PhD student (m/f/d)

Division 3.6 - Electrochemical Energy Materials

To strengthen our team in the division “Safety of Dangerous Goods Packaging and Safety of Batteries” in Berlin-Steglitz, starting as soon as possible, we are looking for a

PhD student (m/f/d) in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, physical chemistry, thermodynamics or a comparable field

Salary group E 13 TVöD
Temporary contract for 36 months
The working time is 65% or 100%.

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 a new member to join our battery safety research team! There is the possibility of pursuing a doctorate in this field.

Your responsibilities include:

• Impact analysis and scalability of thermal runaway of lithium and sodium-ion batteries.
• Method development and method adaptation, conducting investigations to determine heat propagation and other thermal and calorimetric parameters, including the necessary test bench setup at cell and battery level.
• Extensive, state-of-the-art testing facilities are available for this purpose at our Technical Safety test site (TTS) and in our cell test center.
• Determination of the propagation of thermal runaway using computer-aided simulation and scaling based on experimentally determined key data
• Modeling and simulation of thermal and electrochemical processes, considering different battery types, charge states, and aging states.
• One research focus is on identifying safety-related parameters with the aim of transferring them into regulatory development and standardization, e.g., in the form of minimum distances and insulation requirements.
• Documentation and publication of research results in scientific journals and presentations at conferences.

Your qualifications:

• Successfully completed university degree (master's/diploma) in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, physical chemistry, thermodynamics, or a comparable field
• Experience in the field of lithium batteries
• Comprehensive knowledge of thermodynamics; experience in thermal simulation is an advantage
• Knowledge and experience in the preparation, procedure, and evaluation of experiments
• Practical knowledge of experimental investigation methods, especially of lithium batteries, is an advantage
• Knowledge of Matlab/Python/LabView or comparable software
• Very good verbal and written communication skills in English
• Good presentation and publication skills
• Good communication and information behaviour, goal-oriented and structured way of working, ability to work in a team and willingness to cooperate, 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
• 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 (flexible working hours, 30 days of vacation and up to 12 days of compensatory time off per year as well as part-time options)
• An open welcoming culture, a certified family-friendly working environment, regular feedback meetings and competent contact persons, sustainability [including a subsidy for a job ticket]

Your application:

We welcome applications via the online application form by 27.09.2025. Alternatively, you can also send your application by post, quoting the reference number 124/25-3.1 to:

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

Mr Böttcher will be glad to answer any specific questions you may have. Please get in touch via the telephone number +49 30 8104-3123 and/or by email to Nils.Boettcher@bam.de as well as mr Lengas via the telephone number +49 30 8104-3608 bzw. per E-Mail unter nikolaos.lengas@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.