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Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry :
Chair of Inorganic Chemistry
Mechanochemistry
In order to fill a fixed-term position in part-time (26,6861 hours/week = 67%) at the earliest possible date, we are looking for 2
PhD student (m/f/x) in Mechanochemistry
The Borchardt Group advances the field of mechanochemistry. Our mission is to eliminate the use of solvents—the main source of chemical waste — from synthetic processes, thereby pioneering greener and more sustainable chemical syntheses. We conduct research across organic and inorganic chemistry, focusing on the development and fundamental understanding of novel synthetic concepts for molecules and advanced materials. Further information on our research philosophy is available at www.borchardt-group.com
We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate (m/f/x) to conduct research in the field of synthetic mechanochemistry. You will independently design, perform, and evaluate experiments and conduct comprehensive characterization using analytical techniques such as GC-MS, NMR, HPLC, XRD, XPS, and others. You will develop new synthetic concepts within the field of mechanochemistry, bridging mechanochemistry with other disciplines such as catalysis and photochemistry. You will design innovative milling setups that incorporate reactive gases into ball milling processes to enable chemical transformations that are otherwise difficult or impossible to achieve via conventional liquid-phase methods. The position also provides the possibility for scientific qualification (PhD).
Scope: part-time
Duration: fixed-term, 3 Jahre
Start: at the earliest possible date
Apply by: 2026-05-26
Your tasks:
- Independent planning and conduction of synthetic mechanochemical experiments.
- Development, operation, and maintenance of specialized ball milling setups, including gas-integration systems.
- Exploration and implementation of new synthetic methodologies, including the integration of catalysis and photochemistry.
- Independent characterization of products using GC-MS, NMR, HPLC, XRD, XPS, and complementary techniques.
- Rigorous evaluation and interpretation of complex experimental datasets.
- Guidance and supervision of Bachelor’s and Master’s students throughout their research projects and thesis work.
- Presentation of findings at conferences and preparation of manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals.
- Active engagement in interdisciplinary research initiatives and team projects.
Your profile:
- Successfully completed university degree (master's/diploma) in the field of Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field.
- Strong background in synthetic organic- or synthetic inorganic- or mechano-chemistry.
- Profound and practical experience with at least one advanced analytical techniques – such as NMR, GC-MS, HPLC, XRD, or XPS – combined with an openness to acquiring further analytical skills during the project.
- Ability to independently design, conduct, and troubleshoot experiments while ensuring high standards of reproducibility and data integrity.
- Interest in developing novel experimental setups or adapting hardware for specialized chemical processes.
- Open-minded and collaborative mindset, with the ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams.
- Excellent command of written and spoken English, including the ability to document complex results, prepare high-impact manuscripts, and present findings to diverse scientific audiences.
- Strong analytical thinking and creative approach to solving complex synthetic challenges.
We offer:
- Challenging and diverse tasks with a high degree of research autonomy, independent project management and decision-making.
- Access to state-of-the-art laboratories equipped with advanced instrumentation for mechanochemistry and comprehensive analytical characterization.
- A stimulating environment offering individual research freedom and collaborative team efforts.
- A dynamic culture that prioritizes open communication, creativity, and the interdisciplinary exchange of innovative ideas.
- Active support for participating in international conferences and workshops to expand your scientific horizon, build professional networks, and increase your research visibility.
- Access to a large interdisciplinary research network.
- A research focus deeply rooted in the principles of green chemistry and the reduction of environmental impact through technological innovation.
- Direct involvement in the academic development of students, providing valuable experience in leadership and teaching.
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 E 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).
Please include a cover letter alongside your CV, detailing your previous experience in the field of synthetic chemistry.
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:
Prof. Dr. Lars Borchardt Tel.: +49 234 32 29431
Nicole Ray Tel.: +49 234 32 12368
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 2026-05-26. Please make sure to mention the reference number ANR 5619.
RUHR-UNIVERSITÄT BOCHUM
44801 Bochum
Universitätsstraße 150
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