Researcher/PhD (m/f/x) in Molecular Biology / Protein Science

Ruhr University Bochum; Bochum; On-site; EUR 45,000 - 62,000; Part time

Job summary

Ruhr-Universität Bochum invites applications for a part-time Researcher/PhD (m/f/x) in Molecular Biology / Protein Science. The fixed-term position (36 months) at 65% workload starts as soon as possible or by 15 February 2027, with an apply-by date of 2026-10-19.

Tasks include expressing/purifying protein targets and exploring interactions with novel compounds, in a dynamic, international setting. The project spans chemistry, biology, physics, and medicine, offering independent development and

Qualifications

• Master of Science in biochemistry, biology, pharmaceutical sciences, or related field.
• Practical experience in protein expression.
• Strong command of written and spoken English.
• Experience with cell culture and biological assays is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Express, purify, and characterize recombinant protein targets.
• Investigate interaction of targets with novel drug-like compounds using complementary biochemical and biophysical techniques.
• Characterize and evaluate protein post-translational modifications and their functional consequences.
• Develop, optimize, and apply novel biochemical/biophysical assays to investigate protein function and mechanisms.
• Investigate compounds and mechanisms in cancer cell models, including organoids.
• Analyze, document, and communicate findings through publications, reports, and conferences.
• Collaborate in an interdisciplinary environment spanning biochemistry, chemistry, biophysics, biology, and medicine.

Skills

Protein expression

Cell culture

Biochemical assays

English proficiency

Independent work

Education

Master of Science in biochemistry, biology, pharmaceutical sciences, or related field

Job description

Researcher/PhD (m/f/x) in Molecular Biology / Protein Science

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 February 15, 2027, we are looking for 1

The Karges Research Group is seeking a highly motivated PhD researcher to join our interdisciplinary program at the interface of molecular biology, medicinal chemistry, biophysics, and translational medicine. We design and synthesize novel metal complexes, characterize their photophysical properties, and explore their biological activity against target proteins and cancer cells, with a focus on medical applications. More information: https://www.kargesgroup.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/The PhD project will investigate the mechanisms of action of novel compounds targeting cancer-relevant proteins. This includes expressing and characterizing protein targets, studying their interactions with drug-like compounds, analyzing protein modifications and their functional consequences, and developing new biochemical assays. Promising compounds may then be studied in cancer cell monolayers and 3D tumor organoids, linking molecular mechanisms to biological activity and contributing to new cancer therapies.The project requires creativity, initiative, and scientific curiosity, and offers room for independent development. Experience in recombinant protein expression, purification, and handling is advantageous. We offer a dynamic, collaborative environment combining chemistry, biology, physics, and medicine, with access to cutting-edge methods.

Scope: part-time

Duration: fixed-term,36 Monate

Start: at the earliest possible date or by February 15, 2027

Apply by: 2026-10-19

Your tasks:

• Express, purify, and characterize recombinant protein targets
• Investigate the interaction of protein targets with novel drug-like compounds using complementary biochemical and biophysical techniques
• Characterize and evaluate chemical and post-translational modifications of proteins and investigate their functional consequences
• Develop, optimize, and apply novel biochemical and biophysical assays to investigate protein function, interactions, and mechanisms of action
• Investigate promising compounds and mechanisms in biological models, including cancer cell monolayers and advanced 3D tumor organoids
• Analyze, document, and communicate research findings through scientific publications, reports, conference presentations, and team meetings
• Collaborate in an interdisciplinary research environment spanning biochemistry, chemistry, biophysics, biology, 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 biochemistry, biology, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related discipline
• Practical experience in protein expression
• Experience with cell culture and biological assays is an advantage
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and develop new ideas
• Flexibility, adaptability, and a willingness to learn new techniques
• Strong command of written and spoken English

We offer:

• A challenging and scientifically exciting PhD project at the interface of molecular biology, medicinal chemistry, and cancer research
• The opportunity to work with state-of-the-art biochemical, 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 biology, 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 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 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 [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:

Riccarda Aust, Tel.: [phone]

Travel costs, accommodation costs and loss of earnings or other application costs for job interviews can unfortunately not be reimbursed.