Research assistant (m/f/d)

Division 8.6 - Fibre Optic Sensors

To strengthen our team in the division “Fibre Optic Sensors” in Berlin-Steglitz, starting 01.06.2026, we are looking for a

Research assistant (m/f/d) in the field of Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Data Engineering, or similar fields

Salary group E13 TVöD
Temporary contract until 31.03.2029
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 part of the BMBF project SHERLOCK on the direct recycling of batteries, you will work on the BAM subproject aimed at developing a precise, reproducible, and industrially scalable methodology for the chemical characterization of recycled materials using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). The central objective of the work is the development and validation of a LIBS-based methodology for rapid, spatially resolved, and quantitative elemental analysis of black masses for inline quality control on a laboratory scale.



You will work closely with colleagues from academia and industry, participate in regular project meetings, and present your results at international conferences in English. The BAM subproject is suitable as a doctoral thesis topic.

Your qualifications:

• A completed graduate degree (Diploma/Master’s) in engineering, computer science, physics, chemistry, materials science, data engineering, or a comparable field
• Strong expertise in data science, chemometrics, and machine learning
• Strong proficiency in at least one programming language (e.g., Python, Java, C++) and a willingness to learn additional languages
• Experience working with digital research data and processes as well as associated tools (e.g., electronic lab notebooks, Git, data archiving) is a plus
• Knowledge of the chemical-mineralogical characterization of battery materials is a plus
• Practical experience in material testing and analysis of inorganic materials using spectroscopic methods, ideally LIBS, is desirable
• Experience in the automation of laboratory measurements is desirable
• Practical experience in setting up optical measurement systems is desirable
• Very good written and spoken German or English
• Good communication and information management skills, a goal-oriented and structured approach to work, decisiveness and decision-making ability, teamwork and willingness to cooperate, as well as a willingness to learn

We offer:

• A varied and challenging role within a high-caliber network spanning politics, academia, business, and society
• Opportunities to work in national and international networks with universities, research institutions, and industrial companies
• An attractive and modern work environment with excellent infrastructure and state-of-the-art scientific equipment (labs, etc.)
• Opportunities for research and development to pursue your own innovative ideas
• A responsible, interesting, and varied role in a professional and supportive environment
• An open and welcoming culture, a certified family-friendly work environment, regular feedback sessions, and knowledgeable contacts, sustainability [including a subsidy for the Job-Ticket]

Your application:

We welcome applications via the online application form by 31.05.2026. Alternatively, you can also send your application by post, quoting the reference number 63/26-8.6 to:

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

Prof. Kruschwitz will be glad to answer any specific questions you may have. Please get in touch via the telephone number +49 30 8104-1442 and/or by email to sabine.kruschwitz@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 high level of physical aptitude.