PhD candidate (m/f/x) in the Research Training Group “Monoaminergic Neuronal Networks & Disease[...]

PhD candidate (m/f/x) in the Research Training Group “Monoaminergic Neuronal Networks & Disease” – Mechanistic aspects of GPCR signaling

The Research Training Group Monoaminergic Neuronal Networks & Disease (MoNN&Di) is inviting applications for a PhD position, starting in September 2026. In our program we investigate monoaminergic neuronal networks in healthy brain function and examine how their dysfunction contributes to neurodegenerative, movement and neuropsychiatric diseases.

The specific project will focus on cellular and mechanistic aspects of GPCR signaling with a focus on GPCR heteromerization, pharmacologic profiling and/or optical probing, which also includes the development of photoswitches and genetically encoded sensors. This research will be primarily conducted at the chair of Cellular Neurobiology (Prof. Dr. Andreas Reiner) in close interdisciplinary collaborations across the fields of biology, biotechnology, medicine and computer science. With this we will train doctoral candidates to become the next generation of highly skilled researchers who can bridge the gap between tool development, basic research and clinical applications.

Scope: part‑time (25.8895 hours/week = 65%)

Duration: fixed‑term, until 31 August 2029

Start: 1 September 2026

Apply by: 27 July 2026

Your tasks:

• Design and conduct experimental studies
• Application/development of neurobiological, molecular, electrophysiological or imaging methods
• Analysis and statistical evaluation of experimental data
• Documentation, interpretation and presentation of research findings
• Active participation in seminars, lab meetings and scientific conferences

Your profile:

• Completed Master’s degree (M.Sc.) in Biology, Biochemistry, Neuroscience, Psychology or a related discipline
• Strong interest and solid background in neurobiological research, particularly in monoaminergic systems or molecular signaling
• Advanced laboratory experience
• Excellent written and spoken English skills

We offer:

• A structured doctoral training program
• An interdisciplinary and international research environment
• Closed supervision by a thesis committee
• International exchange with leading neuroscientists

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

Details on the host lab at the Chair of Cellular Neurobiology can be found at https://www.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/cellneuro/. Further information on the RTG can be found at https://www.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/monndi/. Application requirements: a completed application form (to be found at https://www.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/monndi/), a Curriculum Vitae (CV), two letters of recommendation, certified copies of Master’s degree including transcripts.

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). See https://www.daf.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/daf/mitarbeitende/index.html.en for details.

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 wpr@rub.de.

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 their 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:

Dr. Michelle Grömmke – Phone: +49 234 32 24358

Prof. Dr. Andreas Reiner – Phone: +49 234 32 24332

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

We look forward to receiving your application via our online application portal by 27 July 2026. Please make sure to mention the reference number ANR 5840.