Research Explorer Ruhr: Hosts and Application

Ecotoxicology
Host's Website

Research Area:
Our work bridges freshwater ecology and ecotoxicology. We examine the responses of invertebrate and microbial communities to multiple anthropogenic stressors with a strong emphasis on chemical mixtures. Our methods range from laboratory experiments with modern functional genomics over field studies focussing on stressor gradients and community responses to process-based ecological models as well as analyses of big ecological and chemical data sets. Our main aims are to understand and predict the relative importance of different drivers of community assembly, assess the link between communities and ecosystem functions and services including links to human health.

Candidate Profile:
The candidate should have a background in ecology or ecotoxicology and either is proficient with building ecological metapopulation or metacommunity models or with experimental approaches in applied (freshwater) ecology.

Inorganic Chemistry
Host's Website

Research Area:
Our work focuses on the synthesis and functionalization of inorganic nanoparticles for advanced biomedical applications, including gene and drug delivery as well as immunization strategies. We also develop and apply a wide range of biomaterials - such as polymers, ceramics, metals, and composites - in close collaboration with physicians to ensure clinical relevance. In addition, we investigate biominerals using high-end solid-state chemical methods to deepen our understanding of natural materials. Our research extends to biomimetic crystallization of inorganic substances and the study of pathological crystallization phenomena, alongside exploring the fundamental reactivity of solids.

Candidate Profile:
You possess an academic background in materials science, chemistry, or a related discipline. As we are also running a BSL-1 laboratory for cells and bacteria, applications from biology are also welcome. You have interest in the synthesis and functionalization of inorganic nanoparticles for biomedical applications. You are prepared to engage effectively in interdisciplinary collaborations, either in biology or crystallography. You have either expertise or a genuine interest to learn and apply analytical techniques like spectroscopy, diffraction, thermal analysis, electrom microscopy etc. You will join a motivated interdisciplinary group with a wide range of available synthetic and analytical techniques.

Nanomaterials in aquatic systems
Host's Website

Research Area:
Our group drives innovation at the interface of chemistry, physics, and medicine, addressing complex scientific challenges through a strongly multidisciplinary approach. We design novel photosensitizers with tailored photophysical properties and engineer self-assembled molecular systems to advance antimicrobial and anticancer photodynamic therapy. Our expertise in polymer synthesis enables the creation of multiblock polymers for nanodelivery and smart functional materials. Using advanced nanofabrication techniques such as electrospinning, we develop nanoscale platforms for applications including sustainable water disinfection.
We apply state-of-the-art photophysical and spectroscopic methods—steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence, quantum yield analysis, and environmental sensitivity studies—to reveal molecular behavior under light excitation. Integrating photobiology and nanotechnology, we investigate light–biological interactions to improve therapeutic and diagnostic strategies. Through confocal fluorescence and lifetime imaging (FLIM), we visualize photosensitizer distribution, monitor PDT mechanisms, and analyze material performance at high resolution. Our research delivers fundamental insights and practical solutions for materials science, biomedicine, and photonics.

Candidate Profile:
We seek highly motivated candidates who are excited to contribute to cutting-edge research at the intersection of chemistry, physics, materials science, and biology. Because our work spans molecular design, nanofabrication, spectroscopy, and biological applications, applicants may come from diverse backgrounds. Ideal candidates include organic chemists interested in synthesizing new photosensitizers or polymers; or photophysics-oriented researchers eager to work with advanced fluorescence spectroscopy, quantum yield measurements, or FLIM imaging; or materials scientists with experience in nanofabrication, electrospinning, or functional materials; or microbiology or cell biology candidates enthusiastic about studying photodynamic therapy mechanisms, microbial inactivation, or cellular responses to light-activated systems.
Regardless of discipline, strong curiosity, willingness to learn across fields, and enthusiasm for multidisciplinary teamwork are essential. Candidates who enjoy integrating molecular design with functional testing- whether through synthesis, imaging, spectroscopy, or biological assays - will thrive in our collaborative research environment.

Schluecker lab
Host's Website

Research Area:
We are an interdisciplinary research group of chemists, biologists, and physicists working on molecular spectroscopy.  To address both fundamental and applied research questions, we employ various Raman spectroscopic methods. Primarily, we use surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), resonance Raman (RR) scattering  and non-linear Raman techniques such as coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS).
Our interests in basic/fundamental research and method development include: i) chiraloptical-sensitive molecular spectroscopy on asymmetric organocatalysts, ii) the synthesis of isotope-labeled peptides for site-specific UVRR, and iii) single-molecule analysis. In our applied research, we utilize molecular spectroscopy for i) the detection of nanogold in diagnostic applications, ii) the fabrication of nanogold for molecular spectroscopy, and iii)  the improvement of these synthesis methods by using an in-house developed synthesis robot to get insights into the critical steps of nanoparticle synthesis.

Candidate Profile:
The perfect candidate has demonstrated expertise in one of the following  Raman spectroscopic methods: surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), resonance Raman scattering, non-linear coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering.
Essential qualities include a strong foundation in molecular spectroscopy and/or experience in synthesizing nanomaterials, and a keen interest in fundamental or applied research. The ideal candidate should exhibit teamwork, excellent communication skills, and/or a collaborative mindset for interdisciplinary research. We welcome individuals who are self-driven, capable of independent research, and passionate about contributing to advancements in the field.

LS 11 Algorithm Engineering
Host's Website

Research Area:
We are interested in theoretical and practical aspects of combinatorial algorithms and data structures, in particular with applications to indexing large texts (no ML/AI). In theory, we design new algorithms and data structures and analyze them mathematically; in practice, we aim at efficient implementations in system level languages, possibly using shared and distributed parallization. Our results are mostly applicable for biological sequence analysis.

Candidate Profile:
You should have a strong background in combinatorial algorithms and data structures, with publications in conferences like SODA, ICALP, ESA, SWAT/WADS, ISAAC, CPM or SPIRE.

Chair for Human-AI Interaction
Host's Website
Host's LinkedIn Profile

Research Area:
The Chair for Human-AI Interaction investigates how intelligent systems can understand users and act in ways that feel intuitive, trustworthy, and supportive. We study human behavior through sensing technologies such as eye tracking, EEG, motion tracking, and physiological signals to model attention, cognitive states, and user intent. Based on this understanding, we design interactive systems that adapt to users in real time. Our work spans multimodal interaction, human-robot interaction, XR interfaces, and generative AI applications. We develop prototypes for smart environments, robotic systems, and immersive experiences, and then evaluate them through empirical user studies. Our goal is to develop computational models and interaction techniques that enable people to work with AI systems in a natural and transparent manner. Researchers in our group work across human-computer interaction, machine learning, psychology, and interaction design.

Candidate Profile:
We are looking for candidates with a strong interest in Human AI Interaction and a motivation to work on user-centered intelligent systems. The ideal candidate has experience in one or more of the following areas: human-computer interaction, machine learning, physiological sensing, extended reality, human-robot interaction, or interactive AI systems. Candidates should be comfortable designing and running empirical studies, analyzing user data, and developing research ideas that connect human behavior with computational methods. Experience with prototyping or programming environments such as Python, Unity, or ROS is helpful but not required for all projects. We value curiosity, creativity, and a passion for interdisciplinary collaboration. Candidates should be eager to engage with our team, explore new research directions, and contribute to the development of adaptive and transparent intelligent systems.

Research Center Trustworthy Data Science and Security
Chair for Computer Science 10 "Verification and Formal Guarantees of Machine Learning"
Host's Website

Research Area:
The "Verification and Formal Guarantees of Machine Learning" group conducts research at the intersection of formal methods, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, bridging the gap between theoretical foundations and practical applications. As part of the Research Center for Trustworthy Data Science and Security (rc-trust.ai), our mission is to advance the safety, security, and trustworthiness of AI systems. We pursue this goal by developing and applying rigorous mathematical approaches and innovative neuro-symbolic techniques across a diverse range of modern AI systems. Our research covers a wide spectrum of topics, including safe and causal machine learning, neural network verification, automated reasoning, automata theory, and logic.

Candidate Profile:
We are looking for highly motivated postdoctoral researchers with a strong background in machine learning, formal methods, or related areas. Ideal candidates are passionate about advancing trustworthy AI and have experience in one or more of the following topics: formal methods in AI, verification of neural networks or probabilistic programs, safe reinforcement learning, neuro-symbolic approaches or deep learning with constraints, as well as program synthesis or program analysis using large language models. In addition to excellent research skills, candidates should possess strong communication abilities, enjoy working collaboratively in an international team, and be eager to contribute to fostering a stimulating research environment.

Institute of Geosciences
Tectonic Geodesy
Host's Website

Research Area:
Earthquake research using large geodetic datasets (InSAR, GNSS).  Modelling of earthquake phenomena with numerical methods and increasingly machine learning techniques (e.g. surrogate modelling).

Candidate Profile:
Good programmer (someone who can show their experience with handling datasets and modelling these data)

Institute of Geosciences
Tectonics and Resources
Host's Website
Host's LinkedIn Profile

Research Area:
The research area Tectonics and Resources investigates the genesis of Precambrian orogens and the formation of hydrothermal ore deposits. For our research, we use different geological subdisciplines, including metamorphic and magmatic petrology, (isotopic) geochemistry, and structural geology, to study the tectonic evolution of ancient mountain belts and to develop a better understanding of the interplay between fluid-rock interaction, deformation, and the formation of ore deposits. Other current research projects focus on the use of vanadium isotopes as potential redox tracers.

Candidate Profile:
I am interested in candidates focussing on research questions related to e.g. Precambrian geodynamics or the formation of ore deposits, and who can make use of our LA-ICPMS laboratory.

Institute of Geography
Nighttime Light Remote Sensing
Host's Website

Research Area:
The research area is nighttime lights remote sensing: obtaining information about System Earth through observations in the visible band at night. Our group works with existing satellite instruments (e.g. VIIRS DNB, SDGSat-1), plans to soon undertake some field observations from an airborne platform (most likely a balloon), and is leading a proposal for a future European nighttime light observing satellite as ESA’s Earth Explorer 13. In addition to the development of new remote sensing methods, our research group is particularly interested in understanding the (physical and social) causes of differences in per-capita light emissions from countries with similar wealth, as well as in trends in light emissions and their underlaying (physical and social) causes.

Candidate Profile:
Because the research area is broad, candidates with different backgrounds could connect to the group in different ways. For example, a person with a strong background in radiative transfer could contribute to model development for a future end-to-end satellite instrument simulator, whereas someone with a background in optical remote sensing retrievals could work on developing new retrieval algorithms with existing or future data. The candidate is expected to have experience handling and analyzing geophysical data, ideally with python.

Department of Geography
Chair of Economic Geography, Transport and Logistics
Host's Website
Host's LinkedIn Profile

Research Area:
Economic geography: regional development, regional economic transformation, urban economies, regional innovation processes; comparison of economic transformation processes with other regions; 
Transport geography: urban mobility, airports, sea ports, public transport.

Candidate Profile:
Excellent skills in economic or transport geography, in theoretical, empirical and applied approaches;
GIS and SPSS spliss, our chair is working with a focus on empirical data.

Symplectic Geometry Group
Host's Website

Research Area:
Symplectic topology and dynamics. Contact geometry. Riemannian, Finslerian, and Lorentzian geometry. Dynamics of geodesic flows and more general Reeb flows.

Candidate Profile:
Strong interest in symplectic topology and dynamics. Experience with some of the classical and modern techniques (variational methods, Floer theories, generating functions, microlocal analysis).

Institute for the Research on HIV and AIDS-associated Diseases
Littwitz-Salomon lab
Host's Website

Research Area:
My research group investigates the immune system in viral infections, focusing on metabolism and energy production, which are closely linked to immune cell function. We have shown that antiviral NK cells in acute retroviral infection increase fatty acid transporter expression and uptake, converting these into energy. However, excess free fatty acids, as seen in obesity, impair NK cell metabolism and function—a detrimental effect we found to be reversible. Infection-driven energy demand also boosts nutrient and trace element absorption to support biosynthesis essential for DNA synthesis and mitochondrial function. Notably, iron therapy significantly enhances NK cell antiviral activity. We are now exploring iron metabolism in people living with HIV to potentially improve antiretroviral therapy through iron supplementation.

Candidate Profile:
We seek a motivated postdoc with fluent English skills and experience in immunology/virology (preferred but not mandatory). Essential requirements include proven independent research capabilities, structured workflow management, hands-on proficiency in flow cytometry (multiparameter panel design/analysis), bioinformatics expertise for data processing/calculations, and excellent communication skills for team collaboration and presentations. The candidate will drive projects investigating NK cell metabolism during viral infections using cutting-edge techniques like Seahorse assays, single-cell RNA-seq, and uptake assays.

Theoretical Physics III
Host's Website

Research Area:
In general, my research interests lie in the field of quantum matter, with a focus on the theoretical study of quantum many-body systems. I am particularly interested in the study of strongly correlated, low-dimensional electronic and novel magnetic systems such as altermagnetism, as well as unconventional and high-temperature superconductivity. The peculiarity of these systems is that the electron-electron correlations here are enhanced by the effect of reduced dimensionality and competition of spin, charge and orbital degrees of freedom. In addition, it must be taken into account that the ground state in these systems changes drastically as a function of only a single parameter. Furthermore, I deal with systems that have geometric frustration in addition to low dimensionality and strong electronic correlations.
For my research profile on google scolar look on Google Scholar.

Candidate Profile:
Ph.D. in theoretical condensed or mathematical physics, willingness to work both analytically and numerically.

Theoretical physics of electrified solid/liquid interfaces (INTERFACES)
Host's Website
Host's LinkedIn Profile

Research Area:
Research in our group focuses on understanding the special properties of liquids at interfaces. We use atomistic simulation methods based on electronic structure theory, classical force fields, and machine learning approaches. Our group has two main research areas:

• Solid–liquid interfaces in materials science: We investigate the structure, dynamics, and reactivity of the electric double layer that forms when a solid surface (often electrically charged) is in contact with a liquid electrolyte. 
• Soft and bio-interfaces: In this area, we aim to understand the assembly and function of nanoparticles as nanoreactors and transport systems, exploring how soft matter and biological environments influence interfacial behavior.

We are part of RESOLV (the RUB Cluster of Excellence in Solvation Science) collaborative research consortium on Atmospheric Plasma. Together with collaborators in the Confinement Chemistry RTG and the FLUXIONIC european network, we study fluids at the nanoscale, where extreme confinement requires an atomistic description to capture fluid properties accurately.

Candidate Profile:

• Degree in physics, chemistry or materials science, with very good results
• Previous experience with computational methods, including molecular dynamics simulations or Monte Carlo techniques, and/or electronic structure methods
• Good knowledge of quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics. 

Topological Whirls In SpinTronics (TWIST)
Host's Website

Research Area:
Magnetism, Spintronics, Skyrmions and domain-walls, Current-induced magnetization dynamics, Antiferromagnets, Berry phases, Topological insulators, (Quantum) Hall effects, Unconventional computing, Neuromorphic computing, Reservoir computing, Stochastic computing, Machine learning, Data based driven inference.

Candidate Profile:
Expertise in magnetism or computing (with materials); numerical skills, analytical skills, micromagnetic simulations, machine learning experience.

Department of Statistics
Research Center Trustworthy Data Science and Security
Causality
Host's Website
Host's LinkedIn Profile

Research Area:
Our research focuses on causality and machine learning, with an emphasis on causal discovery, causal inference, and their connections to out-of-distribution generalization, representation learning, and information theory. We aim to enhance the trustworthiness, robustness, and generalization capabilities of AI systems by tackling fundamental challenges in data-driven decision-making.

Candidate Profile:
A suitable candidate should be able to connect their research to one of the main research fields of the group, which are causal discovery, causal representation learning, and problems in causal inference that involve selection bias. Ideally, the candidate has already published in one of these fields. Further, the candidate should have a solid background in either machine learning or statistics.