About the opportunity
The Research Group ‘Plasma Interface Physics’ at Ruhr-University Bochum invites applications for a PhD position within the Collaborative Research Centre (CRC) 247 ‘Heterogeneous Oxidation Catalysis in the Liquid Phase’. The project, titled ‘Flame Synthesis and Plasma Modification of Multielement-Oxide Catalysts with Controlled Doping and Defect Structure (TP C02)’, focuses on the experimental investigation of plasma-surface interactions to design sustainable catalytic materials. The successful candidate will develop in-situ diagnostic techniques to standardize and reduce the complexity of the plasma-material interface, disentangling involved physical and chemical processes. The position offers a dynamic, interdisciplinary research environment at one of Germany’s leading universities.
Salary and benefits
- Salaried position based on the collective agreement of the Länder (TV-L), pay grade 75% E13 TV-L
- Challenging and varied tasks with a high level of independence
- Employment at one of the largest universities in Germany within the University Alliance Ruhr
- Qualified on-boarding and induction process
- Collaboration in a committed and appreciative team
- Support in combining family life and work, including childcare arrangements, holiday offers, and a mobile playroom
- Free German or English language courses for employees
Who can apply?
- Master's degree in physics or an equivalent field with outstanding quality
- Experience in plasma physics and technology
- Experimental experience with material treatment and synthesis is ideal
- Familiarity with surface diagnostic techniques (e.g., profilometry, x-ray photon spectroscopy) is favourable
- Reliable, goal-oriented, and responsible work ethic
- Strong team player capable of working in an interdisciplinary environment
- Competence in at least one of the campus languages (German or English) and willingness to learn the other
Required documents
- Cover letter
- Curriculum vitae (tabular)
- Certificates (e.g., employment references, degree certificates, training certificates)
When to apply
- Application deadline: 2026-10-12
How to apply
- Prepare application documents including cover letter, CV, and certificates
- Submit application via the official online application portal
- Reference number ANR 6008 must be mentioned in the application
Additional information
- The position is part-time (29.8725 hours/week = 75%)
- Fixed-term contract until 30.6.2030
- No teaching obligation if funded by third-party funds
- The Staff Council has the right to participate in selection interviews upon candidate request
- Travel, accommodation, and other application costs for interviews cannot be reimbursed
- Ruhr-Universität Bochum promotes diversity and equal opportunities and expressly encourages applications from women and individuals with disabilities
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Hold an outstanding Master's degree in physics or an equivalent field with a solid academic foundation.
- Bring hands-on experimental experience in plasma physics, material treatment, synthesis, or surface diagnostic techniques such as XPS.
- Demonstrate the ability to work responsibly and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary research team.
- Want to pursue a structured, fully funded PhD project based on-site in Bochum, Germany.
What should you think carefully about?
- The employment is structured as a part-time contract at 75% capacity, equating to approximately 29.87 hours per week.
- The position is fixed-term until June 30, 2030, meaning you must commit to a multi-year doctoral timeline aligned with that end date.
- Relocation to Bochum is necessary as the work mode is strictly on-site, and interview travel or accommodation costs are not reimbursed by the institution.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This opportunity is ideal for aspiring researchers looking to complete a doctorate in a specialized, cutting-edge field without mandatory teaching duties if funded by third-party sources. It provides a supportive environment with family-friendly provisions and language learning resources to help you build a rigorous foundation in plasma-material synthesis.
Our take
Physics and materials science graduates aiming to advance into a structured European doctoral program with dedicated funding should apply. Candidates seeking full-time positions, remote arrangements, or non-academic career tracks immediately may want to look elsewhere.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verified
