We are looking to strengthen our team in the “Technical Properties of Polymer Materials” division in Berlin-Steglitz as of May 1, 2026, with a

Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d)in the field of polymer/material science or similar.

Pay grade E13 TVöD
Fixed-term contract for 23.5 months
Full-time/suitable for part-time

The Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM) is a materials research organization in Germany. Our mission is to ensure safety in technology and chemistry. We perform research and testing in materials science, materials engineering and chemistry to improve the safety of products and processes. At BAM we do research that matters. Our work covers a broad array of topics in the focus areas of energy, infrastructure, environment, materials, and chemistry and process engineering.

We are looking for talented people to join us.

Your responsibilities include:

Interdisciplinary research in the field of fire science (7.5FS), specifically flame retardancy of polymers, particularly within the scope of project VH 0009 “BauMaZ – FireSafeMycel / Fire Behavior and Flame Retardancy of Mycel Materials”

• Use of approaches from materials science, polymer analysis, fire engineering, and measurement technology
• Preparation and support of the work by evaluating relevant technical literature and new developments
• Design and production of systematically varied compounds and test specimens
• Design and implementation of interdisciplinary experiments and test series, in particular customized fire tests and combined measurement methods
• Conducting, evaluating, and interpreting investigations using thermal analysis and fire tests
• Data evaluation, interpretation, and scientific discussion of results
• Documentation, reporting, and presentation of results at scientific conferences and publication of results in scientific journals
• Active participation in the department and internal and external presentation of its work

Your qualifications:

• Completed university degree (M.Sc. / M.Eng.) and doctorate in materials / polymer science or a comparable qualification
• Experience and knowledge in the fields of pyrolysis and flame retardancy of materials
• Experience and knowledge in the field of biomaterials
• Knowledge of thermal analysis and fire testing
• Very good verbal and written communication skills in English
• Good communication and information skills demonstrated by publications in scientific journals and presentations at international conferences
• Ability to work in a team
• Goal-oriented and structured approach to work
• Independent working style and commitment
• Willingness to learn and interest in interdisciplinary applied research

We offer:

• A varied and challenging role within a high-profile network spanning politics, science, business, and society
• Work in national and international networks with universities, research institutions, and industrial companies
• Opportunities for internal, interdisciplinary networking and participation in team events
• An attractive and modern working environment with excellent infrastructure and state-of-the-art scientific equipment (laboratories, etc.)
• Freedom to pursue your own innovative ideas in research and development
• Good work-life-balance (option of mobile working, flexible working hours, 30 days of vacation, up to 12 days of compensatory time off per year, and part-time options)

Your application:

We look forward to receiving your application via our application management system by 12.03.2026. Alternatively, you can send your application, quoting reference number 28/26-7.5, by post to the following address:

Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung
Referat Z.3 - Personal
Unter den Eichen 87
12205 Berlin
www.bam.de

If you have any technical questions about this position, please contact Prof. Dr. Schartel at +49 30 8104-1021 or by email at Bernhard.Schartel@bam.de.

BAM promotes professional equality between women and men. We therefore particularly welcome applications from women. At the same time, we strive to reflect social diversity. Therefore, all applications are welcome, regardless of gender, cultural or social background, religion, ideology, or sexual identity.

In addition, BAM has set itself the goal of promoting the professional participation of people with severe disabilities. Individual consideration will be given to whether applicants meet the requirements of the job advertisement. People with severe disabilities or equivalent status will be given preferential consideration if they are equally qualified.

The advertised position requires a low level of physical fitness.

BAM actively supports the compatibility of work and family and has been certified as a family- and life-phase-conscious employer by the “audit berufundfamilie” since 2015.