PhD student (m/f/d) in Redox Biology

Stellenbeschreibung:

PhD Student (m/f/d) in Redox Biology

Faculty of Medicine: Institute for Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry Microbial Biochemistry

We are looking for a fixed‑term position in part‑time hours per week = 65%) at the earliest possible date. This three‑year doctoral project lies at the intersection of redox biology and host‑pathogen interactions.

Neutrophils and macrophages are the first line of defense in the innate immune response: highly specialized in phagocytosis, they engulf invading pathogens and kill them in the phagolysosome using a toxic cocktail of reactive oxygen species and lytic factors. During this oxidative burst, hypochlorous acid—a very strong oxidizing agent—is produced, capable of modifying a wide range of functional groups in biomolecules. The candidate will focus on the oxidation of thiol groups and N‑chlorination of amines. The successful candidate will use specific chemical and genetically encoded probes, lipidomics, and other biochemical and molecular biological tools to investigate which modifications hypochlorous acid induces in the cell envelope of bacteria (and the host). The influence of these modifications on bacterial physiology and host‑pathogen interactions, and how bacteria protect themselves against these modifications will be elucidated.

This project requires independent planning and carrying out of experiments and data analysis, as well as contributing to the project’s further development and publication. The team is welcoming and supportive.

Scope: Part‑time

Duration: Fixed‑term, 3 years

Start: At the earliest possible date

Apply by:

Your tasks:

Microbiological and molecular biological work: (Co‑)cultivation of bacteria and human cells, cloning and deletion mutagenesis, lipid isolation and analysis, heterologous expression and purification of proteins, fluorescence microscopy.
Biochemical assays: Working with liposomes and introducing redox probes into model membranes, analyzing the influence of N‑chlorination on membranes using specific probes.
Specific techniques: Use of chemical probes for the detection of modified lipids and membrane proteins in combination with lipidomics and proteomics, use of redox and metabolite probes for the analysis of cellular homeostasis, transcriptome analysis for the identification of differentially regulated cellular pathways.
Supervision: Supervision of bachelor’s and master’s theses and co‑supervision of advanced and specialized modules.
Literature review and hypothesis development, independent evaluation of results, and further development of the research project.

Your profile:

We are looking for a candidate with an excellent master’s degree in biochemistry or biology, specialized in micro/molecular biology, or a comparable degree. Candidates who have not yet fully completed their master’s thesis are welcome. The position requires the ability to independently plan and conduct experiments in molecular biology, as well as at least a basic understanding of microbiological work. Experience in one of the following topics is beneficial:

Microbiology
Cell culture with human cell lines
Working with biological membranes
Redox biology

We are looking for a reliable and scientifically enthusiastic individual who enjoys working in a team and is willing to establish novel methods and present their work in a scientific setting. Excellent English skills are required.

We offer:

Challenging and varied tasks with a high level of personal responsibility.
Structured PhD with regular feedback and exchange and integration in the IGB (International Graduate School Biosciences).
Formal integration into the RUB Research School and benefits from mentoring programmes and courses.
Employment at one of the largest universities in Germany within the University Alliance Ruhr.
A friendly and welcoming work environment.
Networking opportunities at international scientific conferences.
A family‑friendly working environment supported by structures at the RUB.

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 TVL E13 TV‑L.

Further information can be found at (in German).

The place of work is Ruhr University Bochum.

If the position is funded by third‑party funds the employee has no teaching obligation.

RUB sees itself as a university with an international presence. Campus languages are German and English. Competence in at least one of the two languages and the willingness to learn the other are prerequisites. RUB provides free language courses for employees.

German language courses are offered by the University Language Center (ZFA) in the field of German as a Foreign Language (DaF).

Staff Council has the right to participate in all selection interviews. At the request of a candidate (m/f/x), it will ensure participation in the entire procedure. Please contact

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.