The Karges Research Group at the Faculty of Medicine, Chair of Biophysics at Ruhr University Bochum (RUB), is offering a funded PhD Position (Researcher m/f/x) in Medicinal Chemistry. This interdisciplinary research program bridges the boundaries between medicinal chemistry, biophysics, and translational oncology to develop next-generation smart drug delivery platforms for cancer therapy.
Overview Table: PhD Position at Ruhr University Bochum
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Position / Designation | Researcher / PhD Candidate (m/f/x) |
| Host Institution | Ruhr University Bochum (Ruhr-Universität Bochum – RUB) |
| Department / Faculty | Faculty of Medicine, Chair of Biophysics (Karges Research Group) |
| Research Area | Medicinal Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Nanomedicine, Cancer Biology |
| Employment Type / Hours | Part-time (65% = 25.89 hours/week), Fixed-term for 36 months |
| Remuneration / Pay Scale | TV-L E 13 (standard German public service scale) |
| Location | Bochum, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany |
| Start Date | Earliest possible date or by January 15, 2027 |
| Application Deadline | October 12, 2026 |
| Reference Code | ANR 6130 |
Research Area & Focus
The successful applicant will work within the Karges Research Group at the intersection of coordination chemistry, polymer science, photophysics, and translational medicine. Specifically, the PhD project focuses on designing innovative polymer-based drug delivery systems for platinum-based anticancer agents. While platinum compounds are foundational in clinical cancer chemotherapy, their utility is severely hampered by systemic toxicity and lack of tumor specificity. This project will develop light-responsive, self-assembling nanoparticles capable of controlled drug release to selectively eradicate tumor cells and organoids.
Designation
Doctoral Researcher / PhD Candidate (m/f/x)
Location
Ruhr University Bochum (RUB), Bochum, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.
Scholarship / Position Description
The position is funded according to the German public sector collective agreement (TV-L E 13, 65%) for a standard duration of 36 months (3 years). Key responsibilities include:
- Designing and synthesizing novel platinum–polymer conjugates using advanced synthetic and analytical chemistry tools.
- Characterizing self-assembly, photophysical, and chemical properties utilizing cutting-edge spectroscopic techniques.
- Investigating light-triggered release mechanisms of platinum therapeutics upon controlled irradiation.
- Conducting in vitro biological evaluations, including cytotoxicity tests, cell uptake, intracellular localization, and cell death pathways.
- Testing therapeutic efficacy on complex 3D cellular systems and patient-derived cancer organoids.
- Publishing research outcomes in peer-reviewed scientific journals and presenting findings at national and international conferences.
Eligibility and Qualifications
Candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Educational Background: A completed Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a closely related field.
- Technical Skills: Proven hands-on laboratory experience in synthetic chemistry. Previous familiarity with polymer chemistry is an advantage.
- Biological Experience: Background in mammalian cell culture or biological assays is advantageous but not strictly mandatory.
- Language Proficiency: Excellent command of spoken and written English. German language skills are welcome but free language courses are offered on campus.
https://jobs.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/jobposting/6b1e6765ea4885db838026427bae474d577f8dda
