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RESOLV is a world-leading interdisciplinary research project in Solvation Science awarded as a Cluster of Excellence by the German Excellence Strategy. Within RESOLV, more than 200 scientists at six institutions in the Ruhr area covering experimental chemistry, theory and chemical engineering investigate how solvents are involved in the control, mediation and regulation of chemical reactions and processes. The research focuses on three main areas: I) Local Solvent Fluctuations in Heterogeneous Systems, II) Solvent Control of Chemical Dynamics and Reactivity, and III) Solvation Under Extreme Conditions. RESOLV’s mission stretches from fundamental research to applications and products. For more information, please refer to our website (www.solvation.de).

Postdoctoral positions in Research Area II of the Cluster of Excellence RESOLV (m,f,x)

RESOLV has established a structured postdoctoral training platform with emphasis on both individual research training and career coaching in academia, industry, and entrepreneurship. We are looking for full-time postdoctoral researchers for two-year temporary subprojects (39.83 h/week, payment according to public service’s wage agreement TV-L E13) with an excellent track record.

extent: full-time
39,83 h/week
duration: temporary
beginning: as soon as possible
application deadline:
09.03.2026

Your tasks:

  • As postdoctoral researcher in Area II, you will contribute to RESOLV’s aim to develop overarching guidelines for solvent selection and design to maximize yield and selectivity while minimizing the environmental footprint of chemical processes. Therefore, RESOLV integrates lab automation and AI-assisted methods with expertise in synthesis, spectroscopy and computations to create predictive models for quantifying the impact of the solvent system on chemical processes, reactivities and solubilities. Specific targets will be organocatalysis, electrosynthesis, and photoredox catalysis, all of which are pillars of sustainable chemistry and share an extraordinary dependence on the solvent environment.

Your profile:

  • You hold a top-grade full university degree with a doctorate in Chemistry, Chemical Physics, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering or comparable subjects.
  • You are fascinated by the interdisciplinary research field Solvation Science.
  • You have experience in one of the following disciplines: synthesis (organic catalysis, coordination chemistry, electrosynthesis), (time-resolved) laser spectroscopic techniques, theoretical chemistry (simulations or electronic structure calculations), or sustainable reaction engineering.
  • You have a solid knowledge of English in a professional environment (at least level B2, oral and written).

What we offer:

  • You will be embedded in a high-profile research environment.
  • You are integrated in the International Faculty Solvation Science.
  • You will benefit from personal development possibilities, the entrepreneurial attitude within RESOLV and a broad spectrum of lectures as well as transferable skills courses.
  • You are provided with funding for visiting international conferences.

Additional information:

The position is salaried and based an 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).

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

The place of work is Ruhr University Bochum.

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.delsbgkiindex.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 RUB’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 details for your application:

Dr. Julia Nowack at resolv@rub.de

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

ANR: 5393 until 09.03.2026

Please reach out to RESOLV Principal Investigators or Participating Scientists serving as potential hosts to discuss a possible project (see https://www.solvation.de/about/scientists) before submitting your official application. Complete applications, including a CV, a hosting agreement, and a 1-page outline of a possible project within RESOLV, should be sent electronically as one pdf document to resolv@rub.de. For more information, please refer to our website https://www.solvation.de/.