Researcher/PhD (m/f/x) in Medicinal Chemistry

In order to fill a fixed-term position in part-time (25,89 hours/week = 65 %) at the earliest possible date or by January 15, 2027, we are looking for 1

Researcher/PhD (m/f/x) in Medicinal Chemistry

The Karges Research Group is seeking a highly motivated PhD researcher to join our interdisciplinary research program at the interface of medicinal chemistry, biophysics, and translational medicine. Our research focuses on the design and synthesis of novel metal complexes, characterization of photophysical properties, and the exploration of their biological activity against target proteins as well as in cancerous cells, with particular emphasis on understanding their potential for medical applications. Information to the activities of the research group can be found at our website (https://www.kargesgroup.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/). The advertised PhD position will focus on the development of innovative drug delivery systems for platinum-based anticancer agents. Platinum drugs are among the most widely used chemotherapeutics in clinical oncology. However, their therapeutic application is frequently limited by dose-limiting systemic side effects and insufficient selectivity for tumor tissue. This project aims to address these limitations by developing polymer-based platinum drug delivery systems that self-assemble into nanoparticles and enable externally controlled drug release. The project will combine polymer and coordination chemistry, photophysical characterization, and cancer biology. You will develop novel platinum-polymer conjugates, investigate their self-assembly and light-responsive properties, and evaluate their biological activity in cancer models, including 3D cancer organoids. This project offers the opportunity to work across disciplinary boundaries and to develop expertise spanning advanced synthetic chemistry, photophysics, nanomedicine, and translational cancer research.

Scope: part-time

Duration: fixed-term, 36 Monate

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

Apply by: 2026-10-12

Your tasks:

- Design and synthesize novel platinum–polymer conjugates using advanced synthetic methodologies and state-of-the-art analytical techniques

- Characterize the chemical, physical, and self-assembly properties of the resulting materials using complementary spectroscopic and analytical methods

- Investigate light-responsive behavior, including absorption and emission properties as well as the controlled release of platinum-based agents upon irradiation

- Perform biological studies in cancer cell models, including cytotoxicity assays, cellular uptake, intracellular localization, and mechanistic investigations of therapy-induced cell death

- Investigate biological activity in advanced 3D cellular models, including cancer organoids

- Analyze, document, and communicate research findings through scientific publications, reports, conference presentations, and team meetings

- Collaborate in an interdisciplinary research environment spanning chemistry, biology, physics, 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 chemistry, biochemistry, biology, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related discipline

- Practical experience with synthetic chemistry

- Experience in polymer chemistry is an advantage

- Experience with cell culture and biological assays is an advantage

- The ability to work independently, take initiative, and develop new ideas

- A strong command of written and spoken English

- Flexibility, adaptability, and a willingness to learn new techniques

- Strong teamwork and collaboration skills

Importantly, you do not need to have experience in all of these areas. We particularly welcome candidates who are enthusiastic about learning across disciplinary boundaries

[https://jobs.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/jobposting/6b1e6765ea4885db838026427bae474d577f8dda0?ref=AfA](https://jobs.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/jobposting/6b1e6765ea4885db838026427bae474d577f8dda0?ref=AfA)