PhD Position in Medicinal Chemistry and Cancer Research at Ruhr University Bochum Ruhr University Bochum in Germany

PhD position in Medicinal Chemistry / Medicinal Biophysics and Cancer Research at Ruhr University Bochum in the Karges research group (Faculty of Medicine, Chair of Biophysics).

This opportunity is centered on interdisciplinary research at the interface of chemistry, biology, biophysics, physics, and medicine. The project focuses on the design and synthesis of novel metal complexes and metal-based conjugates, characterization of their photophysical properties, and evaluation of their biological activity against target proteins and cancer cells. Research topics include synthetic chemistry, spectroscopic analysis, protein expression and purification, binding studies, cell culture, cytotoxicity assays, cellular uptake/localization, and mechanistic studies of photoinduced cell death pathways.

The post is described as a fully funded PhD and is offered as a fixed-term salaried position under TV-L E13 (if the personal and collective agreement requirements are met). The appointment is part-time at 65% (25.89 hours/week) for 36 months. The workplace is Ruhr University Bochum, Germany.

Eligibility highlights: applicants should hold an MSc in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, or a related discipline. Experience with synthetic and spectroscopic methods is required; protein expression and cell culture experience are advantageous. Strong English skills, independence, initiative, flexibility, adaptability, and teamwork are emphasized. The university notes that campus languages are German and English, and competence in at least one of them plus willingness to learn the other is a prerequisite.

Application deadline: 2026-05-11. Applicants should submit materials via the online application portal and include the reference number ANR 5680.

Supervisor / announcer: Professor Johannes Karges, Full Professor in Biophysics, Ruhr University Bochum.