The Research Center One Health Ruhr on the Essen Campus of the University of Duisburg-Essen (UDE) in Germany is offering a fully funded three-year Doctoral Scholarship in Ecotoxicology and Proteomics. The scholarship is part of the prestigious Research Alliance Ruhr, an initiative uniting Ruhr University Bochum, TU Dortmund University, and the University of Duisburg-Essen.
Research Focus and Project Details
Modern aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems are exposed to complex mixtures of chemical pollutants rather than individual substances. Predicting the combined mixture toxicity of these contaminants remains a major environmental and scientific challenge. This doctoral research project aims to address this challenge by integrating proteomics into ecotoxicological studies. Key aspects of the project include:
- Investigating whether similar proteomic responses across different chemicals can be used to predict the biological effects of chemical mixtures.
- Developing predictive models to improve ecological risk assessment frameworks.
- Collaborating closely with a parallel PhD candidate specializing in advanced proteomics.
Key Responsibilities
- Conducting mixture toxicity experiments using environmental pollutants on human cell lines, invertebrates, and green algae.
- Measuring chemical and protein concentrations using LC-MS/MS (Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry).
- Processing, modeling, and analyzing experimental data.
- Publishing research findings in international peer-reviewed journals to complete a cumulative PhD thesis.
Stipend and Benefits
- Monthly Stipend: €1,650 tax-free for 3 years.
- Access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure and high-end mass spectrometry facilities.
- Family-friendly support services, including childcare advisory and flexible research arrangements.
Required Qualifications
- Above-average Master’s degree (M.Sc.) in Ecotoxicology, Environmental Science, Water Science, Biology, Biochemistry, Toxicology, or related quantitative sciences.
- Practical laboratory experience in molecular biology, ecotoxicology, or analytical chemistry.
- Experience or strong interest in mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and statistical data modeling.
- Excellent English communication skills (written and spoken).
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a single combined PDF containing their CV, degree certificates, transcripts, and a reference letter from an academic mentor to Prof. Dr. Ralf Schäfer via email (ralf.schaefer@uni-due.de) with the subject line “Scholarship Mixture proteomics”. The application deadline is 24 July 2026. The scholarship is scheduled to begin in September 2026 or later.