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

Ruhr University Bochum is advertising a PhD position in Medicinal Chemistry / Medicinal Biophysics within the Karges research group at the Faculty of Medicine, Chair of Biophysics. The project sits at the interface of chemistry, biology, biophysics, and translational medicine, with a strong cancer research focus.

The successful candidate will work on the design and synthesis of novel metal complexes and metal-based conjugates, their photophysical characterization (absorption/emission, reactive oxygen species generation), and their biological evaluation in cancer cell models. The role also includes biochemical work on target proteins, such as expression, purification, and binding studies, as well as mechanistic investigations of photoinduced cell death pathways.

This is a fully funded research position, salaried under TV-L E13 if the personal and collective agreement requirements are met. The appointment is fixed-term for 36 months and part-time at 65% (25.89 hours/week). The start date is as early as possible or by 2026-08-01.

Applicants should hold a Master of Science in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, or a related field. Experience with synthetic and spectroscopic methods is required; protein expression and cell culture experience are advantageous. The post also asks for good English skills, independence, initiative, flexibility, adaptability, and strong teamwork. Ruhr University Bochum notes that campus languages are German and English, and competence in at least one of them plus willingness to learn the other is required.

Applications must be submitted via the online application portal by 2026-05-11. Candidates should mention the reference number ANR 5680. The post is hosted by the Faculty of Medicine, Ruhr University Bochum, and the research group website provides additional information about the lab and its interdisciplinary projects.