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Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry :
Anorganic Chemistry II / Excellence-Cluster RESOLV
In order to fill a fixed-term position in part-time (26,6861 hours/week = 67%) by September 1st 2026 or a later date, we are looking for a
PhD Student (m/f/x) in Organometallic Catalysis
The Cluster of Excellence RESOLV (Ruhr Explores Solvation) is a world-leading interdisciplinary research institution in Solvation Science covering experimental chemistry, theory, chemical physics, and chemical engineering (https://www.solvation.de/). The cluster investigates how solvents are involved in the control, mediation, and regulation of chemical reactions and processes.
The RESOLV Early Career research group of Dr. Hanna Hinrika Cramer invites applications for a PhD Student (m/f/x) in Organometallic Catalysis.
Scope: part-time
Duration: fixed-term, 3 years
Start: by September 1st 2026 or a later date
Apply by: 2026-06-30
Your tasks:
Located at Ruhr University Bochum (RUB), the Cramer group develops organometallic catalysts with earth-abundant first-row transition metals that convert bioderived feedstock molecules into value-added products. We combine experiments, quantum chemistry, and spectroscopy to study the reaction mechanism and discover how catalyst design and solvation affect the reaction rate and selectivity. Current projects focus on carbon-carbon bond formation reactions from organometallic chromium complexes and on developing well-defined chromium precatalysts for applications in olefin upgrading and strong bond activation. Tasks include the synthesis and characterization of organometallic complexes, evaluation of their reactivity, and quantum chemical calculations on electronic structures and catalytic mechanisms.
Your profile:
Candidates should have
- a Master’s degree in chemistry or a related field (applicants that will finish their degree program in summer 2026 are eligible to apply),
- basic knowledge and research experience in molecular inorganic chemistry, coordination chemistry, catalysis, and/or reaction mechanisms,
- excellent oral and written communication skills in English,
- intrinsic motivation and excitement about organometallic catalysis and sustainable chemistry.
We offer:
The position is funded for three years (67%, TV-L E13). Students will participate in the integrated Graduate School Solvation Science (iGSS) including a three-month international research stay, industrial internship, or entrepreneurship training. As part of RESOLV, the group has access to state-of-the-art infrastructure and collaborations with partners at RUB and at the Max Planck Institute für Kohlenforschung in Mülheim an der Ruhr. Group members will therefore have the chance to learn highly diverse techniques, depending on their research focus and interest.
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.
Please send your application package including a motivation letter, CV, and transcript of records via the online application portal. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. The earliest possible starting date is September 01, 2026, but the exact date is flexible.
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). https://www.daf.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/sbgk/index.html.en
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 is one of Germany’s leading research universities, addressing the whole range of academic disciplines. A highly dynamic setting enables researchers and students to work across the traditional boundaries of academic subjects and faculties. To create knowledge networks within and beyond the university is Ruhr-Universität Bochum’s declared aim.
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.
Contact persons for further information:
Dr. Hanna Hinrika Cramer +49 234 3218699
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 2026-06-30. Please make sure to mention the reference number ANR 5767.
RUHR-UNIVERSITÄT BOCHUM
44801 Bochum
Universitätsstraße 150
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