1 PhD Scholarship in Organic Synthesis in Denmark | Technical University of Denmark (DTU)

Responsibilities and tasks

The project will mainly be carried out in the area of carbohydrate chemistry where the most important linkage is the glycosidic bond. This connection is prepared by a glycosylation reaction between a glycosyl donor and a glycosyl acceptor, but due to the complex structure of carbohydrates many protecting groups are employed in the coupling. This increases the number of reactions for preparation of an oligosaccharide and makes it both a costly and time-consuming event to assemble a target molecule. The project will develop approaches to diminish the need for protecting groups in oligosaccharide synthesis. Glycosylations with unprotected glycosyl acceptors will be performed with a new coupling method developed in the group and special catalysts to direct the regioselectivity. In this way, the coupling will be controlled by a catalyst and not by specially introduced protecting groups. Furthermore, several consecutive glycosylations will be carried out in the same pot by using chemoselective couplings with thioglycosides which will also save steps in the preparation of a target molecule. The scope of the regio- and chemoselective glycosylations will be established and the reactions applied to the synthesis of oligosaccharides found in hemicellulose.

Qualifications

The successful candidate should have

• A master’s degree in engineering or chemistry with a strong theoretical and experimental background in organic synthesis
• A strong commitment to research
• Independence and good communications skills

We offer

We offer an interesting and challenging job in an international environment focusing on education, research, public-sector consultancy and innovation, which contribute to enhancing the economy and improving social welfare. We strive for academic excellence, collegial respect and freedom tempered by responsibility. The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) is a leading technical university in northern Europe and benchmarks with the best universities in the world.