protein chemistry, enzyme function, and structure-based drug design, with primary techniques including crystallography, recombinant protein expression, purification, and bioinformatics.

Academic Field and Research Domain

This PhD lies primarily in:

Primary Field

• Biochemistry / Structural Biology

Core Disciplines

• Protein Chemistry
• Enzyme Mechanisms and Catalysis
• Structural Characterization (X-ray Crystallography)
• Structure-Based Inhibitor Design

Applied Research Areas

• Pathogen Enzyme Targets
• Plant Pathogen Biochemistry
• Enzyme Inhibition and Therapeutics
• Bioinformatics for Protein Structure Analysis

The project integrates laboratory-based protein biochemistry, enzymology, and structural biology with computational modeling and drug discovery approaches.

Candidate Profile

Applicants should have:

• MSc in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Nanoscience, or a related field
• Strong experience in protein expression, purification, and structural characterization
• Practical experience with crystallography and crystallographic structure determination
• Knowledge of enzyme assays, inhibition studies, or carbohydrate-active enzymes is advantageous
• Interest in collaborative and international research environments
• Strong English communication skills

Employment Conditions

• Full-time position, 3-year contract
• Enrollment in the regular PhD programme at the Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen
• Salary and terms according to Danish PhD fellowship regulations

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent research under supervision
• Complete PhD coursework (~30 ECTS)
• Participate in national and international collaborations, including research stays abroad (3–6 months)
• Supervise students and contribute to teaching activities
• Publish high-quality scientific papers and defend a PhD thesis

Research Environment

• Hosted by the Biological Chemistry section, Department of Chemistry
• Dynamic, international, and collaborative research environment
• Close interaction with both Danish and international PhD students and postdocs
• Access to state-of-the-art techniques in protein chemistry, structural biology, and enzymology

This PhD position is ideal for candidates interested in structural biology, protein chemistry, enzyme inhibition, and pathogen biochemistry, with potential applications in plant pathology and biotechnology.

Apply now at: https://employment.ku.dk/phd?show=157081