PhD position (m/f/x)

Position Overview

Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology – General Zoology and Neurobiology

Fixed‑term part‑time (75%) position starting .

PhD position (m/f/x)

The Department of General Zoology and Neurobiology uses mouse models to study neurodegenerative and mental illnesses. Our goal is to unravel the fundamental processes underlying the development of these diseases and to develop new therapeutic approaches.

As a research assistant (m/f/x), you will independently and reliably prepare and carry out experiments, analyze the results and …

Employment Details

• Scope: part‑time (75%)
• Duration: fixed‑term, 3 years
• Start:
• Apply by: 2026‑04‑21

Your tasks:

• Molecular biology: Cloning of various plasmids and sensors
• Cell culture: virus production, fluorescence and luminescence based assays
• Marine research: behavioral neuroscience with marine animals, marine sample collection
• Biochemical assays: Co‑immunoprecipitation, Western blotting
• Fluorescence microscopy and analysis of fluorescent images; performing calcium imaging
• Animal experiments: Conducting and analysing behavioral experiments in mice; organ extraction followed by histological analyses (IHC, qPCR, Western blot)
• Electrophysiology: In vivo recordings and analysis of Purkinje cell, calcium and monoaminergic activity

Your profile:

We are looking for a candidate (m/f/x) with an excellent master’s degree in biology, neurobiology/neuroscience or a comparable field. Ideally, the candidate (m/f/x) should have the following qualifications:

• Excellent English language skills
• Strong background in neuroscience
• Experience in marine and aquarium research
• Experience in cell culture
• Experience in planning and conducting animal surgeries, in vivo imaging and behavior experiments
• Experience in histological techniques
• Experience in animal experimentation (FELASA B certification required; can be obtained at the RUB)
• Strong skills in project planning and collaborative research with different companies
• Improved diving skills (at least open water diver certificate with dive group management brevet)

We offer:

• Challenging and varied tasks with a high degree of personal responsibility
• Employment at one of Germany’s largest universities within the University Alliance Ruhr
• Comprehensive on‑board training
• Interdisciplinary collaboration within an international, committee and open‑minded team
• Workshops, conferences, symposia, and journal clubs for interdisciplinary exchange
• Support in balancing family and career (childcare placement, holiday programs, mobile childcare facilities)
• Extensive opportunities for professional development and continuing education
• A diverse range of sports activities with around 100 sports and the university’s own fitness studio

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 (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. 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).

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

Contact persons for further information:

Audi Brim, Tel.:

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

Application

We look forward to receiving your application via our online application portal by 2026‑04‑21. Please make sure to mention the reference number ANR 5614.

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.