Share page
Faculty of Medicine :
Chair of Biophysics
In order to fill a fixed-term position in part-time (25,89 hours/week = 65 %) at the earliest possible date or by January 15, 2027, we are looking for 1
Researcher/PhD (m/f/x) in Medicinal Chemistry
The Karges Research Group is seeking a highly motivated PhD researcher to join our interdisciplinary research program at the interface of medicinal chemistry, biophysics, and translational medicine. Our research focuses on the design and synthesis of novel metal complexes, characterization of photophysical properties, and the exploration of their biological activity against target proteins as well as in cancerous cells, with particular emphasis on understanding their potential for medical applications. Information to the activities of the research group can be found at our website (https://www.kargesgroup.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/). The advertised PhD position will focus on the development of innovative drug delivery systems for platinum-based anticancer agents. Platinum drugs are among the most widely used chemotherapeutics in clinical oncology. However, their therapeutic application is frequently limited by dose-limiting systemic side effects and insufficient selectivity for tumor tissue. This project aims to address these limitations by developing polymer-based platinum drug delivery systems that self-assemble into nanoparticles and enable externally controlled drug release. The project will combine polymer and coordination chemistry, photophysical characterization, and cancer biology. You will develop novel platinum-polymer conjugates, investigate their self-assembly and light-responsive properties, and evaluate their biological activity in cancer models, including 3D cancer organoids. This project offers the opportunity to work across disciplinary boundaries and to develop expertise spanning advanced synthetic chemistry, photophysics, nanomedicine, and translational cancer research.
Scope: part-time
Duration: fixed-term, 36 Monate
Start: at the earliest possible date or by January 15, 2027
Apply by: 2026-10-12
Your tasks:
- Design and synthesize novel platinum–polymer conjugates using advanced synthetic methodologies and state-of-the-art analytical techniques
- Characterize the chemical, physical, and self-assembly properties of the resulting materials using complementary spectroscopic and analytical methods
- Investigate light-responsive behavior, including absorption and emission properties as well as the controlled release of platinum-based agents upon irradiation
- Perform biological studies in cancer cell models, including cytotoxicity assays, cellular uptake, intracellular localization, and mechanistic investigations of therapy-induced cell death
- Investigate biological activity in advanced 3D cellular models, including cancer organoids
- Analyze, document, and communicate research findings through scientific publications, reports, conference presentations, and team meetings
- Collaborate in an interdisciplinary research environment spanning chemistry, biology, physics, and medicine
Your profile:
We are looking for a motivated and curious researcher who enjoys working at the interface of different scientific disciplines. You have:
- A Master of Science degree in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related discipline
- Practical experience with synthetic chemistry
- Experience in polymer chemistry is an advantage
- Experience with cell culture and biological assays is an advantage
- The ability to work independently, take initiative, and develop new ideas
- A strong command of written and spoken English
- Flexibility, adaptability, and a willingness to learn new techniques
- Strong teamwork and collaboration skills
Importantly, you do not need to have experience in all of these areas. We particularly welcome candidates who are enthusiastic about learning across disciplinary boundaries.
We offer:
- A challenging and scientifically exciting PhD project at the interface of medicinal chemistry, nanomedicine, photophysics, and cancer research
- The opportunity to work with state-of-the-art chemical, spectroscopic, and biological methods
- A high degree of scientific independence and responsibility
- A dynamic, international, and collaborative research environment
- The opportunity to build a broad scientific profile spanning chemistry, biophysics, and translational medicine
- A friendly, respectful, and collegial working environment at Ruhr University Bochum
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).
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:
Riccarda Aust , Tel.: +49 234 32 18035
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 2026-10-12. Please make sure to mention the reference number ANR 6130.
RUHR-UNIVERSITÄT BOCHUM
44801 Bochum
Universitätsstraße 150
SOCIAL MEDIA