PhD student (m/f/d)

Division 8.4 - Acoustic and Electromagnetic Methods

To strengthen our team in the division “Acoustic and Electromagnetic Methods” in Berlin-Steglitz, starting 01.01.2026, we are looking for a

PhD student (m/f/d) in the field of physics or engineering, e.g. physical engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering or similar

Salary group E13 TVöD
Temporary contract until 31.12.2029
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.

We are looking for talented people to join us.

Your responsibilities include:

Doctoral candidate in the collaboration project [‘skai]-lab between BAM, BTU and DLR:

• Collaboration in a unique qualification programme for doctoral students focused on aviation, which provides a comprehensive understanding of the value chain in manufacturing, quality control measures and methods, and the regulatory framework to all participants
• The focus of the project at BAM is to develop a robust approach for structural health monitoring (SHM) of electrified aircraft propulsion components
• Design and development of a monitoring method using guided ultrasonic waves based on expected damage scenarios
• Differentiation between information on component integrity and environmental and operational influences
• Characterisation of the influence of ageing on sensors and the measurement system
• Use of numerical simulation tools to develop and optimise the SHM system
• Development and testing of suitable signal processing methods
• Conducting life cycle tests to validate the system
• Collaboration in an interdisciplinary research team

Your qualifications:

• Completed university degree (Master's or Diploma) in the field of physics or engineering, e.g. physical engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering or comparable
• Experience in the fields of acoustics and sound propagation
• Experience in either non-destructive testing with ultrasound or structural health monitoring (SHM)
• Programming skills (e.g. Matlab or Python)
• Experience with experimental work in the laboratory
• Willingness to supervise junior scientists
• You enjoy working independently and creating new ideas and solutions
• Keen interest in aviation, manufacturing and quality control topics
• Excellent English language skills
• German language skills are an advantage
• Enthusiasm for interdisciplinary work
• Excellent communication and information skills, goal-oriented and structured approach to work, initiative/commitment and ability, team spirit and willingness to cooperate, as well as willingness to learn

We offer:

• A varied and challenging role within a high-calibre network spanning politics, science, business and society
• An attractive and modern working environment with excellent infrastructure and state-of-the-art scientific equipment (laboratories, etc.)
• A responsible, interesting and varied role in a competent and collegial environment
• Support with seminar papers and theses
• Good work-life balance (option of mobile working [up to 60%], flexible working hours, 30 days' holiday and up to 12 days' compensatory leave per year, as well as part-time options)

Additional information on the [‘skai]-lab project are available at https://www.b-tu.de/en/graduiertenkolleg-skai-lab.

Your application:

We welcome applications via the online application form by 09.12.2025. Alternatively, you can also send your application by post, quoting the reference number 198/25-8.4 to:

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

Dr. Prager will be glad to answer any specific questions you may have. Please get in touch via the telephone number +49 30 8104-3873 and/or by email to jens-prager@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.