<span style=" display:block;">PhD student (m/f/d)

Department 1 - Analytical Chemistry; Reference Materials

To strengthen our team in the department “Analytical Chemistry; Reference Materials” in Berlin-Adlershof, starting as soon as possible, we are looking for a

PhD student (m/f/d) in the field of chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science or comparable

Salary group 13TVöD
Temporary contract for 36 months
The working time is 75 %

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:

• Setting up automated, laboratory scale reaction processes for synthesizing and optimizing nanoparticles and polyoxometalates
• Using suitable characterization methods to characterize the synthesized materials
• Using machine learning tools to tune the synthesis parameters in a feedback loop and enhance the properties of the target materials based on the characterization results
• Using in silico pre-screening and synthesizability predictions to generate lead candidates for the synthetic exploration
• Reporting, documentation, and dissemination of the results

Your qualifications:

• University degree (master/diploma) in chemistry, chemical engineering, material sciences or related fields
• Motivation to work on an interdisciplinary project that bridges synthetic materials chemistry, simulation, automation, and nanotechnology
• Hands-on experience in the syntheses of nano- and advanced materials in general and/or polyoxometalates and porous nanoparticles in particular
• Very good knowledge of appropriate characterization methods for these material classes, especially regarding their size, morphology, composition, and surface properties
• Excellent command of written and spoken English
• Basic programming skills and basic knowledge in the fields of machine learning and material simulations (i.e., quantum chemistry, density-functional theory, machine-learning interatomic potentials) for in silico pre-screening and synthesizability predictions are highly advantageous
• Basic knowledge of German is advantageous, but not a requirement
• Good communication and information behaviour, goal-oriented and structured way of working, initiative/commitmentand, ability to work in a team and willingness to cooperate as well as conceptual, strategic and innovative thinking skills

We offer:

• Professional and interdisciplinary support through the BAM Graduate Academy, including skill-building and networking formats offered by the Menschen-Potentiale Qualification Programme
• Integration in the doctoral training network “Digitalization”
• Access to high-quality training and professional development opportunities on digitalization topics, including programming, research data management, AI applications, and scientific computing.
• Networking and exchange in interdisciplinary digitalization communities and at BAM digitalization events with the aim of developing innovative solutions and sharing knowledge with experts

Your application:

We welcome applications via the online application form by 31.12.2025. Alternatively, you can also send your application by post, quoting the reference number 232/25-1. to:

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

Dr. Rühle will be glad to answer any specific questions you may have. Please get in touch via the telephone number +49 30 8104-5571 and/or by email to Bastian.Ruehle@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.