Doctoral researcher in Ecotoxicology

As part of the Research Alliance Ruhr, the Research Center One Health Ruhr at the University of Duisburg-Essen (UDE) on the Essen Campus, Department of Ecotoxicology, is looking for a Doctoral researcher in Ecotoxicology (f/m/d)

At the interface between human health, the environment and animal health, the Research Center One Health Ruhr provides combines the Departments of Biology, Chemistry, Medicine, Environmental Science and Neuroscience under one interdisciplinary roof. You support the field of Environmental Science and thereby contribute to the development of the working group of Ecotoxicology. You will be employed in a project on proteomics in a One Health context, where we examine to which extent the similarity in proteomic responses to specific chemicals enables the prediction of mixture effects. We aim at a deeper integration of proteomics into ecotoxicological research. You will closely collaborate with another doctoral researcher who will be responsible for proteomics.

Your tasks

  • You conduct experiments with pollutants and human cell lines, invertebrates and algae
  • You measure chemical concentrations using LC-MS/MS
  • You process and analyse the data
  • You publish the results in scientific publications
  • You support the Ecotoxicology working group in the area of pollution experiments and chemical analyses

Your profile

  • Above-average university master degree in ecotoxicology, environmental sciences, biology, ecology, biochemistry, molecular biosciences, toxicology, water science or a related discipline
  • Practical experience with ecological, ecotoxicological or medical experiments is highly desirable; experience with mass spectrometry and chemical analysis is an additional asset
  • Proven experience in quantitative data analysis of experimental data
  • Excellent command of written and spoken English.
  • Furthermore, we expect a high degree of self-initiative, inventiveness and creativity, as well as good interpersonal skills and flexibility.

The holder of the position is expected to pursue a cumulative Phd program

You can expect

  • a research-intensive environment at an internationally leading institution for water research
  • an interesting, responsible job with great potential for your creativity
  • a working environment with respectful, appreciative cooperation
  • a pleasant working atmosphere in a young and dynamic team
  • family-friendliness through care options for your children
  • advice on family care tasks
  • a broad range of further training options
  • an excellent public transport infrastructure and free parking
  • attractive sports and health offers (university sports)
  • the possibility of home office

Start of position: September 2026 or later
Contract period: 3 years
Scholarship: 1650 € tax free per month (matching German rates for gifted students)

Application

Applications must include an academic CV, certificates, and a reference letter of mentor that is specific for the advertised position in one pdf document. In addition, you need to complete your information in this form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf8Mz5QalDQLs3NE7WtvKFJM9wkANc3bEDmqJsr_Brc8QJX8Q/viewform?pli=1. Only complete applications will be considered!

Application deadline: until 24.07.2026


Inquiries and the pdf document should be addressed using the subject “Scholarship Mixture proteomics” to Prof. Dr. Ralf Schäfer, Universität Duisburg-Essen, RC One Health Ruhr, 45117 Essen, Phone 0203 / 183 3962, E-Mail ralf.schaefer@uni-due.de.


You’ll find information about the faculty under:
https://www.uni-due.de/biologie/oekotoxikologie/index_en.php. And on the working group under: https://www.uni-due.de/biologie/oekotoxikologie/index_en.php. The University Duisburg-Essen aims at promoting the diversity of its members (see http://www.uni-due.de/diversity).


The University Duisburg-Essen has been awarded for its effort to promote gender equality with the “Total-E-Quality-Award”. It aims at increasing the share of women in the scientific staff and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply. Women will be preferentially considered when equally qualified according to the state equality law. Applications from disabled or equivalents according to § 2 Abs. 3 SGB IX are encouraged.