Postdoctoral research assistant (m/f/d)

Division 4.2 - Material-Microbiome Interactions

To strengthen our team in the division 4.2 “Material-Microbiom Interactions” in Berlin-Steglitz, starting as soon as possible (01.10.2025 at the earliest), we are looking for a

Postdoctoral research assistant (m/f/d) in the field of microbial ecology, molecular biology, microbiology or comparabel field

remuneration group 14 TVöD
permanent employment relationship
Full-time/suitable as part-time employment
(subject to release of funds)

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 advertised position is part of the newly founded division 4.2 ‘Material-Microbiome Interactions’, which focuses on the biological aspects of materials research. Microbial communities as the interface between human-made materials and the environment play a special role in the interactions between technosphere and biosphere and are an important indicator for the safe and sustainable use of materials. BAM represents an interdisciplinary and international working environment and is in close dialogue with other research institutions, universities and infrastructures (e.g. NFDI).

We are looking for talented people to join us.

Your responsibilities include:

• Development and establishment of the new microbiome topic for division 4.2 and the activity field of environmental-material interactions (https://www.bam.de/Content/DE/Standardartikel/Themen/Umwelt/Umwelt-Material-Interaktionen/umwelt-material-interaktionen.html)
• Innovative microbiome research (microbiology, molecular biology, project and laboratory management)
• Tasks in method development for effective and relevant environmental assessment of materials using microbial communities
• Processing and analysis of high-throughput sequence data (DNA, RNA, community data, whole genome data, data mining)
• Data management for the division
• Interdisciplinary data exchange with other areas of materials research, focussing on current technological and digital developments

Your qualifications:

• Successful completed scientific universitiy degree specialising in the field of microbial ecology, molecular biology, microbiology or comparable with and a very good PhD
• Professional experience as a postdoc and experience in the supervision of qualification theses
• Proven publication activity in the field of microbiome research
• Sound knowledge of microbiological and molecular biological work
• Experience in the acquisition and management of R&D projects and corresponding scientific project management is desirable
• Confident in independent bioinformatic and statistical analysis of high-throughput sequencing data
• Experience in working with biofilms is desirable
• Interest in data management and interdisciplinary work is required
• Good oral and written communication skills in German and English (German at an advanced level, English fluent in spoken and written)
• Good communication and information behaviour, goal-oriented and structured way of working, initiative/commitment and ability to make decisions, ability to work in a team and willingness to cooperate

We offer:

• A varied and challenging job within a high-caliber network from politics, science, business and society
• 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, 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 14.09.2025. Alternatively, you can also send your application by post, quoting the reference number 137/25-4.2 to:

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

Ms Dr. Oberbeckmann will be glad to answer any specific questions you may have. Please get in touch via the telephone number +49 30 8104-1420 and/or by email to Sonja.Oberbeckmann@bam.de and Ms Prof. Gorbushina via the Telephone number +49 30 8104-1400 and/or by email to Anna.Gorbushina@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.