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 01.02.2026, we are looking for a

PhD student (m/f/d)in the field of electrical engineering, signal processing, physics, physical engineering or similar

Salary group E13 TVöD
Temporary contract until 31.01.2029
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:

As a doctoral candidate, you will investigate thermoacoustic emissions for the development of innovative non-destructive testing (NDT) sensor technology. In particular, you will design and build an ultrasonic source for applications in non-destructive material testing. To this end, you will apply existing physical models for thermoacoustic emission and perform simulations of the sound field. The characterisation of acoustic sources includes measurements of ultrasonic signals in air. You will author several scientific publications and present your work at national and international conferences.

Your qualifications:

• Completed university degree (Master's/Diploma) in electrical engineering, signal processing, physics, physical engineering or similar
• Basic knowledge of sensor technology, signal processing, data analysis, acoustics and wave propagation
• Experience in acoustic measurement technology or ultrasonic testing is an advantage
• Knowledge and experience in programming, preferably with Python
• Interest and enjoyment of working independently and developing new ideas and solutions
• Experience in supervising bachelor's and master's theses is an advantage
• 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, willingness to learn, and conceptual, strategic and innovative thinking skills

We offer:

• A varied and challenging role within a high-calibre network of 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
• Supervision of 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)

Your application:

We welcome applications via the online application form by 23.11.2025. Alternatively, you can also send your application by post, quoting the reference number 197/25-8.4 to:

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

Dr. Gaal will be glad to answer any specific questions you may have. Please get in touch via the telephone number +49 30 8104-3174 and/or by email to mate.gaal@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.