Research assistant (m/f/d)

Division 4.3 - Molecular and Applied Entomology

To strengthen our team in the division “Molecular and Applied Entomology” in Berlin-Steglitz, starting as soon as possible, we are looking for a

Research assistant (m/f/d) in the field of bioinformatics, biotechnology, virology, or similar.

Salary group E13 TVöD
Temporary contract until 28.02.2028
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:

• Work within the transnational collaborative project: “Bacteriophages and the gut microbiome of honeybees: Effects on immunity and disease resistance (MicroBEEome)”
• Experimental research to understand the interactions between honeybees, their pathogens (viruses, microsporidia) and the gut microbiota
• Professional sequencing of honeybee viruses with P2 or MinION devices from Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT)
• Haplotype reconstruction analysis for long ONT reads from direct RNA sequencing experiments
• Documentation of results in OpenBIS
• Preparation of articles for publication (peer review)

Your qualifications:

• Completed university degree in bioinformatics, biotechnology, virology, or similar
• Doctorate in molecular biology or virology is desirable
• Laboratory experience with ONT direct RNA sequencing
• Laboratory experience with ONT RNA virus sequencing
• Expertise in haplotype analysis of honeybee viruses
• Practical experience in research with honeybees
• Very good oral and written English skills
• 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 cooperate with others, as well as conceptual, strategic, and innovative thinking skills

We offer:

• 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
• An open welcoming culture, a certified family-friendly working environment, regular feedback meetings and competent contact persons, sustainability [including a subsidy for a job ticket]

Your application:

We welcome applications via the online application form by 11.03.2026. Alternatively, you can also send your application by post, quoting the reference number 27/26-4.3 to:

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

Dr. McMahon will be glad to answer any specific questions you may have. Please get in touch via the telephone number +49 30 8104-3837 and/or by email to dino-peter.mcmahon@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.