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Faculty of Medicine :
Institute for Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry
Microbial Biochemistry
In order to fill a fixed-term position in part-time (25.8895 hours/week = 65%) at the earliest possible date, we are looking for one
PhD student (m/f/d) in Redox Biology
Neutrophils and macrophages belong to the first line of defense in the innate immune response: highly specialized in phagocytosis, they engulf invading pathogens and kill them in the phagolysosome using a toxic cocktail of reactive oxygen species and lytic factors. During this so-called oxidative burst, hypochlorous acid, a very strong oxidizing agent is produced, capable of modifying a wide range of different functional groups in biomolecules. The candidate will particularly focus on the oxidation of thiol groups and N-chlorination of amines. The successful candidate will use specific chemical and genetically encoded probes, lipidomics, and other biochemical and molecular biological tools to investigate which modifications hypochlorous acid induces in the cell envelope of bacteria (and the host). Furthermore, the influence of these modifications on bacterial physiology and host-pathogen interactions, and how bacteria protect themselves against these modifications will be elucidated.
This three-year doctoral project lies at the intersection of redox biology and host-pathogen interactions. Your responsibilities will include independent planning and carrying out of experiments and data analysis, as well as contributing to the project’s further development and publication. You can expect a welcoming and supportive team.
Scope: part-time
Duration: fixed-term, 3 Jahre
Start: at the earliest possible date
Apply by: 2026-06-01
Your tasks:
- Microbiological and molecular biological work: (Co-)cultivation of bacteria & human cells, cloning and deletion mutagenesis, lipid isolation & analysis, heterologous expression & purification of proteins, fluorescence microscopy
- Biochemical assays: Working with liposomes & introducing redox probes into model membranes, analyzing the influence of N-chlorination on membranes using specific probes
- Specific techniques: Use of chemical probes for the detection of modified lipids & membrane proteins in combination with lipidomics & proteomics, use of redox & metabolite probes for the analysis of cellular homeostasis, transcriptome analysis for the identification of differentially regulated cellular pathways
- Supervision of bachelor’s and master’s theses, as well as co-supervision of advanced and specialized modules
- Literature review and hypothesis development, independent evaluation of results, and further development of the research project
Your profile:
We are looking for a candidate with an excellent master’s degree in biochemistry or biology, specialized in micro-/molecular biology, or a comparable degree. We welcome applications from candidates who have not yet fully completed their master’s thesis. The position requires the ability to independently plan and conduct experiments in molecular biology, as well as at least a basic understanding of microbiological work. Experience in one of the following topics is beneficial:
- Microbiology
- Cell culture with human cell lines
- Working with biological membranes
- Redox biology
We are looking for a reliable and scientifically enthusiastic individual who enjoys working in a team and is willing to establish novel methods and present their work in a scientific setting. Excellent English skills are required.
Please provide your application as single PDF file in the online application system.
We offer:
- Challenging and varied tasks with a high level of personal responsibility.
- Structured PhD by regular feedback & exchange and integration in the IGB (International Graduate School Biosciences)
- Formal integration into the RUB Research School and benefits from the offered mentoring programs and courses
- Employment at one of the largest universities in Germany within the University Alliance Ruhr
- A friendly and welcoming work environment
- Networking opportunities at international scientific conferences
- A family-friendly working environment supported by structures at the RUB
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 TVL E13 TV-L.
Further information can be found at (in German).
The place of work is Ruhr University Bochum.
If the position is funded by third-party funds the employee has no teaching obligation.
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/sbgk/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. Lisa Knoke Tel.: +49 234 32 24879
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 2026-06-01. Please make sure to mention the reference number ANR 5676.
RUHR-UNIVERSITÄT BOCHUM
44801 Bochum
Universitätsstraße 150
SOCIAL MEDIA