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Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology :
Allgemeine Zoologie und Neurobiologie
AG Vehaltensneurobiologie/Behavioral Neuroscience Research Group
In order to fill a fixed-term position in part-time (65%, 25,8895 hours per week) at the earliest possible date, we are looking for 1
PhD Candidate (f/m/d)
The chair deals with The research of the Behavioral Neuroscience group focuses on uncovering the underlying pathomechanisms of various neurodegenerative diseases of the cerebellum, such as Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 6 and Episodic Ataxia Type 2. The focus is on studying channels, receptors, and GPCRs expressed in cerebellar Purkinje cells that contribute to the development of neurodegenerative diseases and neurodivergence (e.g., autism). Using various mouse models, the aim is to develop and characterize new therapeutic approaches. The proposed project will investigate specific GPCRs expressed in the cerebellum, whose endogenous ligands and physiological functions are currently unknown (so-called orphan GPRs). The candidate will perform various in vitro experiments to study the physiological functions, ligands, and signalling pathways of the selected orphan GPRs, accompanied by performing basic mouse behavioral essays to explore the GPRs physiological role in development and neurodegeneration.
Scope: part-time
Duration: fixed-term, 3 Years
Start: at the earliest possible date
Apply by: 2026-08-25
Your tasks:
- Molecular biology: Cloning of various plasmids and sensors using standard molecular biology techniques (PCR, restriction digest, ligation, etc.)
- Cell culture: Culturing, passaging, transfection, and generation of stable GPCR-specific cell lines for in vitro studies; performing assays to identify GPCR signalling pathways
- Biochemical assays: Co-immunoprecipitation, Western blotting, high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry
- Fluorescence microscopy and analysis of fluorescent images; performing calcium imaging
- Animal experiments: Conducting and analyzing behavioral experiments in mice; as well as organ extraction followed by histological analyses (IHC, qPCR, Western blot)
- Electrophysiology: In vivo recordings and analysis of Purkinje cell activity
- Supervision: Support in supervising Bachelor’s and Master’s theses, as well as participation in specialized and advanced training modules
Your profile:
We are looking for a candidate with an excellent Master’s degree in biology with a focus on neurobiology/neuroscience or a comparable field. Excellent candidates holding a Bachelor’s degree in (neuro) biology or a comparable field may also apply and can start their PhD with the ‘fast track’ programme. Ideally, the candidate should have the following qualifications:
- Excellent English language skills (C1). At least A1 German skills
- Experience in planning and conducting molecular biology experiments
- Experience in cell culture techniques (maintenance of cell lines, transfection etc.)
- Experience in fluorescence microscopy
- Strong skills in project planning and collaborative research
- In-depth knowledge of GPCRs
- Basic mouse handling experience
- We are looking for an open-minded, extroverted, and scientifically enthusiastic individual who stands out through teamwork, independence, accuracy, and excellent academic
- achievements. Willingness to learn new methods and to give presentations in English is expected.
- For application, pleases provide at least one letter of recommendation and a motivational letter.
We offer:
- 30 days of paid vacation per year
- Extensive training and professional development opportunities
- Family-friendly workplace (holiday childcare, daycare, mobile children's room)
- Interdisciplinary collaboration within an international, committed, and open-minded team
- Workshops, conferences, symposia, and journal clubs for interdisciplinary exchange
Further information:
The position is salaried and based on the collective agreement of the Länder (TV-L). If the personal and collective agreement requirements are met, the employee will receive pay grade E12/13 TV-L.
Further information can be found at (in German).
The place of work is Ruhr University Bochum.
The load of teaching will be calculated according to § 3 of Lehrverpflichtungsverordnung (state of North Rhine-Westphalia).
RUB sees itself as a university with an international presence. The campus languages are German and English. Competence in at least one of the two languages and the willingness to learn the other are a prerequisite. RUB provides corresponding free courses for employees.
German language courses are offered by the University Language Center (ZFA) in the field of German as a Foreign Language (DaF). https://www.daf.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/daf/mitarbeitende/index.html.en
The Staff Council has the right to participate in all selection interviews. At the request of a candidate (m/f/x), it will ensure its participation in the entire procedure. Please contact wpr@rub.de.
The Ruhr-Universität Bochum is one of Germany’s leading research universities, addressing the whole range of academic disciplines. A highly dynamic setting enables researchers and students to work across the traditional boundaries of academic subjects and faculties. To create knowledge networks within and beyond the university is Ruhr-Universität Bochum’s declared aim.
The Ruhr-Universität Bochum stands for diversity and equal opportunities. For this reason, we favour a working environment composed of heterogeneous teams, and seek to promote the careers of individuals who are underrepresented in our respective professional areas. The Ruhr-Universität Bochum expressly requests job applications from women. In areas in which they are underrepresented they will be given preference in the case of equivalent qualifications with male candidates. Applications from individuals with disabilities are most welcome.
Contact persons for further information:
Dr. Pauline-Bohne-Rybarski Tel.: +49 234 32 24341
Travel costs, accommodation costs and loss of earnings or other application costs for job interviews can unfortunately not be reimbursed.
We look forward to receiving your application via our online application portal by 2026-08-25. Please make sure to mention the reference number ANR 5963.
RUHR-UNIVERSITÄT BOCHUM
44801 Bochum
Universitätsstraße 150
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