Junior Research Group Leader (m/f/d)

Within the framework of its „Menschen – Ideen“ programme, the Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM) establishes junior research groups in its focus areas. In the 2025 call for proposals, BAM is looking for

Junior Research Group Leader (m/f/d) in the topic Sustainable additivated polymeric materials

Salary group A 13 BBesO / E 14 TVöD
Official / permanent employment relationship
Full-time / suitable as part-time employment

€ 2.2 million for five years for staff and other costs / integration into an interdisciplinary research environment / access to outstanding infrastructure

The position can initially be filled within the framework of an employment relationship with corresponding value. If the personal requirements are met, a later appointment as a civil servant according to pay grade A 13 BBesO is possible. A promotion to pay grade A 14 BBesO can occur at a later date.

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.
<span style=" display:block;">The BAM Junior Research Groups enable outstanding junior researchers from all over the world to establish an own, independent junior research group at BAM. In addition to the tenured group leader position with optional civil service status, each Junior Research Group includes funding for staff and other costs amounting to up to € 2.2 million for five years. Furthermore, a close cooperation with a university is foreseen.</span>

Your responsibilities include:

• Establishing and leading the Junior Research Group
• Managing and motivating the group members
• Application-oriented, innovative fundamental research on Sustainable additivated polymeric materials
• Providing impetus for and own acquisition of third-party funding for research projects
• Active contribution to the further development of BAM´s focus areas
• Positioning of BAM as a federal research institution through active participation in national and international scientific networks, advisory boards and standardization bodies
• Expansion of existing and initiation of new cooperation with national and international partner institutions

Your qualifications:

• Successfully completed scientific university studies in natural sciences, engineering or an equivalent discipline
• Doctorate received in the last 2 to 5 years before the application deadline (extensions in cases of childcare and industry employment)
• Proven outstanding publication record in the relevant research area
• Innovative project idea in the above-mentioned topic
• International research experience: a continuous research stay abroad of at least one year is desired
• Experience in acquiring and leading R+D projects and in supervising junior research scientists is advantageous
• Fluent command of English, in both written and verbal form. In addition, we expect from non-German speaking applicants the willingness to learn German.

We offer:

• Attractive position at an interface between science, business, politics and administration
• Work in national and international networks with universities, research institutions and Industrial companies
• Attractive and modern working environment with excellent infrastructure and equipment on a scientific level state of the art (laboratories, etc.)
• A responsible, interesting and varied job in a competent and collegial environment
• Scope for research and development for your own innovative ideas
• An appreciative working environment with an open and welcoming culture, a certified family-friendly working atmosphere, regular feedback meetings and competent contact persons, sustainability [including a subsidised job ticket]

Application process and deadline:

Junior Research Groups are selected in a two-stage process. In the first stage, candidates submit short proposals. Selected candidates are invited in the second stage to submit a full proposal.
The deadline for submission of short proposals via the BAM application portal is 30 June 2025.

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

Further information and contact:

For further information on the BAM Junior Research Groups, including a template for the short proposal, please visit: https://www.bam.de/Content/EN/Standard-Articles/About-us/Jobs-and-Careers/Young-Science/call-2025-junior-research-groups.html

If you have any specific questions regarding the 2025 call for proposals, please contact Mr. Dr.-Ing. Andreas Rogge at Andreas.Rogge@bam.de or Tel: +30 8104 1700. For general questions regarding the BAM junior research groups, please email juniorresearchgroups@bam.de or contact Mr Gunnar Tan at: +49 (0) 30 8104-1011 .

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.