A 3-year (5+3) or 4-year (4+4) PhD position in organic and supramolecular chemistry is available for a highly motivated candidate at the Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy (FKF) at the University of Southern Denmark. The position is funded by a DFF-Research Project 1 grant from the Independent Research Fund Denmark – Natural Sciences and is available from January 1, 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter.
The project focuses on the design and synthesis of electroactive molecular machines capable of converting electrically controlled molecular motion into mechanical force. In particular, the project will investigate whether redox-induced shuttling in mechanically interlocked molecules can be used to trigger the cleavage of covalent bonds and thereby enable controlled cargo release.
Project Background
The aim of this project is to develop electrically responsive molecular machines capable of converting redox-induced molecular motion into covalent cargo release.
Specifically, the project will focus on the design and synthesis of [2]rotaxanes incorporating a redox-active monopyrrolotetrathiafulvalene (MPTTF) unit, a cyclobis(paraquat-p-phenylene) (CBPQT4+) macrocycle, and a furan-based unit linked to a cargo molecule through a Diels–Alder adduct.
Upon electrochemical oxidation of the MPTTF unit, the CBPQT4+ macrocycle is expected to undergo shuttling along the molecular axle. The central hypothesis is that this redox-induced motion can generate sufficient mechanical force to promote a retro-Diels–Alder reaction, resulting in the release of the covalently attached cargo molecule. A key objective is to establish a direct mechanistic relationship between redox-induced macrocycle movement, the generation of mechanical force, and the cleavage of a covalent bond.
The project will involve extensive synthetic organic chemistry, the preparation and characterization of mechanically interlocked molecules, and investigations of their electrochemical and mechanical properties using techniques such as NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, UV–vis spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry.
By combining synthetic, spectroscopic, and electrochemical studies, the project aims to establish whether electrically driven molecular motion can be harnessed to induce covalent bond cleavage. The results are expected to contribute to the fundamental understanding of force transduction in artificial molecular machines and may provide a foundation for future applications in controlled molecular release.
Qualifications
The ideal candidate holds a Master's degree (5+3 programme) or a Bachelor's degree (4+4 programme) in chemistry or a closely related field, preferably with a strong background in synthetic organic chemistry.
The successful candidate should have:
- Extensive practical experience in synthetic organic chemistry.
- A strong interest in supramolecular chemistry and molecular machines.
- Experience with standard analytical and spectroscopic characterization techniques.
- The ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a research environment.
- Good communication skills and proficiency in written and spoken English.
Previous experience in supramolecular chemistry, mechanically interlocked molecules, or tetrathiafulvalene chemistry would be an advantage but is not a prerequisite.
The successful candidate will also be expected to contribute to the supervision of Bachelor's and Master's students working on research projects within the group.
To learn more about the PhD programme at the Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, read more here.
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.
Application deadline: 30. November 2026 at 23:59 hours local Danish time
Please see the full call, including how to apply, on www.sdu.dk
