About this role
We are looking for a talented and motivated postdoc to help drive our search for new anti-viral agents, particularly focused on influenza. Help us develop next-generation anti-virals to protect us from a potential future pandemic. This project is funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation and involves a collaboration with the Spanish National Centre for Biotechnology in Madrid.
Responsibilities and qualifications
Your main focus will be on the design, synthesis, purification and characterisation of analogues of new host-directed antiviral compounds identified in the group. You will also test compounds in biochemical and biophysical assays against lipid transporters, and for effects on cellular lipid composition. You will maintain an active collaboration with in vitro and in vivo virology labs in Madrid, Spain. Your specific tasks will be:
- Design, synthesis and analytical characterisation (NMR, LCMS etc) of new, potential anti-viral agents.
- Screening of compounds against recombinant lipid transporters and for anti-viral activity, the latter together with collaborator labs.
- Mechanism of action studies (cell biology).
- Co-supervise BSc/MSc students
Specific requirements for the project are
- Significant experience in synthetic organic chemistry.
- Extensive experience in analytical chemistry (NMR, LCMS, IR etc).
- A strong theoretical and ideally practical understanding of medicinal chemistry.
- Willingness to learn biochemical and cell biological techniques. Experience is not mandatory, but would be an advantage.
As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent).
We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.
Salary and terms of employment
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. In addition, supplements can be negotiated in accordance with DTU’s salary structure for scientific staff: www.inside.dtu.dk/en/human-resources/during-employment/salary/salary-structures.
The period of employment is 2 years.
You can read more about career paths at DTU here.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Professor Luca Laraia, Department of Chemistry, www.kemi.dtu.dk/laraia, email: [email protected]
You can read more about the Department of Chemistry at www.kemi.dtu.dk
If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark.
Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than Friday, 11 December 2026 (23:59 Danish time).
Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:
- Cover letter
- CV
- Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD – in English)
- List of publications
- Contact details for at least 2 references.
Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.
The department of chemistry is a highly multi-disciplinary research-focused department which currently hosts 30 faculty members spanning organic, inorganic and physical chemistry. Research in the group of Luca Laraia is focused on the synthesis of natural product-inspired compound collections, the optimisation and application of inhibitors of sterol transport proteins, and the cellular study of sterol-mediated processes, including development of new chemoproteomic methods, bifunctional lipids and imaging strategies. An important goal of the group’s research is the therapeutic application of the compounds generated, particularly in cancer and infectious disease.
DTU – For the benefit of society since 1829
DTU is one of Europe's leading elite technical universities. Through research and education at an international top level, we create solutions to the major societal challenges of our time and help secure Europe's global leadership in sustainable technological development. Since Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU almost 200 years ago, our mission has remained the same: We develop and create value through the natural and technical sciences for the benefit of society. DTU has 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students, and 6,500 employees. We work in an international environment and have an inclusive, stimulating, and informal work culture. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.