PhD researcher in chemical biology with a focus on antibiotic research (m/f/x)

Ruhr-Universität Bochum; Bochum; Vor Ort; EUR 40.000 - 60.000; Teilzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading research university in Germany is seeking a part-time PhD researcher in chemical biology focusing on antibiotic research. The role involves independent research, chemical synthesis, and using MS-based analytics to identify molecular targets of natural products. Candidates should hold a Master's degree in a relevant field and possess strong skills in interdisciplinary science. The position offers a competitive salary based on the collective agreement of the Länder (TV-L).

Leistungen

Flexible working hours

State-of-the-art laboratory equipment

Participation in a dynamic team

Varied sports program

Qualifikationen

• Strong background in chemical synthesis is highly advantageous.
• Expertise in MS-based analytics such as proteomics and metabolomics is beneficial.
• Experience in microbiology and working with bacteria is beneficial.

Aufgaben

• Independent work on scientific project.
• Planning and performing scientific experiments.
• Chemical synthesis of natural products and derivatives.
• Development of probes for protein profiling.

Kenntnisse

Interdisciplinary science

Chemical synthesis

MS-based analytics

Fluency in English

Fluency in German

Excellent communication skills

Ausbildung

Master’s degree in chemical biology or related field

Jobbeschreibung

Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology: Mass Core for Life Sciences (MCLS)

In order to fill a fixed‑term position in part‑time (25.8895 hours per week = 65%) at the earliest possible date, we are looking for a PhD researcher in chemical biology with a focus on antibiotic research (m/f/x).

PhD researcher in chemical biology with a focus on antibiotic research (m/f/x)

Antibiotic resistance is increasing the risk posed by bacterial pathogens worldwide. Resistant bacteria such as multidrug‑resistant tuberculosis or MRSA are an imminent danger to human health. As a result, new chemotherapeutics with novel modes of action are urgently required. Natural products isolated from organisms such as bacteria or fungi can be a valuable source for developing antibacterial compounds. However, to fully exploit their potential, it is essential to identify their biological targets to understand how they exert their antibacterial effects. The Mass Spectrometry Core for Life Sciences (MCLS) seeks to apply chemical biology approaches to identify molecular targets of newly isolated natural products to elucidate their modes of action.

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join a project aiming at the target identification for polyaromatic anthraquinones in Bacillus subtilis and pathogenic bacteria. This involves the chemical synthesis of probes, the characterization of the antibacterial activity of natural compounds and the resulting probes, and MS‑based protein target identification.

Scope

• Part‑time (25.8895 hours per week = 65%)
• Fixed‑term, 3 years
• Start at the earliest possible date
• Apply by 2025‑11‑10

Your tasks:

• Independent and success‑oriented work on your own scientific project
• Planning and performing scientific experiments
• Literature review for monitoring scientific developments
• Chemical synthesis of natural products and their derivatives
• Cultivation of bacteria and their use in biological studies
• Development and utilization of probes for activity/affinity‑based protein profiling
• MS‑based analytics for quality control of compounds, as well as for proteomics and metabolomics experiments
• Participation in teaching and supervision of undergraduate students

Your profile:

• Master’s degree in chemical biology, biochemistry, chemistry, (molecular) biology, pharmaceutical sciences or a related field is required
• Strong interest in interdisciplinary science at the intersection of biology and chemistry is required
• Strong background in chemical synthesis is highly advantageous
• Expertise in MS‑based analytics such as proteomics and metabolomics is beneficial
• Confident use of standard techniques in biochemistry and molecular biology is beneficial
• Experience in microbiology and working with bacteria is beneficial
• Fluency in English (B2) and German (C1), both spoken and written, is required
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills are required
• High willingness to learn new scientific methods and techniques is required
• Excellent computer skills are beneficial

We offer:

Challenging and varied tasks with a high level of independence, flexible working hours with consideration for study times, employment at one of the largest universities in Germany within the University Alliance Ruhr, a varied sports program with around 100 sport disciplines and the university’s own gym.

• State‑of‑the‑art laboratory equipment and direct access to the resources of the MCLS
• Participation in a young and dynamic team
• Committed mentoring in a small working group
• The opportunity for interdisciplinary collaborations

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 E13 TV‑L.

Further information can be found at https://oeffentlicher-dienst.info/ (in German).

The place of work is Ruhr University Bochum. The load of teaching will be calculated according to § 3 of the Lehrverpflichtungsverordnung (state of North Rhine‑Westphalia).

Are you interested? Then we look forward to receiving your detailed application, including a CV, motivation letter, relevant certificates, summaries of bachelor’s and master’s theses and, if possible, reference letters. Please note that only complete applications can be considered.

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.

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 [e-mail].

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. David Podleskin
Tel.: [phone]

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 2025‑11‑10. Please make sure to mention the reference number ANR 5036.

Online application