PhD student (m/f/d)

Division 6.1 - Surface and Thin Film Analysis

To strengthen our team in the division "Surface and Thin Film Analysis” in Berlin-Steglitz, starting 01.08.2025, we are looking for a

PhD student (m/f/d) in the field of physics, chemistry or materials science

Salary group 13TVöD
Temporary contract until 01.08.2025 for 36 months
The working time is 65%

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 of material specific protocols for sample preparation for the measurement of particle number concentration
• Evaluation and comparison of the performance of the material specific protocols for sample preparation for the measurement of particle number concentration using imaging methods with established particle counting methods (including reference methods) and ensemble methods in terms of accuracy, precision and traceability of number concentration measurements
• Support in the organization of a new interlaboratory comparison (@VAMAS) on number concentration measurement of complex industry relevant particles in the size range from 1 to 1000 nm using different particle counting methods (e.g. spICP-MS, PTA, microscopy) and ensemble methods (e.g. SAXS, MADLS, CLS, UV-Vis, Raman spectroscopy), including sample preparation and distribution, measurement protocols and unform data analysis and representation
• Contacts and interchange with the national and international standardisation bodies for the possible transfer of the project results into standardisation projects.

Your qualifications:

• A master's degree (or equivalent) in physics, chemistry, or material science
• Proven ability to communicate in a scientific setting, through preparation of scientific texts and/or presentations
• Proven ability to take initiative to ensure the successful completion of projects
• Good written and spoken English skills
• Ability to work independently and as a member of larger team and project in a goal-oriented mindset
• Physical resilience and willingness for focused work
• Knowledge in computer programming e.g. Python or similar
• Willingness to travel to national and international large-scale facilities
• Good communication and information behavior, goal-oriented and structured way of working, initiative/commitment and ability to make decisions, ability to work in a team and willingness to cooperate, willingness to learn, flexibility as well as conceptual, strategic and innovative thinking skills

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
• Attractive and modern working environment with excellent infrastructure and state-of-the-art scientific equipment (laboratories, etc.)
• A responsible, interesting and varied job in a competent and collegial environment
• The opportunity to actively participate in the development of quality and safety standards
• 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 11.07.2025. Alternatively, you can also send your application by post, quoting the reference number 114/25-6.1to:

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

Mr Hodoroaba will be glad to answer any specific questions you may have. Please get in touch via the telephone number +49 30 8104-3144 and/or by email to dan.hodoroaba@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 high level of physical aptitude.