Postdoctoral research associate (m/f/d)

Division 5.2 - Metallic high-temperature Materials

To strengthen our team in the division “Metallic High-Temperature Materials” in Berlin-Steglitz, starting as soon as possible, we are looking for a

Postdoctoral research associate (m/f/d) - Development and application of ontologies and semantic models

Salary group 13 TVöD
Temporary contract until 30.09.2028
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.

The MaterialDigital (PMD) platform supports industry and science in the digitization of materials. The goal is to establish a digital infrastructure for innovative projects and an integrated virtual material data space. The position is located at the interface between interoperable software solutions and modern materials research. The resulting synergies will lead to the development of new materials, their targeted optimization and more efficient production processes.

We are looking for talented people to join us.

Your responsibilities include:

• Participation in the further development of the MaterialDigital platform, in particular for the interoperability of data in the field of materials science and engineering
• Harmonization and linking of data sources, e.g. using linked data to demonstrate semantic interoperability in industrial applications
• Testing of new technologies such as LLMs to support ontology development, application and semantic interoperability
• Development of methods for quality assessment, semantic consistency, interoperability and completeness of data models and ontologies
• Consulting and onboarding of industry-led projects for ontology use as well as creation of documentation and training materials
• Presentation of the platform at conferences, exhibitions and trade fairs as well as in the form of publications

Your qualifications:

• Successfully completed scientific university degree (diploma/master's) in the field of materials science, materials engineering, physics, computer science or comparable and a very good doctorate
• In-depth knowledge in materials science and materials engineering, or in the digital description of materials and processes
• Proven experience in publishing scientific publications in the field of materials science research or digitization
• Experience in (research) data management, databases and the FAIR principles
• Experience in creating and adapting ontologies and in the semantic interoperability of data models is an advantage
• Practical experience in working with linked data technologies and ontology mapping methods is desirable
• Experience in organizing and conducting workshops and other collaborative event formats (e.g. hackathons) is an advantage
• Willingness to present results at conferences, trade fairs and in scientific publications
• Very good English and preferably also German language skills, both written and spoken, for effective communication in an international and interdisciplinary environment
• Very good communication and information behavior, initiative/commitment and ability to work, willingness and ability to make decisions, ability to work in a team and willingness to cooperate, as well as flexibility

We offer:

• Work in national and international networks with universities, research institutions and industrial companies
• Varied tasks in a dynamic and future-oriented market at the interface between science, business and politics
• Opportunities for internal, interdisciplinary networking and participation in team events
• Scope for research and development for your own innovative ideas
• A responsible, interesting and varied job in a competent and collegial environment

Your application:

We welcome applications via the online application form by 27.04.2025. Alternatively, you can also send your application by post, quoting the reference number 62/25-5.2 to:

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

Prof. Birgit Skrotzki will be glad to answer any specific questions you may have. Please get in touch via the telephone number +49 30 8104-1520 and/or by email to Birgit.Skrotzki@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.