To strengthen our team in the division “materials synthesis and design” in Berlin-Adlershof, as soon as possible, we are looking for a

Research Associate with a doctorate (m/f/d) in the field of chemistry, physics, materials science or a comparable field

remuneration group 13TVöD
permanent employment relationship
Full-time/suitable as part-time employment

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:

• Development, synthesis, functionalization and design of nano- and advanced materials, e.g. for antimicrobial and antifouling coatings, corrosion inhibitors, sensor materials, and energy technology (generation, storage and transmission) using self-driving labs and material acceleration platforms
• Characterization of these materials using state-of-the-art measurement methods
• Development of reference products (reference materials and data)
• Development of ideas and proposals for securing research and development projects on material design (e.g. with a focus on nano- and advanced materials)
• Development of research ideas and concepts
• Supporting the department in the use of the research data management system
• Publication in international peer-reviewed journals and presentations at national and international level
• Cooperation with internal and external experts on the topics of material design, nano- and advanced materials, and self-driving labs
• Active involvement in the focus area materials, specifically in the areas of advanced materials and material design
• Active involvement in the MAPs@BAM initiative to support laboratory automation

Your qualifications:

• Very good academic degree (Diploma/Master) in chemistry, physics, materials science, or a comparable field
• At least a very good PhD in chemistry, physics, materials science or a related discipline
• Extensive knowledge and practical experience in the synthesis (e.g. wet chemistry, co-precipitation, sol-gel, hydrothermal, microwave, nucleation-induced growth), functionalization and characterization (e.g. DLS, SEM/TEM, optical spectroscopy, IR, Raman, NMR, XRD, sorption measurements) of nano- and advanced materials (evidenced by publications)
• Experience in the field of laboratory automation or with high-throughput methods (evidenced by projects, publications, or successfully completed modules)
• Basic programming skills, particularly in Python (evidenced by published software contributions, publications, or completed modules)
• Experience in the field of machine learning and artificial intelligence (e.g. Bayesian optimization, neural networks) and computer-based data analysis (demonstrated by publications or software contributions) are highly advantageous
• Experience in securing third-party funding for projects (e.g. through fellowships)
• Extensive publication experience (more than 4 publications as first or last author)
• Experience in supervision of young scientists
• Very good command of English, both written and spoken
• German language skills are an advantage
• Good communication and information skills, goal-oriented and structured way of working, ability to work in a team and willingness to cooperate, willingness to learn

We offer:

• A varied and challenging job within a high-caliber network from politics, science, business and society
• Work in national and international networks with universities, research institutions and industrial companies
• An attractive and modern working environment with excellent infrastructure and state-of-the-art scientific equipment (laboratories, etc.)
• Scope for research and development for your own innovative ideas
• A responsible, interesting and varied job in a competent and collegial environment
• Good work-life balance (possibility of mobile working [up to 60%], flexible working hours, 30 days of vacation and up to 12 days of compensatory time off per year as well as part-time options)

Your application:

We welcome applications via the online application form by 18.05.2026. Alternatively, you can also send your application by post, quoting the reference number 58/26-6.7 to the following address:

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

Dr. Rühle will be glad to answer any specific questions you may have. Please get in touch via the telephone number +49 30 8104-5571 and/or by email at bastian.ruehle@bam.de as well as Prof. Emmerling at +49 30 8104-1133 or by email at franziska.emmerling@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. Every application is therefore 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. The fulfillment of the job requirements is considered on an individual basis. Severely disabled persons or persons of equal status will be given preferential consideration if they are equally qualified.

The advertised position requires a low level of physical aptitude.

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.