PhD student (m/f/d)

Division 8.2 - Non-Destructive Testing Methods for Civil Engineering

To strengthen our team in the division “Non-destructive Testing Methods for Civil Engineering” in Berlin-Steglitz, starting 01.01.2026, we are looking for a

PhD student (m/f/d) in the fields of electrical engineering, signal processing, acoustics, physics, physical 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:

• Development and implementation of sophisticated signal processing algorithms for air-coupled acoustic emission and ultrasonic sensors
• Detection, localisation and classification of early-stage damage in AM components during both the production and operational phases
• Optimisation of sensor placement through numerical simulations to improve data acquisition and interpretation of acoustic signals

Your qualifications:

• Completed university degree (Master's or Diploma) in electrical engineering, signal processing, acoustics, physics, physical engineering or similar
• Theoretical and practical experience in acoustic emission analysis or non-destructive testing or structural health monitoring (SHM) or a related measurement technology
• Knowledge of sensor technology, wave propagation, signal processing and data analysis
• Programming experience (Python preferred)
• Very good written and spoken English
• Knowledge of German is an advantage
• Good communication and information skills, goal-oriented and structured approach to work, initiative/commitment and ability to work independently, ability to work in a team 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 199/25-8.2 to:

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

Dr. Sklodowska will be glad to answer any specific questions you may have. Please get in touch via the telephone number +49 30 8104-3018 and/or by email to anna.sklodowska@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.