Research Associate with a doctorate (m/f/d)

Division 6.6 - Digital Materials Chemistry

To strengthen our team in the division “digital materials chemistry” in Berlin-Steglitz, starting 01.01.2026, we are looking for a

Research Associate with a doctorate (m/f/d) in the field of physics, chemistry, materials science or a comparable field

remuneration group 13TVöD
permanent employment relationship
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:

• Active participation in the focus area Materials, specifically in the field of activity material design
• Contributing to the development of a team focused on "Digital Material Design for Sustainable Energy Materials"
• Development and application of atomistic methods (e.g., density functional theory, machine learning interatomic potentials, machine learning Hamiltonians) for the investigation, optimization, and design of sustainable energy materials (especially batteries)
• Development of atomistic methods for interfaces and/or amorphous and nanostructured materials
• Development of atomistic methods for degradation processes in energy materials that may be relevant to safety
• Further development of methods for using machine-learned interatomic potentials in digital material design (e.g., automation of training processes as part of new software development)
• Supporting the department in acquiring and coordinating research and development projects related to material design (e.g., with a focus on sustainable energy materials)
• Independent acquisition of third-party funding
• Supporting the division in establishing research data management
• Collaboration with internal and external experts on material design and sustainable energy materials
• Supervision of doctoral candidates, students, and scientific staff (in third-party funded projects)
• Publication in international peer-reviewed journals and presentation at national and international levels

Your qualifications:

• Very good academic degree (Diploma/Master) in physics, chemistry, materials science, or a comparable field
• At least a very good PhD in physics, chemistry, materials science, or a related discipline
• Extensive knowledge in solid-state chemistry and physics (demonstrated through completed modules and publication experience)
• Excellent programming skills (especially in Python) (demonstrated through published software contributions)
• Comprehensive knowledge of quantum mechanics (demonstrated through the focus of studies or PhD)
• Comprehensive knowledge of density functional theory (demonstrated through the focus of studies or PhD)
• Several years of experience with density functional theory software (e.g., Vienna Ab Initio Simulation Package; demonstrated through publications)
• Several years of experience with machine-learned interatomic potentials (e.g., GAP or MACE; demonstrated through publications)
• Experience in machine learning (e.g., scikit-learn, PyTorch) and data analysis (pandas) is required, also demonstrated through publications or software contributions
• Experience in automating quantum chemical calculations (software packages such as ASE, pymatgen, atomate2) is required (demonstrated through publications or software contributions)
• Experience in acquiring third-party funded projects (e.g., through fellowships)
• Extensive publication experience (more than 4 publications as first or last author)
• Research experience in battery materials is an advantage
• Very good command of English, both written and spoken
• German language skills are an advantage
• Good communication and information behaviour, goal-oriented and structured way of working, ability to work in a team and willingness to cooperate, willingness to learn

We offer:

• A varied and challenging job within a high-caliber network from politics, science, business and society
• Work in national and international networks with universities, research institutions and industrial companies
• 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 [up to 60%], 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 05.12.2025. Alternatively, you can also send your application by post, quoting the reference number 215/25-6.6 to:

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

Prof. George will be glad to answer any specific questions you may have. Please get in touch via the telephone number +49 30 8104-3318 and/or by email to janine.george@bam.de as well as Prof. Emmerling, on +49 30 8104-1133 or by email at franziska.emmerling@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.